Florida
FBI Background Check Apostille in Florida
How Florida residents get their FBI Background Check authenticated for use abroad — which office handles it, what the Florida Department of State can and can’t do, timing and price.
Quick answer
There is no federal apostille office in Florida. Federal documents like your FBI Background Check are authenticated only by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — the Florida Department of State can’t apostille them. We handle the Washington submission; you send the document by mail.
- Authenticated by
- U.S. Department of State
- Florida apostille office
- Florida Department of State, Tallahassee
- Our nearest office
- Miami, West Palm Beach
- Price
- $399 per document, government fees included
FBI check vs. a Florida background check
A background check from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is a state document. It can only be apostilled by the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee — and foreign authorities asking for a nationwide or FBI record will reject it. The FBI Identity History Summary is the federal record they want, and it’s authenticated only in Washington, D.C.
If a foreign authority specifically asks for a Florida check as well, that one follows the state route. We can advise on both.
About the FBI Background Check
How to apostille an FBI background check for use abroad.
What the Florida Department of State can do
The Florida Department of State in Tallahassee issues apostilles for documents signed by Florida officials — birth, death and marriage certificates from Florida registrars, Florida state-court records, and documents notarized by Florida notaries. It has no authority over federal documents such as FBI reports, USCIS certificates or IRS letters.
State offices set their own procedures and fees, so confirm current requirements with the office before submitting a state document.
Getting it done from Florida
We have an office in Florida: Miami and West Palm Beach. Most clients still send documents by mail — it’s the fastest route to Washington.
| Destination | Route | Our turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Hague Convention country | U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days |
| Non-Hague country | Authentication + embassy legalization | 15–17 business days |
Serving Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach and everywhere else in Florida.
FBI Background Check in Florida — FAQ
Can the Florida Department of State apostille my FBI Background Check?
No. This is a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State can authenticate it. A state apostille on it would be rejected abroad.
Do I have to travel to Washington, D.C. from Florida?
No. We handle the Washington submission for you. Most Florida clients send their documents by mail and receive them back by tracked courier.
How long does it take from Florida?
About 10–12 business days for Hague Convention countries and 15–17 for non-Hague countries including embassy legalization, plus shipping.
How much does it cost?
$399 per document for Hague countries, with government fees and U.S. shipping included; non-Hague destinations are $399 including embassy legalization.
Will a Florida background check work instead?
Usually not. A Florida check is a state document and foreign authorities asking for an FBI or nationwide record will reject it.
Related: FBI Background Check — full guide · All documents in Florida · Federal vs. state apostille
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.