FDLE vs Level 2 vs AHCA: How to Choose the Right Background Check

What's the difference between FDLE and FDLE Level 2 with AHCA?

Livescan | FDLE | AHCA | ORI Numbers

FDLE vs Level 2 vs AHCA: Picking the Right Check (The Simple Way)

A technical guide for picking the correct scope for your Florida background check.

Confused by our intake form?

Choosing between FDLE (State Only) and FDLE Level 2 (State + FBI) is simpler than it looks. The decision is usually hidden right inside your 9-digit ORI number.

The “First Letter” Shortcut:

  • Starts with “E” (e.g., EAHCA, EDOH): This is a Clearinghouse agency. You must choose FDLE Level 2 with AHCA and take a photo.
  • Starts with “FL” and ends in “Z” (e.g., FL921): This is a Professional License board. Choose FDLE Level 2.

Deciphering Your ORI Number

Your ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) is more than just a routing code. It defines the legal “scope” of your background check. In Florida, the presence of an ORI almost always indicates a fingerprint-based check is required.

  • Suffix “Z”: If your ORI ends in a “Z,” it is for a state agency. Florida law mandates that these agencies perform a Level 2 check (searching both State and FBI records).
  • Professional Licenses: If you are applying for Real Estate, Mortgage, Securities, or Construction, your code will start with **FL**. These are Level 2 checks.

The “Level 1” Paradox

You may have read online that “Level 1 is name-based and doesn’t use fingerprints.” While that is technically true for some simple checks, many Florida employers use the term “Level 1” to mean they only want a Florida State check—even if they still require fingerprints.

Think of it this way: Fingerprinting is the method of capturing your identity. Level 2 is the scope (adding the FBI national search). If you need to search outside of Florida, you need Level 2.

Do all Level 2 checks need a photo?

This is where the distinction between “AHCA” and “Standard” checks matters.

  • Clearinghouse Agencies (Healthcare/Childcare): A photo is mandatory. It is transmitted to the state so that your background check can be “retained” and shared with future employers.
  • Professional Boards (Real Estate/Finance): A photo is usually taken for our records to verify your identity, but it is not transmitted to a central clearinghouse.

Our SOP: We take a photo for every applicant as a security measure, but we only transmit it to the Clearinghouse if your specific ORI requires it.

The “Golden Question” for your employer

If you don’t have an instruction letter and aren’t sure which to pick, copy and paste this message to your hiring manager:

“I’m at the Livescan office to complete my background check. My ORI is [Insert Code]. For this role, do you require Florida-only results, Florida + FBI (Level 2), or a Level 2 check with AHCA Clearinghouse?”
The Goal: No guessing, no re-dos, and no wasted fees. If you have your 9-digit ORI ready, we can ensure your fingerprints are routed exactly where the law requires them to go.

Ready to move forward?

LiveScan in Daytona Beach — or CardScan Partners Worldwide

If you need in-person FDLE or FBI LiveScan in the Daytona Beach area, we can help. Visit our LiveScan page for locations, scheduling, and what to bring.

Go to our LiveScan Fingerprinting page →

Mobile notary or international partner?

We also support CardScan partnerships for mobile notaries and overseas partners who want to help clients turn FD-258 ink cards into FBI Identity History Summary results (and optional U.S. apostille processing). If you’re exploring a new revenue stream, let’s talk.

Contact us and tell us where you’re located and what kind of volume you expect — we’ll share the partner workflow and requirements.