FDLE Background Checks - USYS Florida

Previous Updates	Information
FDLE Background Check UPDATE – April 26, 2024	CLICK HERE
FDLE Background Check UPDATE – June 6, 2024	CLICK HERE
FDLE Webinar Link – July 10th	CLICK HERE

FYSA is proud to announce that on June 14, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the amendment FYSA, and legislators proposed to Florida Statute 943.0438 (CS/CS/HB 975). This amendment delays the mandated implementation of the FDLE Level 2 Background Check (requiring fingerprinting) to January 1, 2025.

This is a tremendous accomplishment for FYSA and the broader sports community! We want to thank and recognize Sean Stafford of McGuireWoods Consulting for taking this work! Of course, none of this would be possible without state Senator Erin Grall (R-Vero) and Representative Dana Trabulsy (R-Ft Pierce), who acted quickly and amended their background check legislation at our request. We are so grateful for their hard work!

While the above news deserves celebration, it does not change FYSA position on background checks for the 2024/2025 Seasonal Year:

– For the 2024/2025 seasonal year, FYSA will accept EITHER the FDLE Level 1 or Level 2 Background Check. FYSA has a pathway for affiliates to submit either background check.

– For the 2025/2026 Seasonal Year, ALL members will be required to submit to FYSA the FDLE Level 2 Background Check which includes fingerprinting.

Individuals will only need to submit their fingerprints one time**. If an FDLE Level 2 Background Check is submitted in 2024/2025, it will not need to be submitted again for the 2025/2026 seasonal year.

It is imperative that affiliates check with their respective counties on their plan and/or requirements for implementation of Florida Statute 943.0438. Some counties may not let individuals on county-owned property on January 1, 2025, without an FDLE Level 2 Background Check (some already have this requirement in place). Please note, if an individual submits a level 1 check, then finds out later that they need a level 2, FYSA will not be able to provide refunds. Though the mandate does not take effect until January 1, 2025, it may be in some club’s best interest to begin level 2 checks immediately. Affiliates should check with the respective counties for their implementation plan for Florida Statute 943.0438.

How to Submit an FDLE Level 1 Background Check

There are no changes to the process to submit an FDLE Level 1 Background Check. The check will be submitted via individual GotSport accounts. When individuals are submitting their FDLE Level 1 (no fingerprints), be sure they answer the below question “NO”.

Are you submitting this background check as an FDLE Level 2 (fingerprint) Background Check? ONLY select “Yes” if you have already submitted your fingerprints or you intend to do so for this upcoming seasonal year via your club’s specific link. Select “No” if your club is not requiring fingerprints for this seasonal year. If you’re unsure, please contact your club.

How to submit an FDLE Level 2 Background Check

Each FYSA affiliate will receive a Biometrics4ALL (www.ApplicantServices.com) link specific to their club to initiate an FDLE Level 2 Background Check. The link will NOT be made public as it is be tied to billing. Affiliate’s individual links will only be shared with board members identified in their GotSport Association Account. Affiliates will be responsible for sharing their unique link with their members.

Per Florida Statute 943.0438, the FDLE Level 2 Background Check needs to be completed by “Athletic coaches”. The definition is broad and note there is no longer a minimum number of hours spent with athletes that requires the submission of the FDLE Level 2 Background Check. All who fit the below definition need to submit.

(a) “Athletic coach” means a person who:

1. Is authorized by an independent sanctioning authority to work as a coach, assistant coach, manager, or referee, whether for compensation or as a volunteer, for a youth athletic team based in this state; and

2. Has direct contact with one or more minors on the youth athletic team.

When an individual is ready to submit their FDLE Level 2 Background Check:

– Click the link provided specific to the club; All links have been provided to the club AOR. Reach out to jcannon@fysa.com if you have specific background check questions.

– Enter your email address.

– Check your email inbox for a 6-digit code. Note: Look for an email with the subject line “ApplicantServices.com Login Code”

– Input the received 6-digit code to commence the transaction.

– Follow the prompts to complete all required sections. To advance from one section to another, click on the “Next” button.

– Find the closest location and select an appointment. Different locations will schedule appointments while others may allow for walk-ins. Please read the information specific to the location selected

– Review, acknowledge, and sign-off the Privacy and Waiver Agreement. You must scroll through the text and document to review and click on the “I Agree” button.

– Upon finishing the online process, expect to receive a confirmation email containing a QR Code and a 7-capital-letter “Payment ID.” Use this email at the fingerprinting appointment. You do not have to print it out, you can present it on your phone.

– Bring two forms of ID to the appointment/walk-in (be sure to read the types of acceptable forms of ID)

– Attend your scheduled fingerprinting session, ensuring you have the QR Code and the 7-letter Payment ID ready to provide to the operator.

– Complete your fingerprinting as directed.

Once the fingerprint scan is complete

– Log into the GotSport individual profile

– Submit a background check in the same manner as previous years (affiliates will only be billed once)

– When individuals are submitting their FDLE Level 2 Background Check (fingerprint), be sure they answer the below question “YES”.

Billing Information

Affiliates will be billed monthly based on the volume of level 1 and level 2 checks. Affiliates do not need to choose only one type of check. If the above instructions are not followed (answer to the FDLE question in GotSport) there is a possibility that an affiliate could be charged for both the level 1 and level 2 check. Be certain individuals are selecting the correct answer in their background check submission in GotSport. It is imperative that affiliates check with their respective counties on their plan and/or requirements for implementation of Florida Statute 943.0438.

FDLE Level 1- $40

FDLE Level 2- $60

Florida Statue 943.0438

** Florida Statue 943.0438 contains the below sections regarding the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). On January 1, 2026 (or a later date), the process will change. AHCA will open their clearinghouse to athletic coaches. Unfortunately, this means fingerprints will need to be recaptured as they will be submitted to a different database. Until then, fingerprints will only need to be captured once. FYSA will continue to stay on top this matter and communicate to membership when new information is made available.

(b)1. Before January 1, 2026, or a later date as determined by the Agency for Health Care Administration for the participation of qualified entities in the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse under s. 435.12, disqualify any person from acting as an athletic coach as provided in s. 435.04. The authority may allow a person disqualified under this subparagraph to act as an athletic coach if it determines that the person meets the requirements for an exemption from disqualification under s. 435.07.

2. On or after January 1, 2026, or a later date as determined by the Agency for Health Care Administration, not allow any person to act as an athletic coach if he or she does not pass the background screening qualifications in s. 435.04. The authority may allow a person disqualified under this subparagraph to act as an athletic coach if the person has successfully completed the exemption from the disqualification process under s. 435.07.