JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new Florida law is now in effect, mandating that school volunteers pass enhanced background checks to ensure the safety and security of students.
The bill, signed into law during the 2023 state legislative session, officially took effect on March 1.
The new requirements apply to both new and existing volunteers who work with students.
Previously, volunteers were required to complete a Level 1 background check, which is name-based only. However, the new law requires volunteers to pass a Level 2 background check, which relies on fingerprints.
A Level 2 background check in Florida is a comprehensive criminal background screening that checks for serious criminal convictions, such as violent crimes, sexual offenses and drug-related crimes.
This process uses fingerprints to search both state and federal databases, providing a more thorough screening.
Here’s how the process works for school volunteers:
- Volunteers must first complete a Level 1 process.
- The school will then request fingerprinting for the volunteer.
- Once fingerprinted, the results are sent to the school.
- If the volunteer clears the background check, they will receive a Level 2 photo ID badge.
- The Level 2 screening is valid for five years.
Duval County School Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier addressed the new requirements at Tuesday night’s school board meeting. He said that policies will be updated regarding school chaperones to comply with the law.
The enhanced background checks aim to provide an additional layer of security for students and ensure that volunteers meet the necessary standards to work in schools.
