9 Best Ways to Obtain Your Florida Private Investigator License

The process for obtaining a Florida private investigator license is not straightforward. Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services handles applications for a private investigator license. Unfortunately, the information is not really clear about the what it takes and how you can take action to obtain a license. I will clarify and take you step by step to successfully acquire your license.

1. You Must be at Least 18 Years Old and a US Citizen or Legal Resident

To obtain a private investigator license in Florida, you don’t necessarily need to be a citizen. You can be a permanent legal resident alien. However, non-US citizens have additional requirements. For example, they have to prove that they are authorized to work in the United States. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can verify your authority through the use of permanent resident cards.

2. You Must Not Have a Disqualifying Criminal Record and Must be of Good Moral character

The statute does not elaborate how applicants are rated, but the licensing department offers some clues as to what they will frown upon.

3. You Must Not Have Been Adjudicated Incapacitated Under Florida Statute Law

This criteria also makes sense. Mental health is looked at critically before a Florida private investigation license is issued. Specifically, the department also looks at incidents where individuals were involuntarily placed in a treatment facility for the mentally ill. Another disqualified includes a diagnosis of having an incapacitating mental illness.

4. You Must Not be a Chronic and Habitual  User of Alcoholic Beverages

This topic also includes a requirement of NOT having had two or more convictions under Florida statute 316.193 (DUI). However, this requirement does not apply if the applicant has completed a rehabilitation course.

5. You Must Not Have Been Committed for Drug Abuse or Found Guilty of a Drug-Related Crime

This requirement, however, does not apply if the applicant has successfully completed a rehabilitation course. If you meet the above criteria, then you have two choices for your Florida private investigator license.

6. For License “C” You Must Have Two Years of Lawfully Gained, Verifiable, Full-Time Experience

The Florida statute defines “experience” as actual investigative experience, college coursework in a related field, or internship in accordance with the following three categories set forth in the statute:

• Private investigative work or related fields of work that provided equivalent experience or training.
• College coursework related to criminal justice, criminology, or law enforcement administration, or successful completion of any law enforcement-related training received from any federal, state, county, or municipal agency, except that no more than 1 year may be used from this category.
• Some veterans may be able to apply specific benefits for this requirement.
• Work as a Class “CC” licensed intern. This internship is done at a licensed private investigative agency.

7. Pass the Florida Private Investigator License Exam

The written exam covers Florida laws that deal with the private investigative industry. This exam is only required for a Class “C” license. The exam costs $100. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and the results are mailed to you. On the date of the exam, you have to bring a valid state or federal ID that have your photo and signature.

They are pretty strict during testing. You can NOT bring cameras, smartphones, electronics with alarms, notes, study guides, purses, briefcases, backpacks, etc.

The exam is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. You can make an appointment by calling any of the eight regional offices.

Once you pass the written exam, you can finally apply for your Class “C” Florida Private Investigator License.

8. Apply for Your Florida Private Investigator License: Class “CC” or Class “C”

The class “C” Florida private investigator can be found here. You will need to submit a color passport photo, taken within 6 months of the application date.  You will also need to provide a full set of fingerprints.

In addition, the application must include an affidavit of experience. This statement is your opportunity to explain how your experience meets the requirements.

The class “CC” Florida private investigator license application is intended for interns who work as private investigators while they are sponsored by an agency.

9. Pay a Variety of Fees

Yes, the state will get its money before they hand your private investigator class “C” license. These are the most current fees:

• Application – $50
• Fingerprint Processing  – $42
• Fingerprint Retention – $10.75
• Initial License – $75

Applicants for a private investigator intern class “CC” license have to the pay the same fees except for the Initial License fee. The fee for this item is reduced to $60.

Are you applying or have applied for a Florida private investigator license?

Did I miss anything? 

What are your thoughts on the process?

Comment below!