FL H0627

Requires noninstructional school district employees and contractors with access to school grounds, direct student contact, or access to school funds to hold valid statewide certificates issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services after meeting level 2 background screening requirements.

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must conduct fingerprinting and background checks through the Department of Law Enforcement and issue certificates bearing a color photograph; certificateholders must carry and display the certificate and valid identification upon demand while on school grounds.

Establishes eligibility requirements for certificates: applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens, at least 18 years old, and meet screening standards under section 435.04.

Requires recertification every 5 years; applicants bear the cost of certificate applications while state and federal criminal history check costs may be borne by the contractor, school board, or applicant.

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must check certificateholders against the Florida Criminal Information Center database at least every 3 months and notify school districts if a certificateholder becomes disqualified; disqualified individuals must be immediately suspended from work.