Florida has strengthened safety regulations for youth sports organizations by requiring fingerprint-based Level 2 background checks for adults who interact with minors. Here’s what organizations, coaches, and families need to know.
Florida Statute 943.0438 (linked once here: Florida Statute 943.0438) introduces a new regulation requiring fingerprint-based, or Level 2, background checks for individuals involved in youth sports. Under this statute, all athletic coaches in private youth sports organizations must complete a Level 2 background screening before working with children. This law is designed to prioritize the safety of young athletes by ensuring that those working or volunteering in these programs are thoroughly screened. Level 2 background checks include fingerprinting and a detailed review of criminal history at both the state and federal levels, including checks through the FBI.
This regulation applies to all individuals who have direct contact with children in youth sports organizations. The statute defines “athletic coach” broadly to include not just head coaches but any adult authorized to assist with a youth team, including volunteers, assistants, and officials (Source: Florida Senate Bill Summary – CS/CS/SB 1690). The aim is to create a standardized process that helps identify and prevent unsuitable individuals from working in roles where they interact with minors.
To meet the new standards, youth sports organizations must adopt procedures for collecting fingerprints and submitting them for processing. Organizations are required to use state-approved systems such as FDLE’s VECHS fingerprinting program and, beginning in 2026, screenings will be processed through Florida’s centralized Clearinghouse system (Sources: FDLE VECHS Program, AHCA Clearinghouse). These checks go beyond basic background screenings and are designed to offer a more in-depth review, ensuring that anyone who holds a position of responsibility within these programs is properly vetted.
The new requirements introduced by Florida Statute 943.0438 mean that youth sports organizations will need to take several practical steps to ensure compliance. The mandate for Level 2 background checks, including fingerprinting, will likely require organizations to revisit their current hiring and volunteer screening procedures. Organizations may need to establish partnerships with fingerprinting service providers or leverage state-approved systems to process these checks efficiently.
One of the immediate considerations is budgeting for the associated costs. Fingerprinting and processing fees can vary, and organizations may need to allocate additional funds to cover these expenses. For smaller programs with limited resources, this may require re-evaluating financial priorities or seeking grants or external funding. Additionally, organizations will need to train administrative staff to handle these background check requirements and ensure all documentation and deadlines are properly managed.
The operational impact extends to how organizations manage their onboarding process for new hires and volunteers. Clear guidelines and timelines for completing the fingerprinting process should be established upfront to prevent onboarding delays. The law requires that no individual may begin coaching until they have cleared the Level 2 background check—unscreened individuals may only assist while under direct supervision by a screened coach. Communication will be key: notifying staff, volunteers, and families about safety improvements reinforces trust and transparency.
Another critical factor is record-keeping. The statute requires youth sports organizations to maintain background check documentation for at least five years, including records of any coach who is disqualified. These records must be stored securely for privacy yet readily accessible for audits or compliance reviews. Organizations may benefit from digital tools or workflow software to help manage these requirements.
For many organizations, these changes may spark broader conversations about safety protocols. While fingerprinting is a major step forward, it should be part of a larger youth protection strategy—such as child safety training, codes of conduct, and regular staff education—to create a safer environment for young athletes.
Processing times vary. Typically, results are returned anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on volume and provider efficiency. Completing the process early is recommended to prevent onboarding delays.
Organizations will follow protocols outlined in their policies. This may include notifying the individual and offering an opportunity to dispute findings if an error is believed to have occurred. These situations must be handled respectfully and confidentially, keeping child safety as the top priority.
The statute allows no exemptions for individuals who have direct contact with youth in sports organizations. All adults—paid or volunteer—must comply. However, Florida law does allow individuals with certain disqualifying offenses to apply for an exemption under Florida Statute 435.07, although they remain disqualified unless formally approved.
Yes. Renewal frequency depends on organization policies and additional state requirements. Many organizations re-run background checks annually or every two years to ensure compliance and safety.
How should organizations prepare for these requirements?
Preparation includes:
Planning ahead ensures a smooth transition with minimal operational disruption.