Hiring good employees in Florida equates to having not only the right qualifications, experience, and skills but also a clean and clear background. Relying merely on resumes doesn’t really help, as most professionals cook up good records to get hired.
This is where pre-employment background checks come into play. These are handy tools that let employers evaluate a candidate’s credibility and gauge potential risks. Florida background checks help employers determine if a candidate is an ideal fit for the company. It is an assurance that helps promote safer and more transport workplaces in Florida.
In this comprehensive blog, let’s learn more about pre-employment background checks in Florida, including their importance and types
What are employment background checks?
These are a set of screening procedures that help validate a candidate’s identification, criminal records, education and employment history and other important information about their past. Job profiles, especially those dealing with the elderly or children, such as teachers, physicians, carers, etc., require candidates to pass a background check in Florida.
Pre-employment background checks are of several types, categorized under different levels. These primarily revolve around criminal reports, lawsuits, driving records, bankruptcies, judgments, sex offender checks, liens, property ownership, 30-year address history, marriage records, etc. Additionally, drug and alcohol tests in Florida are also common when performing a pre-employment background check.
The federal and state agencies, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTA) are responsible for regulating employment background checks in Florida.
What are the different levels of background checks in Florida?
There are different types of Florida background checks, under several categories, which include
1) Level 1 background checks
These have become an integral part of employment procedures in many organizations in Florida. These checks are crucial in verifying a candidate’s identity, trustworthiness, and character before they join the workforce.
Level 1 background checks typically include database information and retrieval of county records to determine an individual’s history. The database typically comprises the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a terrorist watch list, and a sex offender registry.
2) Level 2 background checks
These comprise next-level standard checks, providing more comprehensive details about an individual’s history. Level 2 background screening typically includes education and employment verification, more advanced checks for criminal activities (through FBI background checks), professional licenses, financial status, and drug tests
3) Level 3 background checks
These checks are particularly recommended for healthcare and financial institutions, and those dealing with sensitive customer data, where security is a must. This level includes credit history checks, financial screening, and thorough drug and health screening.
Significance of employment background check in Florida
Employers in Florida conduct background checks on potential employees for the following reasons:
1) Ensure a safe workplace
A background check allows employers to create a safe and secure work environment for their employees, customers, and clients. It helps them in making informed decisions when it comes to recruiting new staff and promoting a sense of confidence and trust in their team.
2) Minimize liability risks
Background checks allow employers to reduce liability risks that come with hiring unqualified or incompetent employees. For example, there’s no point in hiring a candidate with a theft record for a position in finance. You might lose a lot of company money and important financial information by hiring such candidates. Screening the candidates enables employers to avoid penalties or fines, legal issues, or damages, which further help them to maintain a firm and successful business.
3) Compliance with industry regulations
In certain sectors, including childcare, healthcare, and finance, it is mandatory for employers to conduct background checks on job applicants. Screening the candidates enables employers to avoid penalties or fines, legal repercussions, or damages. This helps them ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations.
4) Maintain brand reputation
A company’s brand reputation is essential in the current digital age, as it influences partnerships, customer acquisition and revenue. Having a competent workforce is a crucial aspect of maintaining a brand reputation. That’s because employees are the face of a company and should align with its values.
Using background checks can help protect a company’s brand image by reducing the risk of workplace violence and circulating problematic behavior on social media.
5) Ensures a successful business
A competent, skilled, and “spot-less” workforce will not indulge in any illicit or unlawful activity and will put their focus on their work. Having such employees leads to increased workplace productivity, ensuring the business’s long-term success.
Make your workplace safe with employment background checks at IDENTICO!
Given the importance of pre-employment background checks in Florida, employers must look for reliable and renowned vendors to offer accurate and compliant results. At IDENTICO, we provide comprehensive background checks, which include electronic fingerprint services, drug and alcohol tests, and other level-2 screening in Florida.
We are partnered with leading Forensic Toxicology Laboratories and Medical Review Offices (MRO) and have a specialized team of technicians. We offer both walk-in and mobile services. For more details or to book your appointment, contact us now!
