An FLDL check verifies your driving record and background through Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

FLDL stands for Florida Driver's License, and an FLDL check is a background screening that pulls your driving history, license status, and criminal record from Florida state databases. It's not a single document you request — it's a process that employers, landlords, insurance companies, or government agencies run on you when they need to know whether you have a valid license and a clean record.

The check itself is run by the requesting organization, not by you. They submit your name, date of birth, and driver's license number to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and sometimes to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) if a criminal background check is included. You don't "get" an FLDL check — someone else orders it about you, and the results go to them.

Key Takeaways

  • An FLDL check is a background screening run by an employer, landlord, or agency — not something you order yourself.
  • The check pulls your driving record from the Florida DHSMV and may include criminal history from the Florida FDLE depending on what the requester ordered.
  • You have the right to know what information is being checked about you and can request your own driving record from the DHSMV for verification.
  • If you're explore for a job that requires driving or a position with background screening, the employer will handle ordering the FLDL check.

What shows up in an FLDL check

An FLDL check typically includes your current license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), any traffic violations on your record, points accumulated on your license, and any license restrictions or endorsements. If the requester also ordered a criminal background component, it will include felony and misdemeanor convictions from Florida courts.

The driving record portion is public information in Florida, meaning any employer or organization can request it without your written permission — though many do ask you to sign a consent form as a matter of practice. Criminal history is more restricted; employers generally need your written consent before pulling that part, and some positions (like those working with children or vulnerable adults) have specific legal requirements about what they can ask.

When you might encounter an FLDL check

Jobs involving driving — delivery, rideshare, commercial trucking, taxi services — almost always require an FLDL check. But you'll also see them for positions in transportation management, fleet operations, and some government roles. Insurance companies sometimes run them when you explore for a policy, and landlords occasionally use them as part of a background screening.

If you're explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a school bus driver position, the DHSMV itself will run an FLDL check as part of the licensing process. In those cases, you're not waiting for an employer to order it — it's automatic.

How to check your own driving record before someone else does

You can request your own Florida driving record from the DHSMV without waiting for an employer to order one. This is useful if you want to know what's actually on file before you explore for a job or if you suspect there's an error. You can order it online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.

The online option is fastest — you'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The record typically arrives within a few business days. Ordering your own record costs a small fee (the amount varies by request type) and gives you a chance to spot any mistakes or old violations that might still be showing up.

What to do if something on your FLDL check is wrong

If you discover an error on your driving record — a violation you didn't commit, a suspension that was lifted but still shows as active, or a conviction that was dismissed — you can file a correction request with the DHSMV. You'll need documentation supporting your claim: a court order showing a conviction was overturned, proof that a fine was paid and a suspension was lifted, or a letter from the court clarifying the violation.

Corrections can take several weeks to process, so if you're explore for a job soon, contact the DHSMV as soon as you spot the error. Some employers will hold off on a final decision if you can show you've filed a correction request and provide documentation of the error.

FLDL checks and your privacy rights

Florida law allows employers and other organizations to request your driving record without your permission, but you have the right to know that a check was run. Many employers will tell you upfront that an FLDL check is part of the hiring process; some will ask you to sign a consent form that also lets them pull criminal history.

If you're denied a job, housing, or insurance based on information in an FLDL check, the organization should tell you what they found and give you a chance to dispute it. You can also request a copy of your own record to see exactly what they saw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the results of an FLDL check that an employer ran on me?

Not directly — the results go to the employer. But you can request your own driving record from the DHSMV to see what information is available about you. If an employer denies you a job based on the check, they must tell you what they found, and you can then dispute any errors with the DHSMV.

How long does an FLDL check take?

When an employer orders one, it typically comes back within one to three business days. If you order your own record from the DHSMV, online requests usually arrive within a few days; mail requests take longer. The speed depends on how the requester submits it and current DHSMV processing volume.

Will an FLDL check show traffic tickets that were dismissed?

Dismissed tickets usually don't appear on your driving record, but it depends on how the court processed the dismissal. If you paid a fine or completed traffic school and the case was closed, it shouldn't show. If you're unsure, request your own record from the DHSMV to verify what's actually on file.

Do I need to tell an employer about violations on my record before they run an FLDL check?

You're not legally required to disclose violations, but many job applications ask about your driving history. Being honest upfront is usually better than having the employer discover something during the check — it shows you're trustworthy and gives you a chance to explain context.