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Are you someone who enjoys investigating challenging topics and being helpful in high-stakes situations?
Perhaps you even enjoy performing research.
If this sounds like you, becoming a private investigator may be an ideal career path.
If you live in Florida, this guide is for you.
You will learn all the steps that you should take to earn your private investigator’s license in Florida.
You will also learn about various schools in Florida that offer PI programs.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Florida-Step by Step
Here are some steps you can follow if you are interested in becoming a PI in Florida:
Step 1: Meet Basic License Requirements
Before pursuing any licensing to work as a private investigator in Florida, you should make sure you are qualified by reviewing the basic requirements.
The state of Florida does have basic requirements you must meet to acquire a license.
You must have the following basic credentials:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Possess a good moral character
- Have a clear criminal history
- Have no mental illness history
- Have no history of drug or alcohol use
- Have at least two years of experience
Step 2: Complete a Training Program
The next step in the process of becoming a private investigator in Florida is to enroll in a training program.
You should enroll in at least 40 hours of training.
You have the option to either enroll in a program through a college or university or an independent training program.
Most people choose to complete their training by earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
By doing so, you will gain a deeper understanding of this industry and even gain a network full of opportunities.
With independent programs, you could earn a certificate that would allow you to receive your license.
Step 3: Seek Entry-Level Employment
Whether you use this next step to seek entry-level employment or an internship is up to you.
Some candidates take this opportunity to work with a detective or private investigation agency, while others head in the direction of internships.
This will allow you to gain experience uncovering evidence, observing subjects, and gathering documentation.
Additionally, if you are interested in focusing on a specialized area of private investigation, including crisis intervention or fraud, you can find an agency that focuses on these cases.
Step 4: Apply for a Class CC PI Intern License
While this step is optional, once you have completed 40 hours of training, you will be eligible to apply for a Class CC PI Intern license.
This is considered an entry-level license for private investigators still in training in the state of Florida.
If you have plans to perform investigative duties as a PI, this may be a good license to apply for.
To acquire this license, you must submit an application, proof of education, and a letter of intent from your sponsor.
Step 5: Gain Experience
You can easily become a licensed Class C PI just by gaining at least two years of experience in the industry.
Most candidates acquire this experience by working for law enforcement agencies, private investigative agencies, or even government agencies.
If you earned a Class CC PI Intern license, that will also count towards qualifying experience.
This, along with one year of training from a government agency or criminal justice-related college coursework, should be sufficient.
Step 6: Take the Florida State Exam
The state license exam in Florida is a requirement for anyone interested in becoming a PI.
The exam can only be taken by appointment and will take at least 90 minutes to complete.
The exam covers Florida investigation laws and PI work.
You will answer questions about administrative codes and other related matters.
To prepare for this exam, you can take a preparation course.
The good news is that if you possess a Class CC PI Intern license or have obtained one in the past year, you won’t have to take this exam.
Step 7: Apply for a Class C PI License
Once you have successfully passed the state PI exam, you can then apply for your license.
You must apply to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Along with your application, you will need to show proof of training, fingerprints, your passing exam score, a passport-sized photo, and experience showing your work background.
Step 8: Find Work as a Private Investigator
Once you receive your license, you can then start working as a private investigator.
That is, of course, after you’ve found a job.
You have the option of pursuing full-time or part-time work with an agency.
You can also start your agency and earn a Class MA or Class M management license.
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Request InformationSponsored1 Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville has a reputation for being one of the most influential colleges in the state.
They offer 13 bachelor’s degree programs, 45 associate degree programs, and over 100 technical certificates.
They offer online courses, traditional classes, and hybrid programs to meet the needs of all students.
Program Description
The private investigator course here at Florida State College at Jacksonville prepares students by teaching them the necessary skills needed to apply for a license.
Students will learn about report writing, courtroom practice and demeanor, equipment needed for private investigation, legal issues, surveillance, evidence, and more.
Cost
The cost of this program is $299.
The program is considered an investigator intern program.
Part I of the program is 24 hours, while Part II is 16 hours.
This equals a total of 40 hours of training.
Contact Information
- Address: 101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States
- Phone: +1 904-633-8100
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College has a reputation for being one of the most diverse colleges in the country.
There are a total of eight campuses that make up the school.
They offer various degree programs, certificates, and apprenticeships.
Since they opened their doors in 1960, they have admitted more than 2.5 million students.
Program Description
The PI program at Miami Dade prepares students for employment as a PI intern.
This program is available in both 16- and 24-contact-hour courses.
There are various areas of study, including surveillance, legal issues, liability, interviewing and truth verification, and professional ethics.
Cost
The cost to attend this program is $204.15 for residents and $555.59 for non-Florida residents.
The duration of this course is either 24 hours or 16 hours of training, as required by the state.
Contact Information
- Address: 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132
- Phone: +1 305-237-8888
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College has been around since 1968 and is known as the fifth-largest community college in the state of Florida.
They serve over 45,000 students every year and have a total of five campuses.
They offer over 200 academic programs, including bachelor’s, associate’s, and certificate programs.
Program Description
The course/program offered at Hillsborough Community College for aspiring private investigators is a 24-hour or 16-hour course.
It is considered a private investigator intern license class.
For students to pass this course, they must complete two written exams to receive a certificate.
This program is considered the first step in the process of becoming a private investigator in Florida.
Cost
The cost of this course is $162 for in-state residents and $475.48 for out-of-state residents.
Contact Information
- Address: 1206 N Park Rd, Plant City, FL 33563
- Phone: 813-253-7000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Florida State College at Jacksonville |
| #2 | Miami Dade College |
| #3 | Hillsborough Community College |
Private Investigator Salary Information
The annual salary for private investigators in the state of Florida is $49,492.
However, the typical range can fall anywhere between $39,902 and $59,702.
The exact salary one earns depends on their experience, skills, certification, and more.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$39.9K |
|
$49.3K |
|
$59.6K |
Average Salary in Florida
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Boca Raton | $50,802 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $50,102 |
| Melbourne | $47,402 |
| Miami | $50,102 |
| Orlando | $49,202 |
| Tallahassee | $46,702 |
| Hollywood | $50,102 |
| Pembroke Pines | $49,802 |
| Saint Petersburg | $49,402 |
| Tampa | $49,402 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 110 | $57,580 | $27.68 | $93,450 | $35,570 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 70 | $52,210 | $25.1 | $79,120 | $35,360 |
| Gainesville, FL | 40 | $57,900 | $27.84 | $80,130 | $31,710 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 250 | $66,510 | $31.98 | $107,890 | $38,700 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 90 | $57,510 | $27.65 | $89,670 | $34,280 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 1,280 | $66,080 | $31.77 | $115,420 | $35,130 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 90 | $58,100 | $27.93 | $83,760 | $37,980 |
| Ocala, FL | 40 | $60,930 | $29.29 | $104,910 | $34,280 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 390 | $60,700 | $29.18 | $87,990 | $36,420 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 60 | $60,520 | $29.1 | $102,810 | $34,500 |
| Panama City, FL | 40 | $50,040 | $24.06 | $60,880 | $36,740 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 60 | $56,290 | $27.06 | $83,080 | $35,160 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 90 | $56,920 | $27.37 | $77,310 | $34,790 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 660 | $57,610 | $27.7 | $85,220 | $35,000 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a private investigator in Florida?
In Florida, you will need to pay several fees to become a PI, including a $50 application fee, a $42 fingerprint fee, and a license fee of $450 once your application has been approved.
Can I be a PI in Florida if I have a felony?
Having a felony conviction in Florida can impact your eligibility to become a private investigator.
Typically, you won’t be able to apply for a license if you have been charged with any type of felony, are under arrest, or have been charged with a crime that is considered punishable by imprisonment.
What does the Florida private investigator exam cover?
The PI exam in Florida covers various sections of the laws in Florida that are related directly to business practices within the PI industry.
It also covers the legal duties of agencies and people who work in the field.
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