A Live scan fingerprinting business is a business that offers a wide variety of services that are related to identification and background checks – they offer services like fingerprinting and background checks, notary services, fingerprinting for FINRA, and fingerprint archiving among others.

Note that live scan fingerprinting is a method of taking digital capture of fingerprints and sending the information immediately to the receiving authority or client.

Steps to Start a Live Scan Fingerprinting Business in Florida  

  1. Conduct Market Research

If you are considering starting a Live scan fingerprinting business in Florida, you would need reliable market research to be able to avert some unwarranted risks and of course to maximize profits from the business. The first step in the market research process for your Live scan fingerprinting business should be to develop market-based research questions in line with your overall business goal and objective.

In this regard, you should source information that will help you maximize your business, data that will give you reliable information of what your potential market will be looking out for from a Live scan fingerprinting service business, and also help you operate your Live scan fingerprinting service business with fewer risks, less stress and of course, build the business to profitability within record time.

a. Who is the Target Market for Live Scan Fingerprinting Business in Florida?
  • Job applicants
  • Visa applicants
  • Security companies
  • Employers
  • Employees
b. Is Live Scan Fingerprinting Business a Profitable Business in Florida?

Yes, a live scan fingerprinting business is very profitable because there are loads of businesses, landlords, and corporate organizations who depend on the services of Live scan fingerprinting companies. Interestingly, the background check services industry that Live scan fingerprinting service business is a part of experienced encouraging growth over the past year.

c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

Yes, there are niche areas in the Live scan fingerprinting business and they are;

  • Mobile Live scan fingerprinting services
  • Brick and mortar Live scan fingerprinting services.
d. Who are the Major Competitors?
  • A1 Solutions Live Scan
  • 1A Tampa Livescan Fingerprinting, LLC
  • Pete Live Scan Fingerprinting
  • Mobile LiveScan Electronic Fingerprinting
  • First Live Scan Studio
  • D & L Livescan background of Polk County
  • Florida Live Scan Fingerprint & Background
  • Omega Live Scan
  • Fingerprints By Live Scan
  • Mobile Livescan Solutions
  • Livescan Pompano (Now in Ft. Lauderdale)
  • FINGERPRINT TECH, LLC
  • Central Florida CPR & Livescan
  • Prestige Livescan
  • DocuNow Livescan Fingerprint Miami
  • Accurate LiveScans, LLC
  • Live Scan Fingerprinting, Investigative & Notary Services, LLC
  • Mobile Livescan Solutions, LLC
  • Anytime Mobile Fingerprinting, LLC
  • PAW Fingerprint Services, LLC.
e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Live Scan Fingerprinting Business in Florida?

Yes, there are county or state regulations or zoning laws for the Live scan fingerprinting service businesses in Florida, and players in this industry are expected to work with existing regulations governing similar businesses in the county or state where their company is domiciled.

Please note that some Live scan fingerprint services in Florida are subjected to certain limits within the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

f. Is There a Franchise for Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business?

No, there are no franchise opportunities for the Live scan fingerprinting business.

g. What Do You Need to Start a Live Scan Fingerprinting Business in Florida?
  • A Feasibility Report
  • Business and Marketing Plans
  • Business Licenses and Permits
  • Office Space
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number)/Federal Tax ID Number
  • A Corporate Bank Account
  • Hardware, Software, and Storefront Expenses
  • Employees
  • Startup Capital
  1. Choose a Memorable Business Name

When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.

Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a live scan fingerprintingh business are;

Creative Live Scan Fingerprinting Business Name ideas

  • Richard Nixon© Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Safe Data® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, LLC
  • George Martins© Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Leonard Benard® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Allen Technologies™ Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Austin Sean™ Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, LLC.
  • Felix Recross© Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, LLC
  • Finger Print® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Central Park© Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Bryan Adlington© Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Megan Shantel® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Andrew Mesta® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Tyle Trump® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Delray Beach® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Neon McAllen® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Rowland Hyden© Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Jason Larson™ Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, LLC
  • Anderson Technologies® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Brandon® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
  • Pembroke Pines™ Background Checking Services, Inc.
  1. Register Your Business

a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business in Florida?

Even though there are several options when it comes to the business structure of a Live scan fingerprinting business, the one that most players in this line of business consider is an LLC. It is common to consider an LLC because providers want to protect themselves from lawsuits.

Please note that an LLC will need an EIN if it has any employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below.

b. Steps to Form an LLC
  • Choose a Name for Your LLC.
  • File Articles of Organization.
  • Choose a registered agent.
  • Decide on member vs. manager management.
  • Create an LLC operating agreement.
  • Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
  • File annual reports.
c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Live Scan Fingerprinting Business in Florida?
  • General Business License
  • Fingerprint Certification
  • Health license
  • Zonal Permits (Applicable in some cities)
  • Signage Permit
  • A permit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other state-required licenses.
d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Open a Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business in Florida?
  • Fingerprint Certification.
e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business in Florida?
  • DBA
  • EIN
  • Business and liability insurance
  • Federal Tax Payer’s ID
  • State Permit and Building Approval
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Business License
  • Business Plan
  • Fingerprint Certification
  • Health license
  • A permit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other state-required licenses.
  • Employment Agreement (offer letters)
  • Operating Agreement for LLCs
  • Insurance Policy
  • Online Terms of Use
  • Online Privacy Policy Document
  • Contract Document
  • Company Bylaws
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?

If you are considering starting a Live scan fingerprinting business, usually you may not need to file for intellectual property protection or trademark. This is so because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to successfully run it without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.

  1. Cost Analysis and Budgeting

a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business in Florida?

When it comes to starting a Live scan fingerprinting service business, the startup costs could range from $50,000 to over $150,000 depending on how big you want to start the business.

b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Live Scan Fingerprinting Business in Florida
  • Business Registration Fees – $750.
  • Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $3,300.
  • Marketing, Branding, and Promotions – $2,000.
  • Insurance – $2,400.
  • Rent/Lease – $70,000
  • Equipment – $20,000
  • Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $20,000
  • Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $1,750
  • Miscellaneous: $2,000
c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Live Scan Fingerprinting Business in Florida?
  • The size of the Live scan fingerprinting business
  • The choice of location
  • The required licenses and permits
  • The type of facility
  • The additional services offerings
  • The cost for branding, promotion, and marketing of the Live scan fingerprinting service business
  • The cost of furnishing and equipping the Live scan fingerprinting service business facility
  • The cost of the insurance policy covers
  • The cost of registering the business
  • The cost of recruiting and training your staff
  • The cost of the purchase and customizing of uniforms
d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

You don’t need to build a facility for your Live scan fingerprinting business because the business can be operated from a leased or rented office or home office. You may also decide to offer mobile services.

e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a Live Scan Fingerprinting Business?
  • Utility bills (internet subscriptions, phone bills, signage, and software renewal fees et al)
  • Rent
  • Salaries of employees
f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?
  • Chief Executive Officer (Owner) – $40,000 Per Year
  • Accountant – $32,000 Per Year
  • Marketing Sales Officer – $32,000 Per Year
  • Live Scan Fingerprint Machine Operators – $30,000 Per Year
  • Client Service Executive (Help Desk Officer) -$28,000 Per Year
g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Live Scan Fingerprinting Business in Florida
  • Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
  • Raising money from investors and business partners
  • Sell shares to interested investors
  • Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
  • Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
  • Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.
  1. Write a Business Plan

a. Executive Summary

Delray Beach© Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc. is a registered and licensed Live scan fingerprinting business. The business will be based in Delray Beach, Florida and we were able to secure a well-positioned office facility in one of the most patronized office complexes in Delray Beach.

We will provide top-notch Live scan fingerprinting services at different locations throughout Delray Beach and beyond. It is our goal to offer low rates and reliable and fast service to our customers.

b. Products and Service
  • FBI Background Checks
  • Ink Fingerprinting
  • Live Scan Fingerprinting
  • Florida Department Law Enforcement Submissions
  • FINRA Submissions
  • FBI Apostille Reports.
c. Mission Statement

At Delray Beach® Live Scan Fingerprinting Services, Inc. our mission is to become the preferred Live scan fingerprinting service provider by building strong, long-lasting relationships with our customers. As a company, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service possible.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to build a Live scan fingerprinting business that will become a household name.

d. Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of the Live scan fingerprinting business are to offer a more current method of taking fingerprints that simplifies the process.

e. Organizational Structure
  • Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
  • Accountant
  • Marketing Sales Officer
  • Live Scan Fingerprint Machine Operators
  • Client Service Executive (Help Desk Office)

Marketing Plan

a. SWOT Analysis
Strength:
  • Effective structure in place
  • Highly experienced and qualified employees and management
  • Reliable and appropriate software app (custom-built software) and hardware
  • Water-tight strategies on how to expand beyond the major markets.
Weakness:
  • Financial Constraints
  • A new business that will be competing with well-established Live scan fingerprinting businesses
  • Inability to retain our highly experienced and qualified employees longer than we want
Opportunities:
  • Partnerships opportunities with key stakeholders.
  • Good support structure for Live scan fingerprinting businesses in Florida.
Threat:
  • The arrival of a new Live scan fingerprinting business within our market space
  • Unfavorable government policy and regulations (The fingerprinting and background check industry is notorious for having some of the most complex and heavily enforced regulations).
  • Liability problems
  • Continuously changing consumer demands especially as it relates to how they expect Live scan fingerprinting businesses to serve them.
b. How Do Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Businesses Make Money?

Live scan fingerprinting service businesses make money by charging clients for services such as;

  • FBI Background Checks
  • Ink Fingerprinting
  • Live Scan Fingerprinting
  • Florida Department Law Enforcement Submissions
  • FINRA Submissions
  • FBI Apostille Reports.
c. Payment Options
  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via credit cards
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via mobile money transfer
d. Sales & Advertising Strategies
  • Introduce your Live scan fingerprinting service business and the services your offer by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to corporate organizations, small business owners, and other key stakeholders throughout the city where your Live scan fingerprinting service business is located.
  • Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to get your message across
  • Create a basic website for your business so as to give your business an online presence
  • Directly market your services
  • Advertise your business in community-based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
  • List your business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
  • Encourage the use of word-of-mouth marketing (referrals)

Financial Projection

a. How Much Should You Charge for your Product/Service?

The amount a Live scan fingerprinting service charges will depend on the type of services they offer and what the government requires.

For example, Live Scan fingerprinting in Florida has two fees associated with the service. The rolling or service fee provided to the location can range between $30 to $40 plus the government fee associated with your application type which will either be $37.25 or $61.25.

b. How Much Profit Do Live Scan Fingerprinting Business Owners Make a Year in Florida?

A typical live scan fingerprinting business owner in Florida will make between $40,000 to over $120,000 per year.

c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?
  • The capacity of the Live scan fingerprinting business
  • The location the Live scan fingerprinting business is covering
  • The management style of the Live scan fingerprinting business
  • The business approach of the Live scan fingerprinting business
  • The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the Live scan fingerprinting service
  • The number of years the Live scan fingerprinting service is in business
d. What is the Profit Margin of a Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business?

The profit margin of a Live scan fingerprinting service is not fixed. It could range between 40% to 75%.

e. What is the Sales Forecast?

Below is the sales forecast of a Live scan fingerprinting business. It is based on the location of the company and other factors as it relates to such startups in Florida;

  • First Fiscal Year (FY1): $350,000
  • Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $480,000
  • Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $600,000
  1. Set Up your Shop/Office

a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business in Florida?
  • The demography of the location
  • The demand for the services of Live scan fingerprinting services in the location
  • The purchasing power of businesses and resident of the location
  • Accessibility of the location
  • The number of Live scan fingerprinting service businesses in the location
  • The local laws and regulations in the community/state
  • Traffic, parking and security et al
b. What City is Best to Open a Live Scan Fingerprinting Business in Florida?
  • Vero Beach, Florida
  • Pembroke Pines, Florida
  • Jacksonville, Florida
  • Pompano Beach, Florida
  • Tallahassee, Florida
  • Delray Beach, Florida
  • Riverview, Florida
  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Miami, Florida
  • Lake Worth, Florida.
c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Live Scan Fingerprinting Business?
  • Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) (Live scan fingerprinting machines)
  • Computers/laptops
  • Internet facility
  • Telephone
  • Fax machine and office furniture (chairs, tables, and shelves).
  1. Hire Employees

When it comes to hiring employees for a standard Live scan fingerprinting service, you should make plans to hire a competent Chief Executive Officer, Account Manager, Marketing and Sales Officer, Live Scan Fingerprint Machine Operators, and Client Service Executive (Help Desk Office).

  1. Launch the Business Proper

In recent times, no Live scan fingerprinting service business opens its door for business without first organizing an opening party to officially launch the business. You can choose to do a soft opening if you are operating on a low budget or you can go for a grand opening party.

The bottom line is that with the proper launching of the Live scan fingerprinting business, you will officially inform people in your city that your Live scan fingerprinting service is open for business.

a. What Makes a Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business Successful?
  • Choose a good location and shop facility to launch the business
  • Make sure you offer a variety of services
  • Be deliberate with your marketing sales approach
  • Encourage the use of word of mouth to promote your Live scan fingerprinting business
  • Leverage all available online and offline platforms to promote your Live scan fingerprinting business.
b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business?
  • The office is open for the day’s work
  • Walk-in clients are attended to
  • Marketers go out to market the service offerings of the company
  • Administrative jobs are done
  • Reports are written and submitted to superior officers
  • The business is closed for the day.
c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Live Scan Fingerprinting Service Business?
  • Excellent investigative skills
  • Excellent marketing skills
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Ability to pay attention to details
  • Good managerial and human development skills
  • Good accounting and bookkeeping skills
  • Visionary leadership
  • Team-building & Interpersonal Skills.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
  • Organizational skills.
  • Problem-solving ability.
  • Good Supervisory skills
  • Experience in managing Live Scan Fingerprinting Business
  • Experience in business administration
  • Experience in handling relevant software and hardware.