How to Become a Licensed Private Investigator in Florida

Florida is a beautiful state with economic opportunity, especially for private investigators. Florida is the home to Disney World, Universal Studios, Gatorland, Discovery Cove, and St. Petersburg which apparently holds the world record for most consecutive days of sunshine. 

Florida historically has been home to some of the largest private investigation companies.  Florida is the 2nd largest employer of private investigators with 2630 investigators being employed as of 2021.  Florida has always been known for being a great place to begin an investigation career or start a private investigation business. 

Florida does its due diligence in ensuring that investigators are competent and they do a pretty good job and making it easy for investigators to understand what is required of them to work as licensed private investigators.

the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates and licenses private investigators in the state of Florida.

How Much Money do Private Investigators Make in Florida?

The median income for private investigators in Florida is a disappointing $58,200 though there are likely many contributing reasons, one of which is competition.  If you want to know the types of hours private investigators work, I have written about it here.  Much of the investigation work in Florida is related to insurance investigations.  If you are interested, I have written what it is like to be an insurance investigator here. 

List of Private Investigator Licenses in Florida

Class CC License: Private Investigator Intern License (Apprentice)

Class C License: Private Investigator License

Class A License: Private Investigative Agency License

Class MA License: Private Investigative Agency Manager

Class M License: Security and Private Invesetigation Agency Manger

Requirements for a Class “CC” Private Investigation License in Florida

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Applicant must be a citizen or legal resident alien of the United States and have the authority to work in the United States.
• Applicant must provide a physical address.
• Must complete 40 hours of professional training pertaining to investigative techniques under Chapter 493 in Florida Statutes.  This training can be offered by a state university, school, community college, or university under the department of education.

Disqualifications in Licensing Process

• (Possibly) if ever there was a court marital or discipline under the UCMJ. They ask that you provide an explanation of any military discipline.
• If you have been convicted of any felony in any state.
• On probation for a felony 
• Have a history of being arrested for crimes of violence or other crimes.
• Have historically demonstrated a disregard for laws.
• Have an outstanding bench warrant.
• Are currently in a Pre-Trial Intervention or Deferred Prosecution Program.
• If you are abusing a controlled substance

Additional Considerations

If you have ever been adjudicated incapacitated, been placed in a mentally ill treatment facility, diagnosed with a mental illness, have a history of alcohol abuse, or have a history of controlled substance abuse you will be required to show competency or that you have been rehabilitated. 

This is described in detail in Section V of the personal history section within the application.

Inclusions With the Application

• Proof of Training (the aforementioned 40 hours of education).
• Letter of Intent to Sponsor a Private Investigator Intern (to be filled out by the company hiring).
• Proof of Work Authorization (if not a U.S. Citizen
• Color Photograph (Described in detail in the application but resembles a passport-type photo)
• Fingerprint Submission (Can be on fingerprint card or live scan). 
• Submit Required Fees by Check or Money Order Payable to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Class “CC” Private Investigator Fees

• Application Fee: $50
• License Fee: $60
• Fingerprint Processing Fee: $42
• Fingerprint Retention Fee: $10.75
• Total Fees: $162.75

Florida Private Investigator Class CC Licensing Application

Requirements for a Class “C” Private Investigation License in Florida

A Class “C” investigator must work for a Class “A” Private Investigation Agency or Class “AA or AB” Branch Office.

Minimum Requirements to Apply for a Class C Private Investigation License

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Applicant must be a citizen or legal resident alien of the United States and have the authority to work in the United States.
• Applicant must provide a physical address.
• Must have 2 years of verifiable, full-time experience to qualify for this designation of a license.

Accepted 2 Years Experience (Soley or Combination)

• Working as a private investigator or equivalent field of work that provides the appropriate experience and training.
• Completed college coursework related to criminal justice, law, criminology, etc..(Only receive one year credit for completing this).
• Successfully completed law enforcement training from federal, state, county or local law enforcement agencies.  (Only receive one year credit for completing this). 
• Work as a Class “CC” licensed private investigator intern with a licensed private investigation agency. Completion of Sponsorship Form.
• Relevant military training or education received while employed with the United States military (Rule 5N-1.119, Florida Administrative Code)

Possible Disqualifiers to Become a Class “C” Private Investigator

• (Possibly) if ever there was a court marital or discipline under the UCMJ. They ask that you provide an explanation of any military discipline.
• If you have been convicted of any felony in any state.
• On probation for a felony 
• Have a history of being arrested for crimes of violence or other crimes.
• Have historically demonstrated a disregard for laws.
• Have an outstanding bench warrant.
• Are currently in a Pre-Trial Intervention or Deferred Prosecution Program.
• If you are abusing a controlled substance

Inclusions With the Submission of Private Investigation Application

• Affidavit o Experience (Form FDACS-16023)
• Certificate of Completion Confirming Passing Score on Exam.
• Proof of Training/Documentation of Experience
• Proof of Work Authorization (if not a U.S. Citizen)
• Color Photography (Passport Photo)
• Fingerprint Submission
• Fees are Paid by Money Order or Check
• Any individual that performs private investigation services 

Fee For a Class “C” Private Investigator License

• Application Fee: $50
• Licensing Fee: $75
• Fingerprint Processing: $42
• Fingerprint Retention: $10.75
• Total Fees: $175.75

Submit the packet to a Regional Office or mail it to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Post Office Box 5767, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5767.

Class “C” Private Investigator Application

Class “MA” Private Investigator License 

A Class “MA” private investigator license is a license designated for …………

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Applicant must be a citizen or legal resident alien of the United States and have the authority to work in the United States.
• Applicant must provide a physical address.
• Must have 2 years of verifiable, full-time experience to qualify for this designation of a license.

Required Experience for a Class “MA” Private Investigation License

• Two years working as a private investigator or related type of work.
• Working as a Class “CC” private investigator intern
• A combination of both private investigation work and working as a Class “CC” investigator.
• A combination of either investigation experience/ Class “CC” Investigator and 1 year of college course work as described in the application.
• A combination of either investigation experience/ Class “CC” Investigator and 1 year of manager or supervisor experience.
• Relevant military training or experience.

Disqualifying Factors

The aforementioned ed disqualifier in Class “C” are applicable to this license.

Include With Application

• Affidavit of Experience
• Certification of completion confirming passing score on the exam (you do not need to take the exam if you already have a Class “C”, “MA” or “M” license. (Exam is $100).  Further information about the exam is detailed in the application.
• Proof of training and experience
• Proof of work authorization 
• Color photograph (Passport Photo)
• Fingerprints
• Fees

Fee Required

• Application Fee $50
• License Fee $75
• Fingerprint Processing Fee $42
• Fingerprint Retention Fee $10.75
• Total Fees $177.75

Private Investigator Manager License Application

Requirments for a Class “A” Private Investigation Agency License

Minimum Requirements to Apply for an Agency License

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Applicant must be a citizen or legal resident alien of the United States and have the authority to work in the United States.
• Applicant must provide a physical address.
• Must have 2 years of verifiable, full-time experience to qualify for this designation of a license.
• Must have a Branch Manager at the location of the Agency
• The agency Owner May Act as the Manager

Disqualifiers for Opening an Agency

The disqualifiers are listed the same as the other licenses mentioned above.

Include With Application

• Color Photograph (Passport Photo)
• Fingerprint Submission
• Fees (by Check or Money Order)

Fees Required

• Application Fee $50
• Fingerprint Processing Fee $42
• Total Fees $92

Please note that the license fee is $450. You will not be charged for this until your application is approved.

Class “A” Private Investigation Agency License Application

Florida Private Investigator Associations

It is recommended that investigators become a part of a private investigation association for networking and educational oppertunities. Generally, associations have an impact on the direction of law and reglation that effects the private investigation industry so it is in your best interest to be a part of it.

Florida Association of Licensed Investigators

Florida Association of Private Investigators

Connected States to Get LIcensed in

There are 3 states that connect with the north border of Florida. It is recommended that investigators seek licensing in states that are connected with Florida to elimate the concern for when following subjects into other states during surveillance. This also helps widen the net of work when work is slow within the state of Florida.

• Missouri Private Invetigator Licensing Information
• Alabama Private Invetigator Licensing Information
• Georgia Private Invetigator Licensing Information

I have written about generally how to qualify to become a private investigator here if you would like more information.

Additional Information

How to Start a Private Investigation Business

The Cost of Starting a Private Investigation Business

Ways to Build Experience to Become a Private Investigator

How to Name Your Private Investigation Business

Private Investigator Salaries Across the United States