Quick Answer

HCA Florida Healthcare may hire individuals with criminal records, but employment is highly conditional and severely restricted by Florida's mandatory Level 2 background screening (Chapter 435, Florida Statutes) and federal exclusion laws (OIG/LEIE). These regulations apply to virtually all personnel working in licensed healthcare facilities, whether clinical or non-clinical. HCA Florida Healthcare is the state's largest healthcare network with approximately 84,000 colleagues, 51 hospitals, and over 650 affiliated sites of care serving more than 11 million patients annually. A conviction for a disqualifying offense results in a 'Not Eligible' determination that can only be overcome through the formal Exemption from Disqualification process administered by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) or the Florida Department of Health (DOH). Pay ranges from $13-18/hr for environmental services to $30-45/hr for registered nurses. The greatest barriers are convictions involving abuse, neglect, sexual crimes, financial fraud, and controlled substances.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying to HCA Florida Healthcare, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No OIG/GSA Exclusion: Must NOT appear on the federal OIG Exclusions List (LEIE) or the GSA List (SAM.gov). Exclusion results in mandatory termination and prohibition from any healthcare employment receiving federal funds.

  
  

• No Permanent Disqualifier: Must NOT have a conviction for permanently disqualifying offenses including murder, kidnapping, sexual battery, exploitation of vulnerable adults, or sexual predator/offender designation. These have no exemption available.

  
  

• Exemption Eligibility (If Disqualified): If you have a disqualifying offense, you must meet minimum waiting periods: at least 3 years since release from confinement/supervision for a disqualifying felony. All court-ordered fines, fees, and restitution must be paid in full.

  
  

• Pass Drug Screening: Must pass pre-employment drug testing. Healthcare workers have access to controlled substances, making drug screening mandatory for all positions.

  
  

• Complete Honesty: Must attest under penalty of perjury that you meet requirements for qualifying for employment. Must agree to immediately notify employer if arrested for any disqualifying offense while employed.

Critical Regulatory Information

Employment at HCA Florida Healthcare facilities is governed by multiple layers of mandatory regulations that create significant barriers for individuals with criminal records. Understanding these regulations before applying is essential to avoid wasting time and resources.

Florida Level 2 Background Screening (Chapter 435, F.S.)

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) requires Level 2 background screening for all personnel working in licensed healthcare facilities. This includes clinical staff (nurses, CNAs, technicians), administrative staff, food service, environmental services, and anyone with access to patients or patient information. Level 2 screening involves fingerprint-based searches through both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the FBI's national criminal history database. This screening also includes searches of sex offender registries, abuse registries, and the OIG exclusion list. All persons must be screened and determined eligible BEFORE they can begin work in any position requiring screening.

Disqualifying Offenses Under Florida Law

Florida Statutes Section 435.04 lists extensive disqualifying offenses including but not limited to:

• Sexual crimes, including crimes against elderly, disabled, and children

• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, elderly, or disabled persons

• Murder, manslaughter (including vehicular), assault, battery, aggravated assault/battery

• Kidnapping, false imprisonment, stalking

• Robbery, burglary, felony theft, dealing in stolen property

• Drug trafficking, manufacturing, or sale of controlled substances

• Fraud, forgery, fraudulent use of credit cards, Medicare/Medicaid fraud

• Arson, criminal mischief causing property damage over $1,000

  
  

OIG Exclusion List (LEIE)

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) maintains the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Any person on this list is prohibited from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal healthcare programs. HCA Healthcare receives significant federal healthcare payments and MUST terminate any employee found on the LEIE, regardless of their position. Exclusion typically results from healthcare fraud convictions, patient abuse, licensing board actions, or default on student loans. Before applying, you should check your status at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions.

Exemption from Disqualification Process

If you have a disqualifying offense, you may apply for an Exemption from Disqualification from AHCA (for unlicensed personnel) or the Florida Department of Health (for licensed healthcare professionals). You must demonstrate by 'clear and convincing evidence' that you should not be disqualified. Requirements include: at least 3 years since release from confinement/supervision for felonies, payment of all court-ordered fines and restitution, certified criminal history records, arrest reports, court dispositions, and evidence of rehabilitation. Sexual predators, sexual offenders, and career offenders are NOT eligible for exemption. The process typically takes 30+ days once complete documentation is received.

EEOC Considerations

While EEOC guidelines generally require individualized assessment, Florida's Level 2 screening requirements effectively override standard EEOC considerations for positions requiring screening. The state law creates a legal mandate that employers cannot waive. However, FCRA adverse action requirements still apply—you must be provided notice and an opportunity to dispute before final denial based on background check results.

Company Overview

HCA Florida Healthcare is Florida's largest healthcare network, a division of HCA Healthcare, Inc.—the nation's largest for-profit hospital operator. HCA Healthcare was founded in 1968 in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Frist, Sr., Thomas Frist, Jr., and Jack Massey. The company grew rapidly through acquisitions and now operates 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care across 20 states and the United Kingdom. HCA Healthcare is publicly traded (NYSE: HCA) and ranked #61 on the Fortune 500.

In Florida, HCA Florida Healthcare operates 51 hospitals and over 650 affiliated sites of care including surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and physician offices. The network employs approximately 84,000 colleagues and serves over 11 million patients annually. HCA Florida Healthcare includes facilities in every major Florida market: Tampa Bay, Orlando, Miami-Dade, Broward, Jacksonville, Gainesville, and numerous other communities. The network offers comprehensive services including emergency care, cardiovascular services, oncology, orthopedics, women's services, and behavioral health.

HCA Healthcare is also the largest sponsor of graduate medical education programs in the United States, operating 56 teaching hospitals. The company acquired a majority stake in Galen College of Nursing, which operates 21 campuses offering nursing degrees. HCA Healthcare's mission statement is: 'Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.' While the company has faced legal and regulatory challenges over the years, it remains the dominant healthcare employer in Florida and offers extensive career opportunities across clinical, administrative, and support functions.

Company Fast Facts

• Parent Company: HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA), Fortune 500 #61

• Florida Network: 51 hospitals, 650+ affiliated sites of care

• Florida Employees: Approximately 84,000 colleagues

• Patients Served: Over 11 million annually in Florida

• Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee (corporate); Florida division offices throughout state

• National Presence: 186 hospitals, 2,400+ sites of care in 20 states and UK

• Recognition: 10 consecutive years as Military Friendly Employer

Hiring Policy Analysis

Official Policy

HCA Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. However, the company's hiring for Florida facility positions is strictly governed by state Level 2 screening requirements. HCA does not have a formal second-chance hiring program. The company's corporate background check policy requires verification through OIG/GSA exclusion lists, criminal history, employment verification, and education verification. HCA policy states that information from background investigations should be taken in context with a case-by-case determination, but state regulatory requirements effectively mandate denial for disqualifying offenses unless an exemption is obtained.

Factors in Hiring Decisions

For positions not subject to Level 2 screening (limited corporate/IT roles), or for exemption applications:

• Nature and gravity of the offense

• Time elapsed since conviction and completion of sentence

• Evidence of rehabilitation (programs completed, stable employment, community involvement)

• Payment of all court-ordered fines, fees, and restitution

• Complete honesty during disclosure any misrepresentation is disqualifying

  
  

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Salary data compiled from Glassdoor, PayScale, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter as of December 2025. Pay rates may vary based on experience, location, certification, and shift differentials.

Career Path Examples

• Nursing Track: CNA → Patient Care Tech → LPN (with schooling) → RN (with schooling) → Charge Nurse → Nurse Manager → Director of Nursing

  
  

• Support Services Track: Environmental Services → Lead → Supervisor → Manager → Director of Environmental Services

  
  

• Administrative Track: Registration → Health Information Tech → Medical Records Supervisor → HIM Director

Background Check Process

What They Check

• Level 2 Criminal History: Fingerprint-based search through FDLE (Florida) and FBI (national). Covers all criminal history including cases where adjudication was withheld. Includes arrests even if charges were dropped or dismissed.

  
  

• OIG Exclusion List (LEIE): Search of federal exclusion database. Exclusion is automatic disqualification from any position regardless of level.

  
  

• GSA System for Award Management: Federal debarment and exclusion database.

  
  

• Sex Offender Registries: Search of sex offender registries in any state of residence during the past 5 years.

  
  

• Abuse Registries: Florida maintains registries of substantiated abuse, neglect, and exploitation findings.

  
  

• Professional License Verification: For licensed positions, verification of active license status and any disciplinary actions through Florida DOH.

  
  

• Drug Screening: Pre-employment drug testing is mandatory. Healthcare workers have access to controlled substances.

  
  

Lookback Period

Timeline

The HCA Florida Healthcare hiring process includes multiple steps. After application and interview, candidates receive a conditional offer contingent on background screening. Fingerprinting must be completed through an approved LiveScan vendor. It takes 24-72 hours for fingerprints to transmit to FDLE. AHCA's Background Screening Unit typically processes Level 2 screenings within 5-7 business days once results are received from FDLE. Total background check process typically takes 1-2 weeks. If your screening reveals potentially disqualifying information, additional review time is needed. Candidates cannot begin work until cleared.

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification (No Exemption Available):

• Current OIG/LEIE exclusion status

• Sexual predator or sexual offender designation

• Career offender designation

• Murder, kidnapping, sexual battery, exploitation of vulnerable adults

• Positive drug test or refusal to test

• Falsification or misrepresentation on application or AHCA attestation

Disqualification (Exemption Potentially Available):

• Other disqualifying felonies listed in Section 435.04, F.S.

• Disqualifying misdemeanors (assault, battery, theft, drug possession)

Application Strategy

1. Determine Your Eligibility Status First: Before applying, review your criminal history against the disqualifying offenses in Section 435.04, Florida Statutes. Check your OIG exclusion status at oig.hhs.gov/exclusions. If you have a potentially disqualifying offense, determine whether you meet the minimum waiting periods for exemption eligibility (3 years for felonies since release).

   
   

2. Apply for Exemption BEFORE Applying for Jobs: If you have a disqualifying offense, the exemption process can take 30+ days. Begin the exemption application immediately through AHCA (unlicensed personnel) or Florida DOH (licensed professionals). You cannot work until an exemption is granted.

   
   

3. Gather Comprehensive Documentation: For exemption applications, you'll need: current Level 2 screening results, certified arrest reports for ALL offenses, court dispositions, proof of completion of all court requirements, proof of payment of all fines/restitution, and evidence of rehabilitation (employment history, training, community involvement).

   
   

4. Apply Online at careers.hcahealthcare.com: Create a profile and search for positions. Filter by location (Florida), job family, and shift preferences. Upload your resume and complete the application thoroughly.

   
   

5. Complete Pre-Employment Requirements Promptly: After conditional offer, complete fingerprinting at an approved LiveScan provider within the required timeframe. Complete drug screening at Employee Health. Provide all requested documentation for background verification.

   
   

6. Be Completely Honest: The AHCA attestation form requires you to attest under penalty of perjury that you meet requirements for employment. Level 2 screening will reveal your complete criminal history. Any false statement is a separate disqualifying offense.

   
   

7. Consider Non-Facility Positions: If you cannot obtain an exemption, explore corporate headquarters, remote IT, or call center positions that may not require AHCA Level 2 screening. These positions are limited but may have different requirements.

Tips for Applicants with Records

• Obtain Your Own Criminal History First: Request your Florida criminal history from FDLE before applying. This shows what will appear on your Level 2 screening and helps you identify any records that need to be addressed. You can also request your FBI record.

  
  

• Understand the Exemption Is Not Guaranteed: The exemption process requires demonstrating by 'clear and convincing evidence' that you should not be disqualified. AHCA has discretion to deny exemptions. Strong rehabilitation evidence is essential.

  
  

• Consider Legal Assistance: The exemption application process is complex. Attorneys who specialize in healthcare law or professional licensing can help navigate the process and present your case effectively.

  
  

• Build Healthcare Experience Elsewhere If Possible: If you cannot immediately obtain employment in a licensed facility, consider building experience in non-licensed healthcare settings, private physician offices (which may have different requirements), or healthcare-adjacent industries.

  
  

• Maintain Absolutely Clean Record: Any new arrest for a disqualifying offense while employed will result in immediate disqualification pending resolution. You have a continuing obligation to report arrests within 24 hours to your employer.

  
  

• Complete All Court Requirements: Exemption applications require proof that ALL fines, fees, restitution, and other court-ordered conditions have been satisfied. Outstanding balances will delay or prevent exemption approval.

  
  

• Document Rehabilitation Extensively: Gather certificates from treatment programs, letters from employers, evidence of community service, educational achievements, and any other documentation showing you have changed and will not pose a risk to patients.

Benefits & Compensation

• Starting Pay: Entry-level positions range from $13-15/hr for environmental services and food services to $28-35/hr for registered nurses. Pay varies by facility, location, shift, and experience.

  
  

• Shift Differentials: Additional pay for evening, night, and weekend shifts. Healthcare facilities operate 24/7 and often offer premium pay for less desirable shifts.

  
  

• Pay Equity: HCA considers years of experience and pay equity to peers in the same job at the company when determining compensation.

  
  

Benefits Package

• 401(k) Plan: One of the most generous in healthcare—100% match on up to 9% of pay based on years of service. Vesting: 20% after 2 years, then 20% per year until 100% vested at 6 years.

  
  

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage. HCA pays approximately 71% of premium costs. Non-smoker discount up to $650 available.

  
  

• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 in tax-free reimbursement annually for eligible higher education. Partnership with Galen College of Nursing for reduced tuition. Partnership with Western Governors University for 10% discount.

  
  

• Paid Time Off: PTO accrual based on hours worked and tenure. Extended illness bank available. At 10 years, employees receive 22 hours per month.

  
  

• Family Leave: Up to 14 calendar days paid leave annually to bond with new child or care for family member with serious health condition.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan (10% discount), adoption assistance, employee assistance program, student loan assistance program ($100/month full-time, $50/month part-time).

  
  

Employee Perspectives

Pros:

• Excellent health insurance coverage employees report it's better than most employers

• Generous 401(k) match one of the best in healthcare industry

• Strong tuition assistance and nursing education partnerships

• Large network creates transfer and advancement opportunities

Cons:

• PTO includes holidays employees feel they lose vacation days to mandatory holiday closures

• Some facilities report understaffing concerns and high patient-to-nurse ratios

• 401(k) requires 6 years for full vesting of employer match

• Benefits primarily for full-time employees; part-time may have limited options

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does HCA Florida Healthcare hire people with felonies?

   HCA Florida Healthcare may hire individuals with felonies, but employment is severely restricted by Florida's mandatory Level 2 background screening requirements. All personnel working in licensed healthcare facilities must pass screening. If you have a disqualifying offense under Section 435.04, Florida Statutes, you will be found 'Not Eligible' and cannot work unless you obtain an Exemption from Disqualification from AHCA or the Florida Department of Health. Some offenses (murder, kidnapping, sexual battery, exploitation) have no exemption available. Complete honesty is required—falsification is separately disqualifying.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at HCA Florida Healthcare?

   HCA Florida Healthcare uses Florida's mandatory Level 2 background screening for facility-based positions. After conditional offer, you must complete electronic fingerprinting at an approved LiveScan vendor. Fingerprints are submitted to FDLE (state) and FBI (national) for criminal history search. AHCA's Background Screening Unit reviews results and checks the OIG exclusion list, sex offender registries, and abuse registries. Results typically take 5-7 business days after FDLE receives fingerprints. You cannot begin work until cleared. Drug screening is also required.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at HCA Florida Healthcare—what is the lookback period?

   Florida's Level 2 background screening reviews your complete criminal history with no standard lookback limit. This includes convictions, cases where adjudication was withheld, and even sealed or expunged records may still appear through FDLE/FBI databases. The most severe offenses (murder, kidnapping, sexual battery, exploitation) are permanently disqualifying with no time limit. For other disqualifying offenses, you may apply for exemption after meeting minimum waiting periods (3 years from release for felonies). Time elapsed is a factor in exemption decisions but does not automatically clear disqualification.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at HCA Florida Healthcare?

   Section 435.04, Florida Statutes lists extensive disqualifying offenses including: all sexual crimes and crimes against elderly/disabled/children; murder, manslaughter, assault, battery, aggravated assault/battery; kidnapping, false imprisonment; robbery, burglary, felony theft; drug trafficking/manufacturing/sale; fraud, forgery, Medicare/Medicaid fraud; arson; and patient abuse/neglect/exploitation. Healthcare-related fraud and patient abuse are particularly serious. OIG exclusion (from federal healthcare programs) is automatic disqualification regardless of position.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at HCA Florida Healthcare for applicants with a record?

   Unfortunately, almost all positions at HCA Florida Healthcare facilities require Level 2 background screening—including environmental services, food services, and administrative roles. The best opportunities for applicants with disqualifying records who can obtain an exemption are support services positions (environmental services, food/nutrition, patient transport). For those who cannot obtain exemption, remote corporate positions, IT roles not located in healthcare facilities, or call center positions may have different requirements. These positions are limited and still undergo background checks, though they may not require AHCA Level 2 screening.

   
   

6. Does HCA Florida Healthcare drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, HCA Florida Healthcare requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. Drug testing is typically conducted at Employee Health or an approved Company Care location. The test is usually urine-based. Healthcare workers have access to controlled substances and medications, making drug testing standard practice. A positive drug test will disqualify you from employment. HCA Florida Healthcare may also conduct random drug testing during employment, particularly for positions with controlled substance access.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will HCA Florida Healthcare ask about criminal history?

   Criminal history questions typically come after conditional offer is extended. You will be required to complete an AHCA attestation form where you attest under penalty of perjury that you meet requirements for qualifying for employment and agree to report any arrests immediately. The Level 2 background screening is then initiated. However, given the strict regulatory requirements, being prepared to disclose upfront and having your exemption (if needed) already in process will save time. Any false statement on the attestation is disqualifying.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at HCA Florida Healthcare if they have a felony?

   If you have obtained an exemption from disqualification and are working in an HCA Florida Healthcare facility, advancement to management positions is possible based on performance, experience, and qualifications. The exemption allows you to work in healthcare settings despite your criminal history. However, the exemption is voided if you receive any new disqualifying offense. Management positions may require additional screening or verification. HCA Healthcare does offer career development programs, tuition assistance, and leadership training for employees seeking advancement.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at HCA Florida Healthcare?

   The total hiring process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to start date. After interview and conditional offer, fingerprinting must be completed promptly. It takes 24-72 hours for fingerprints to transmit to FDLE. AHCA's Background Screening Unit processes results within 5-7 business days. Drug screening and onboarding documentation must also be completed. If you need an Exemption from Disqualification, add 30+ days to obtain the exemption BEFORE you can begin work. Delays occur if documentation is incomplete or if records require additional verification.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at HCA Florida Healthcare?

    First, honestly assess your eligibility by reviewing disqualifying offenses in Section 435.04, F.S. and checking OIG exclusion status. Second, if you have a disqualifying offense, begin the exemption application process immediately—don't wait until you have a job offer. Third, gather comprehensive documentation of rehabilitation including treatment certificates, employment history, community service, and character references. Fourth, ensure all court-ordered obligations are satisfied. Fifth, be completely honest on all applications and attestations. Sixth, consider pursuing healthcare education or certification to demonstrate commitment. Finally, if facility-based positions aren't possible, explore remote corporate or IT opportunities.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

All Florida healthcare facilities operating under AHCA licensure are subject to Level 2 background screening requirements. However, there are some alternative employers in healthcare-adjacent fields that may have different requirements.

Conclusion

Employment at HCA Florida Healthcare presents significant challenges for individuals with criminal records due to Florida's mandatory Level 2 background screening requirements. These state regulations, designed to protect vulnerable patients, apply to virtually all personnel in licensed healthcare facilities not just clinical roles. The screening process is thorough, covering complete criminal history through FDLE and FBI databases, plus federal exclusion lists and abuse registries.

However, Florida law does provide an Exemption from Disqualification process for those with disqualifying offenses (except the most severe). This process requires demonstrating rehabilitation by clear and convincing evidence. If you have a disqualifying offense, begin the exemption process immediately before applying for jobs. Gather comprehensive documentation, ensure all court obligations are satisfied, and consider consulting with an attorney experienced in healthcare licensing.

For those who can successfully navigate the screening process or obtain an exemption, HCA Florida Healthcare offers competitive compensation, one of the best 401(k) matching programs in healthcare, excellent tuition assistance, and extensive career advancement opportunities across Florida's largest healthcare network. The company's scale—84,000 colleagues and 650+ sites of care in Florida alone means diverse positions from environmental services to nursing to IT are available throughout the state.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information was compiled from publicly available sources including HCA Healthcare careers website, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Florida Statutes Chapter 435, Florida Department of Health, Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and ZipRecruiter. Regulatory requirements may change. Salary data reflects ranges reported as of December 2025 and may vary based on position, location, experience, and certification. This publication is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by HCA Healthcare or HCA Florida Healthcare. Consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice regarding your specific situation, particularly for exemption applications. No warranties are made regarding employment outcomes.

Apply Now at careers.hcahealthcare.com