EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Getting Your Broker’s License Electronic Fingerprint FAQs

The State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes, recently added another hoop you have to jump through when applying for your yacht broker’s license. Now, the Division will accept only electronic fingerprints with your application; fingerprint cards are no longer accepted.

If electronic prints are submitted, the application fee is $500. 

The DBPR provides these answers to Frequently Asked Questions about electronic fingerprinting: 

1. How do I find a vendor to submit my fingerprints to the DBPR?

The DBPR accepts electronic fingerprinting services offered by Livescan device vendors that are approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and listed on their website. You can view the vendor options and their contact information at www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/Criminal-History/Livescan-Service-Providers-and-Device-Vendors.aspx. The applicant is wholly responsible for selecting the vendor and ensuring submission of the prints to DBPR.

2. What information must I provide to the Livescan vendor I choose?

You must provide accurate demographic information as well as personal identification, identify the reason for being fingerprinted, which is: “Ch. 326, Florida Statutes, Yacht Broker License” and provide the correct Origination Agency Identification (ORI) code: FL921900Z. NOTE: Failure to provide an ORI number or incorrect ORI number to the vendor will prevent DBPR from receiving your fingerprint results. Please contact the vendor in advance to confirm any other information they may require.

3. How does the electronic fingerprinting process actually work?

In the traditional method of fingerprinting, ink is applied to each of your fingers which are then “rolled” across a fingerprint card to obtain your results. With electronic fingerprinting, there is no ink or card. Your fingerprints are “rolled” across a glass plate and scanned. It is faster and cleaner than the traditional method. Electronic fingerprinting reduces the likelihood of illegible fingerprints and will reduce the overall application processing time.

4. How long will it take to have my fingerprints scanned?

It should take approximately 5-10 minutes.

5. How much does the electronic fingerprinting cost?

The total fee charged by each vendor varies. Please contact the vendor to obtain this information. The fingerprint results are usually received by the Division two to four days after your fingerprints are scanned.

6. What do I need to bring with me to the Florida electronic fingerprinting site?

All applicants will be required to bring two (2) forms of identification on the day of scheduled fingerprinting. One of the two types of identification must bear your picture and signature such as a driver’s license, state identification card or passport.

7. What should I do if I am notified by the DBPR that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or the Federal Bureau of Investigation determined my fingerprints were illegible?

The electronic fingerprint scanning machines are equipped to determine if your fingerprints scanned successfully; however, if it is determined by the FBI that your prints were not legible, we will send you a notification letter asking you to go back to the same vendor that did your initial prints and schedule a re-roll of your prints. You may be responsible for any costs associated with the re-roll of your fingerprints as determined by the vendor.

8. Can I use my recent prints to apply for another professional license?

Your prints cannot be shared between professions or with other agencies. You are required to have separate prints for each license you are applying for.