Florida Background Check & Apostille Guide

Issuing agency

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) — Criminal History Records Section

Steps to request and apostille your record

1. STEP 1Request Your Background Check

   • Florida state background checks are processed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
   • Important: FDLE's 'Personal Review' option returns a record with no demographic information and cannot be used for immigration purposes. You need a certified background check instead.
   • For immigration purposes, visit fdle.state.fl.us/Criminal-History-Records/Florida-Checks and select the 'Certified/Non-Certified Search' option to obtain a certified copy.
   • Fingerprints must be submitted via a Livescan device at an FDLE-approved provider. Find registered Livescan providers on the FDLE website.
   • The FDLE state fee is $24.00. The Livescan service provider will charge an additional service fee (typically $20-$50). Total cost is usually $44-$74.

2. STEP 2Receive Your Results

   • Certified results are typically available within 5-10 business days, depending on FDLE workload.
   • Certified results cannot be obtained through the FDLE internet site — they must be processed through the Livescan/certified request channel.
   • The certified report is an official document from FDLE suitable for apostille processing.
   • For questions, contact the FDLE Applicant Services Unit at ApplicantChecks@fdle.state.fl.us or (850) 410-8161.

3. STEP 3Apostille Your Background Check

   • Submit the original certified document to the Florida Department of State for apostille.
   • The fee is $10.00 per document. If the document was certified by a Florida Clerk of Court, the fee is $20.00 ($10 apostille + $10 Certificate of Incumbency).
   • Submit a check or money order payable to 'Florida Department of State' in U.S. currency from a U.S. bank. Cash and credit cards are not accepted.
   • Mail to: Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Apostille/Certification Section, 2415 N. Monroe Street, Suite 810, Tallahassee, FL 32303.
   • Processing takes approximately 5-6 business days, excluding mailing time.

4. STEP 4Translate via EcuadorTranslations.com

   • After your document is apostilled, submit it to EcuadorTranslations.com for certified Spanish translation and notarization.
   • Upload a clear scan or photo of your apostilled background check through the EcuadorTranslations.com order form.
   • Cost: $150 per document ($130 each when ordering 3 or more documents). Turnaround: 3 business days.
   • Your translated and notarized document will be delivered digitally, ready for your Ecuador visa application.

Apostille authority

Key notes

• Do NOT use the FDLE 'Personal Review' option — it strips demographic information and cannot be used for immigration. Request the certified copy instead.
• FDLE does not process fingerprints for federal immigration applications (USCIS, TSA, etc.). This is separate from the state-level background check you need for your Ecuador visa.
• Florida apostilles are only issued from the Tallahassee office — there is no walk-in option in other cities.
• Florida does not accept cash or credit cards for apostille fees — check or money order only.

Sources and verification