How to Become a Private Investigator in Florida

Maybe you want to become a private investigator in Florida.

You should know there are several steps to becoming one.

To learn more, you should check out the guide I wrote below!

Private Investigator Requirements and Responsibilities in Florida

In Florida, these professionals fall under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Licensing.

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The Department ensures they operate with a valid license.

To obtain this license, you must fulfill certain criteria and pass a licensing exam.

The prerequisites for licensure include:

• Being 21 years old
• Be a US citizen
• Having a clean background record

Applicants must apply for and pass the PI certification test, demonstrating their understanding of the field.

Moreover, gaining practical experience is crucial, with many aspiring investigators opting to undergo training courses.

However, prior experience in law enforcement can serve as a substitute for formal training.

The minimum required experience for a PI is 100 hours.

There are two types of investigators:

• Class C
• Class CC

Becoming a Class C investigator requires 2 years of experience, thus the majority of candidates choose to become Class CC PIs.

The core responsibilities of a private investigator typically involve:

• Solitary surveillance
• Detailed long-range event documentation
• Capturing high-quality photographs from a distance
• Maintaining good physical condition
• Comprehending and addressing client needs effectively

Private Investigator Training in Florida

It’s difficult to become even a Class CC private investigator without some training first.

To get a Class C Private Investigator license in Florida, you need to:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Have a clean criminal record
• Be a decent person
• Haven’t had mental health issues
• Haven’t used illegal drugs
• Haven’t struggled with alcoholism
• Have two years of experience

Some of the programs you can attend as part of your training are:

• Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice/Homeland Security
• Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Legal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

National Investigative Training Academy

The academy offers 78 courses for those aspiring to a private investigator career.

The programs cover the regulations and laws outlined in F.S. 493 necessary to acquire a Private Investigator “CC” Intern License.

This interactive training is entirely accessible online and available on demand.

Participants are allowed to study at their own pace and convenience, fitting into their schedules seamlessly.

Following this, the coursework delves into detailed subjects such as:

• Surveillance ethics and methodologies
• Investigative tools and technology
• Proper handling and safeguarding of evidence
• Courtroom procedures
• The trial-related duties expected of a Private Investigator

Florida State College at Jacksonville 

This college has not one but 2 courses for future PIs.

Both are designed for the Class CC private investigator license.

You’ll need a sponsor to enroll in either program.

The cost of the program is $299.

Luckily, the classes take place online and there’s a minimum number of candidates that must enroll.

Otherwise, the current class is being canceled.

Becoming Licensed as a Private Investigator in Florida

To qualify for a Class “C” private investigator license in Florida, you need to fulfill a two-year experience prerequisite.

This experience can be gained through working in related fields such as law enforcement or the military.

Alternatively, completing a Class “CC” internship at an approved private investigative agency counts towards this requirement.

If you’ve undergone law enforcement-related training, it can substitute for one year of the required experience.

Additionally, a year of mandatory experience can be obtained through:

• College studies in criminology
• Criminal justice
• Law enforcement administration

Before applying, you must pass a written exam covering Florida law about the legal duties of private investigators and the industry’s business practices.

Passing this exam is a prerequisite for submitting your license application.

Once issued, your P.I. license will remain valid for two years.

To renew your license, you’ll need:

• An application
• Some extra hours of continuing education
• Attend industry workshops

Salaries for Private Investigators in Florida

All this preparation would be meaningless if you earned a meager income.

Across the nation, private investigators earn an average of $50,900 annually.

In Florida, the average annual salary is around $48,400.

Keep in mind that your earnings may vary depending on your location and level of experience.

Refer to the next table for cities offering higher salaries.

Regional Salary in Florida

Private Investigator by State