The Ultimate Guide to Nanny Background Checks in Palm Beach & Florida State
Hiring a nanny in Palm Beach means trusting someone with your most important people—and often, your home and daily routines too. Whether you’re bringing on a full-time nanny, part-time family assistant, or rotational (rota) nanny, background checks are the most important step in ensuring safety, professionalism, and peace of mind. Click here to learn more about how The Natural Nanny Collective provides some of the most professional, safe, and reliable nannies in the nation.
Florida has unique background check requirements for caregivers and household employees, especially for families who want to do things the right way. This guide walks you through exactly how to screen your nanny or family assistant in Palm Beach County and across the state.
Why Nanny Background Checks Matter in Palm Beach
A background check is more than a box to tick—it’s your chance to confirm that your future nanny is safe, reliable, and genuinely who they say they are.
For families hiring in areas like Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and Boca Raton, many nannies move between multiple households or travel with families seasonally. That makes proper vetting even more essential.
A comprehensive background check should verify:
Identity and employment eligibility
Criminal and court records (county, state, and national)
Sex offender registry status
Driving history (especially if transporting children)
References and prior employment
CPR/First Aid certifications
Child abuse or neglect history (if available)
This applies whether you’re hiring a traditional nanny, a family assistant, or a rota nanny rotating between households or travel destinations. The Natural Nanny Collective runs thorough nanny background checks and each candidate is interviewed and vetted by a licensed social worker and therapist.
Florida Laws & Best Practices for Nanny Background Checks
Unlike some states, Florida does not require private families to run background checks on household employees—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Following professional standards will protect your family and help you avoid liability issues. The Natural Nanny Collective can assist your in ensuring you’re hiring the safest and professional nannies.
Key Florida background check options:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
The FDLE offers a statewide criminal history check, which is the starting point for any nanny or childcare worker in Florida.
You can request a name-based check directly through the FDLE website.
Level 2 Fingerprint Background Check
This is the most thorough option and includes FBI fingerprint screening for both in-state and national criminal records.
Required for licensed childcare workers, but highly recommended for private household staff, especially if the nanny will live in your home or travel with your family.
Can be completed through Livescan fingerprinting locations across Palm Beach County.
Driving Record (MVR)
Request from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Essential if your nanny will drive your children, handle errands, or use your vehicle.
Reference and Employment Verification
Contact prior employers, confirm job dates, duties, and professionalism.
For family assistant or executive nanny roles, ask about confidentiality, multitasking, and communication skills.
Step-by-Step: How to Run a Background Check for Your Nanny in Palm Beach
Step 1: Pre-screening
Start by reviewing résumés, checking social media for professionalism, and conducting an initial video or phone interview.
Clearly state in your job description:
“All offers are contingent upon successful background and reference checks.”
This sets expectations early and protects your family legally.
Step 2: Conditional Offer & Written Consent
Once you’ve found your top choice, make a conditional offer and provide a background check consent form.
This step keeps you compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires written authorization before running a check.
Step 3: Run Your Checks
FDLE or Level 2 check (state + FBI)
MVR if driving
Sex offender registry (national search)
Multi-state criminal databases for candidates who lived elsewhere
Reference calls (aim for at least two recent family references)
Step 4: Verify Work Eligibility
Complete a Form I-9 after hire to verify U.S. work authorization and keep copies on file.
Step 5: Final Decision & Documentation
Review all results carefully. If you decide not to move forward because of what you found, provide the candidate with a copy of the report and their rights to dispute (per FCRA).
Special Considerations for Palm Beach Families
Palm Beach’s nanny market includes everything from local part-time caregivers to traveling family assistants who accompany families to seasonal homes.
When hiring, consider adding extra verification if your nanny will:
Travel frequently (confirm passport validity and multi-state checks)
Manage errands or budgets (ask for references confirming reliability and discretion)
Live in your home (request Level 2 fingerprint check and confirm past live-in experience)
Work rotationally (rota nanny)—coordinate with the co-nanny’s background verification to ensure consistency and coverage
Even for non-HNW families, these extra steps are simply good risk management. Make sure you hire a nanny agency that prioritizes safety and confidentiality.
Average Cost & Timeline
FDLE Name-based check: $24–$35
Level 2 fingerprint background check: $50–$85 (plus processing fees)
Driving record (MVR): $10–$20
Private multi-state package: $75–$125
Most reports return within 3–5 business days, but fingerprint-based results can take up to two weeks.
Palm Beach Nanny Background Check Checklist
✅ Verify identity (driver’s license or passport)
✅ FDLE or FBI background check
✅ National sex-offender registry search
✅ MVR if driving children
✅ Reference checks (2 minimum)
✅ Confirm CPR/First Aid certification
✅ Signed confidentiality or NDA (recommended for family assistant roles)
Final Thoughts
Hiring a nanny in Palm Beach shouldn’t be stressful—but it should be thorough. A comprehensive background check protects your children, your home, and your peace of mind.
By following Florida’s best practices and layering your screenings properly, you can confidently hire the right nanny, family assistant, or rota caregiver for your household.
If you’d like a team to handle the screening and vetting process for you, The Natural Nanny Collective offers confidential nanny placements and background checks for families across Florida—including Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fischer Island and Jupiter.
Fill out our Family Application to hire a confidential and reliable nanny in Florida.
