Quick answer: Yes, you can check a nanny's background in Florida. You can call references and search Florida's public sex offender registry yourself. To buy a background report from a screening company, federal law (FCRA) requires a standalone written notice and the nanny's written permission, plus specific notices if you decide not to hire.
Famyle does not run background checks today. When you hire through Famyle, you decide what to check, and the steps below are yours to take.
What you can do yourself, for free
- References. Call at least two families the nanny worked for. Ask how long, the ages of the kids, reliability, how she handled an emergency, and whether they would hire her again.
- Florida sex offender registry. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a public search of registered sexual offenders and predators, by name or near an address: offender.fdle.state.fl.us.
- National sex offender search. The U.S. Department of Justice's National Sex Offender Public Website searches state registries together, useful if the nanny lived in other states.
- Interview and trial day. Ask scenario questions (a fever, a fall, a stranger at the door) and do a paid trial day while you're home.
FDLE also offers a paid, name-based search of Florida criminal history records. It covers Florida records only.
If you use a background check company: the FCRA
When you buy a background report from a company that compiles them (a consumer reporting agency) to decide whether to hire someone, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act applies. According to the FTC:
- Written notice, on its own. Tell the candidate in writing that you may use the report. The notice must be a stand-alone document, not part of an application.
- Written permission. Get the candidate's written permission before the check.
- Certify to the company that you gave notice, got permission and will follow the law.
- Before deciding not to hire because of the report, give the candidate a copy of the report and "A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act," so she can explain or correct errors.
- After deciding not to hire, tell her that the decision was based on the report; give the name, address and phone number of the company that sold it; say that the company didn't make the decision; and tell her she can dispute the report's accuracy.
Fair practices
- Treat every candidate the same way: if you check one, check all finalists.
- Be careful with what you learn: an old arrest without a conviction tells you little. Federal and state anti-discrimination laws may also apply to how you use background information.
- Keep reports private and store them securely.
On Famyle
Families post a job for free, talk to the professionals who apply and hire directly. Because Famyle doesn't check backgrounds and doesn't have reviews in the U.S. yet, use references, the registry search and, if you want, a screening company with the steps above. See how Famyle works and nanny vs babysitter.
This is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, talk to an employment lawyer.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I run a background check on a nanny in Florida?
Yes. If you buy a report from a background check company, the federal FCRA requires a stand-alone written notice and the nanny's written permission first, and specific notices if you decide not to hire because of the report.
Is Florida's sex offender registry public?
Yes. FDLE offers a public online search of registered sexual offenders and predators by name or near an address at offender.fdle.state.fl.us.
Does Famyle do background checks on nannies?
Not today. Families decide what to check: references, the public registry search and, with written permission, a report from a screening company.
Do I need permission to call a nanny's references?
References are people the candidate gave you to call, so asking them is expected. The FCRA steps apply when you buy a report from a background check company.
Last updated 2026-11-07. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.