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This is a step to step guide that will get you started on your way about how to become a private investigator in florida. It’s not hard and anybody can become a private detective.
Becoming a private investigator in Florida may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not as difficult as you might think. The first step to becoming a private investigator is to determine if you are eligible to apply for the position. To do this, you must meet the following criteria:
Be at least 21 years old
Have completed at least 60 hours of college credit or have an associate’s degree
Be able to pass a written exam and physical evaluation
Once you have determined that you meet these requirements, it is time to begin your application process. There are two ways of applying for licensure: through the state or through an accredited school or college. The state-licensing route involves sending in an application along with all supporting materials directly to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). However, if you have already graduated from an accredited institution, it may be easier for you to get licensed through them. The DBPR website provides a list of schools that offer licensing programs for PIs; however, not every school will offer this option. Another benefit of taking classes from an accredited school is that they will often provide some assistance with finances while enrolled in their program–this can include scholarships and grants
How to become a private investigator in florida
Step 1: Meet the minimum qualifications.
In order to be eligible to apply for a license as a private investigator in the state of Florida, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- You have 2 years of full-time experience as an investigator in the past 5 years.
- You have 2 years of full-time experience as a law enforcement officer in the past 5 years.
Step 2: Complete an approved pre-licensing investigative course.
If you want to become a licensed private investigator in Florida, you must first complete an approved pre-licensing investigative course. You can find the list of approved courses here: http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/propercourses/. The requirements for these courses vary by provider and by location, but they are typically between 40 and 50 hours long.
Step 3: Take and pass the licensing examination.
- The test is made up of 100 questions in multiple choice format.
- Topics covered in the exam include: ethics, surveillance techniques/procedures, Florida statutes and rules governing private investigators and security guards, criminal law, domestic relations law (when you’re working as a private investigator), civil procedure, criminal procedure, torts (if you work as a security guard), patrol duties (for private investigators), traffic laws and accident reporting procedures.
- You can take the test at one of six locations across the state.
- You must pass with a score of 70% or better to become licensed; however it’s recommended that prospective applicants study for at least four to six weeks in advance.
Step 4: Submit a Private Investigator Internship application and include specified documentation.
You will be required to submit an application and the following documentation:
- Proof of Insurance: This is a copy of the insurance policy for your business.
- Applicable fees: The fee is based on the number of hours you wish to have covered by your bond.
Step 5: Pass a background check.
After you pass your exam, you’ll be notified by mail if you’re approved to take the next test. If not, it’s time to apply again in two years.
To verify the accuracy of all information on your application and ensure that no past convictions have arisen from a criminal investigation, Florida requires all applicants for licensing or certification as a private investigator to submit fingerprints and undergo state and FBI background checks. This is a mandatory requirement for all license/certification applications submitted electronically (as opposed to paper applications). Your fingerprints will be reviewed by FDLE who will determine if any disqualifying offenses have occurred during the last 10 years.
Step 6: Submit your application for licensure to Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
In Florida, you must apply for licensure with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The application and all required documentation can be found on their website.
Once you have submitted your application along with all required documentation, FDACS will process it within 90 days. You will receive email updates so that you are aware of the status of your application throughout this period.
Step 7: Obtain insurance coverage pursuant to Florida law, which requires private investigators to carry $100,000 in property damage coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, and $1 million in general liability.
- Obtain insurance coverage pursuant to Florida law, which requires private investigators to carry $100,000 in property damage coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, and $1 million in general liability.
For more information on how to obtain the proper insurance coverage for your business as a private investigator in Florida or if you are having trouble obtaining such insurance due to your bad credit score or lack of personal assets like savings accounts or real estate investments that would help demonstrate financial stability (and therefore increase your chances of being approved for an investigation agency license), contact us today at (888) 349-9964 and one of our representatives can help explain the process.
Step 8: Receive your license and begin working as a private investigator in Florida.
Once you have passed all of the necessary tests and completed the rest of your training, it’s time to complete the application process. Florida requires that all applicants submit two copies of their fingerprints along with their completed application form, which can be found on the Florida Department of Agriculture website.
Once you receive confirmation that your application has been processed and approved by the state, you will then be issued your private investigator license through mail in about 90 days. Keep a copy of this license with you at all times while working as an investigator in Florida and keep it in a place where you can easily access it when needed.
It is important for prospective PIs to find out what renewal requirements are for their state so they know how often they need to renew their licenses or if there are any other requirements (such as continuing education) after receiving them initially
