Program Resources
- Division of Licensing Newsletters
- New Application Fee Schedule
- Renewal Fee Schedule
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for 493 License Renewals (2-Year License Period)
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for Class "K" License Renewals
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for New 493 Licensees (2-Year License Period)
- Fingerprint Retention Fee Information for New Class "K" Licensees
- How FDLE and DOL Handle Your Fingerprint Submission and Criminal History Information (Includes Privacy Statement from the FBI)
- Important Notice to Class "A" Private Investigative Agencies Regarding Standards for Reciprocity Agreements
- Questions and Answers About Chapter 493
- Questions and Answers About Private Investigation
- Search for a Licensee
- Submitting Fingerprints Electronically FAQ
Private Investigation Licenses
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.). Private investigators advertise or perform services for consideration as defined in Section 493.6101(17), F.S.
Exemptions
Those who are considered exempt from licensing include:
- "In-house" investigators who are solely, exclusively and regularly employed as an investigator in connection with the business of an employer who does not advertise or provide investigative services for a fee;
- Active law enforcement officers while engaged in their official duties;
- Insurance investigators or adjusters licensed by the Florida Department of Insurance;
- Those who exclusively furnish investigative information about the financial standing, habits and responsibilities of applicants for insurance, indemnity bonds or commercial credit;
- Attorneys in the regular practice of their profession;
- Banks, credit unions, loan companies and consumer credit reporting agencies;
- Persons holding professional licenses in Florida when providing expert advice in their professions; and
- Those providing investigative services solely and exclusively for any United States agency.
License Classifications
For Individuals
Type of License | Classification | Explanation | How to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Private Investigator | Class "C" | Any individual who performs the services of a private investigator must have a Class “C” license. | |
Private Investigator Intern | Class "CC" | Any individual who performs private investigative work as an intern under the direction and control of a designated, sponsoring Class “C” licensee or a designated, sponsoring Class “MA” or Class “M” licensee must have a Class “CC” license. | |
Statewide Firearm License | Class "G" | Only Class “C,” Class “CC,” Class “M” or Class “MA” licensees are permitted to bear a firearm, and any such licensee who bears a firearm must also have a Class “G” license. | |
Firearms Instructor | Class "K" | Any person who provides classroom and range instruction to applicants for Class “G” licensure must have a Class “K” license. | |
Private Investigative Agency Manager | Class "M" or "MA" | Any individual who performs the services of a manager for a Class "A" private investigative agency or branch office must have a Class "MA" license. A Class "C" or Class "M" licensee may be designated as the manager, in which case the Class "MA" license is not required. |
For Agencies
Type of License | Classification | Explanation | How to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Private Investigative Agency | Class "A" | Any person, firm, company, partnership or corporation that engages in business as a private investigative agency must have a Class “A” license. A Class “A” license is valid for only one location. | |
Private Investigative Agency Branch Office | Class "AA" | Each branch office of a Class “A” agency must have a Class “AA” license. | |
Private Investigative/Security Agency Branch Office | Class "AB" | If a person, firm, company, partnership or corporation holds both a Class “A” and Class “B” license, each additional or branch office must have a Class “AB” license. |
Private Investigation and Firearms
A private investigator or private investigator intern, age 21 years or older, who possesses a Class "G" Statewide Firearm license, may carry a concealed firearm when it is required by their duties and approved by the licensed employing agency.
Firearms are not permitted to be carried openly at any time.
No licensee may carry more than two firearms on their person when performing their duties.