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How to Request Background Checks in DeSoto County

This document outlines the procedures for obtaining local, state, and national criminal history background checks through the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It provides specific instructions for local records requests, juvenile checks, and the VECHS program for volunteer screening.

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Why It Matters

Residents and organizations must follow these specific procedures and pay a $5.00 fee for local checks to obtain criminal history information required for employment or volunteer screening.

Key Facts

  • Local background checks are available at the Records Division, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding legal holidays.
  • A $5.00 fee is required for local background checks, which cover DeSoto County arrests only.
  • Juveniles must provide photo ID, or a parent/guardian must provide the juvenile's original birth certificate and their own photo ID to request a check.
  • The VECHS program allows qualified organizations to screen volunteers and employees for contact with children, the elderly, or the disabled.
  • Statewide background checks must be requested through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tallahassee.
  • National criminal history checks must be requested through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Washington, DC.
  • The VECHS program was implemented in 1999 and is authorized by the National Child Protection Act of 1993 and Florida State Statute 943.0542.

Who's Mentioned

organizationFederal Bureau of Investigation“The agency responsible for national criminal history information.”organizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“The agency responsible for statewide criminal history information and the VECHS ”organizationDeSoto County Sheriff's Office“The primary agency providing local background check services.”otherVECHS“Volunteer & Employee Criminal History System for screening volunteers.”