Learn what it takes to become licensed to practice private investigation in any state, including education, experience, and other qualifications. Show
More than 40 states and the District of Columbia require private investigators (PIs) to become licensed before providing private investigation services to the public. In a handful of states, licenses are required only at the city or county level. Licenses for PIs are regulated through a mix of professional boards, state police departments, and other state agencies. While there is no central designation for the profession, the requirements generally include: Candidates who meet the requirements may apply for licensure through the appropriate agency. Consult our comprehensive state-by-state guide to find the specific requirements and application process in your state, located to your right. In states that license PIs, weapon regulations vary widely. Many states charge a higher license fee for armed investigators. In many cases, PIs are subject to the same weapon requirements as other state residents, while others grant special carry rights to licensed investigators. A few states actually impose extra restrictions on private investigators. Application fees for private investigators cover a very broad range from as low as $15 in Maryland to $1,450 in Connecticut. In addition, most states include bond requirements, with the most common individual bond requirement being $10,000. A few states have reciprocal licensing agreements that allow currently licensed private investigators to work in the state. Most states allow investigators to work across state lines for a limited period of time, generally less than a month. In these cases, the investigation must be initiated in the investigator's home state. The investigator is prohibited from soliciting business while in another state and from establishing a business or setting up residence while conducting an investigation in that state. Most individual private investigator licenses must be renewed periodically, usually every one to two years. State fees also vary, from as low as $10 in Maryland to $500 in Nevada. Keeping up with state licensing requirements, tracking renewals, and submitting applications on time is critical to avoiding penalties. With proactive license management from Harbor Compliance, you can ensure continuous compliance wherever your next lead takes you. Contact a Compliance Specialist today to help your private investigations firm navigate licensure and certification in your state.
Alabama
Alaska
Colorado
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Nebraska
Nevada
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Wyoming
Key Terms Firearm Qualification - An additional qualification attached to license applications for armed private investigators. Private Investigator Apprentice - Apprentices are issued limited licenses and can only operate under the direction of a licensed investigator. Qualified Representative - A licensed private investigator who is responsible for the operation and management of an investigative agency. Reciprocity - When a private investigator is allowed to do business in a different state under the license issued by their home state. Industry Resources National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS) United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI) What are the requirements to be a private investigator?High school diploma or equivalentPrivate investigator / Entry level educationnull
How much is a private investigator in Florida?How much a private investigator costs in Florida depends on various factors. While your private investigator may charge an hourly rate, they also may not. For basic services, you should expect to pay around $75-$125 an hour. If specialized services are needed, it may be $150-$350 an hour.
Who licenses private investigators in Florida?The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) licenses and regulates private investigative firms and individuals in Florida in accordance with Chapter 493, Florida Statutes (F.S.).
How much do PIs make in Florida?The average salary for a private investigator in Florida is $40,000 per year. Private investigator salaries in Florida can vary between $17,500 to $68,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
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