New Florida law requires enhanced background checks for school volunteers

by Brianna Brownlee, WJXT - News4JAX

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.

Read more: https://www.news4jax.com/news/2025/03/05/new-florida-law-requires-enhanced-background-checks-for-school-volunteers/

School volunteer background screenings will intensify

by Marc Valero - Highlands News-Sun

A more intense background screening will go into effect March 1, 2025 in Florida for those who volunteer in public schools increasing the cost of the screening.

School Board of Highlands County Coordinator of Communications John Varady said the School Board has already been following the updated screening requirements for employees and will begin utilizing the new screening procedures for volunteers in 2025, prior to the March 1st date.

Read more: https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/highlands_news-sun/news/school-volunteer-background-screenings-will-intensify/article_56c636dc-c15e-11ef-9fbe-7f851693f411.html

Florida Legislation Will Increase Background Screening for Healthcare Professionals

by Mia McKown, Eddie Williams III - JD Supra

House Bill 975, if signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, will have a significant impact on the Florida criminal background screening requirements for healthcare professionals and facilities. Currently, only certain healthcare professionals are required to undergo background screening as a requirement for licensure. Such professionals include the following: allopathic and osteopathic physicians, interns and fellows, physician assistants, chiropractic physicians and assistants, orthotists and prosthetists, podiatric physicians and podiatric x-ray assistants, certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, athletic trainers and massage therapists. However, the majority of healthcare professionals licensed by the Florida Department of Health are not required to undergo background screening as part of their initial licensure requirements.

Read more: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/florida-legislation-will-increase-2594449/?origin=CEG&utm_source=CEG&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CustomEmailDigest&utm_term=jds-article&utm_content=article-link

Miya’s Law: Florida Landlords Must Conduct Specific Background Checks for Their Apartment Employees

by Susan M. Corcoran, Templeton N. Timothy - JacksonLewis

Florida’s new Miya’s Law, Fla. Stat. 83.515, imposes background screening and other specific requirements on landlords regarding their employees who work in apartments that can be classified as “nontransient” or “transient.”

Miya’s Law is named after Miya Marcano, who was killed in her apartment by a maintenance worker having access to her apartment.

Read more: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/publication/miya-s-law-florida-landlords-must-conduct-specific-background-checks-their-apartment-employees

Tampa moves closer to expanding 'ban the box' policy to city contractors

by Mitch Perry - Bay News 9

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa City Council voted unanimously Thursday to move forward with a plan to reward businesses contracting with the city when they hire individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system.

Read more: https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/07/14/tampa-moves-to-expand--ban-the-box--policy-to-city-vendors

New Requirements for Residential Landlords in Florida

by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Anna Hiller - JD Supra

Miya’s Law: Mandatory Employee Background Screenings, Unit Key Log Maintenance, 24 Hours’ Notice for Entry into Dwellings

On June 27, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Miya’s Law, Senate Bill (SB) 898, to heighten the safety requirements for residential apartments. Miya’s Law, effective July 1, 2022, will have a significant impact on the daily operations of Florida landlords and property managers.

Read more: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/new-requirements-for-residential-6456951/