What Is a Private Investigator?
Private investigators are individuals who are hired to investigate civil, criminal, financial, or other personal matters. They acquire information and evidence for their investigations by utilizing methods such as researching, interviewing, and surveilling places or individuals. Private investigators are often hired by individual civilians or organizations. They can also work alongside law enforcement officials to assist in investigating criminal matters.
What Requirements Must Be Met to Become a Private Investigator?
A large majority of states in the U.S. require private investigators to obtain a license in order to practice this line of work. For states that do not require licensure, it is often required at the local level. Florida is a state that maintains license requirements for private investigators and private investigative agencies. In accordance with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, below is an explanation of state licensure requirements, which depend on the role of the private investigator or agency.
What Is a Class “A” License?
An individual who works as a private investigator, or an organization or company engaging in business as a private investigative agency, must obtain a Class “A” Private Investigative Agency license with the state of Florida. Further, if the private investigative agency has more than one location, each Class “A” license is valid for only one location.
To be eligible for a Class “A” license, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen or legal resident, the applicant must be authorized to own and operate the private investigative agency by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
What Is a Class “C” License?
In addition to a Class “A” license, to work as a private investigator in Florida, a Class “C” Private Investigator license is required. To be eligible for a Class “C” license, the applicant must also be at least 18 years of age and must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen or legal resident, the applicant must be authorized to own and operate the private investigative agency by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
To be eligible for a Class “C” license, the applicant must have two years of full-time experience. This experience can be obtained through a combination of the below:
- Private investigative work or related work that produced equivalent experience or training;
- College coursework relating to criminal justice, criminology, or law enforcement administration, or completion of law enforcement-related training through a federal, state, county, or municipal agency. However, no more than one year may be used from this category; and
- Work as a Class “CC” licensed private investigator intern. This internship must be completed at a licensed private investigative agency.
To qualify for a Class “C” license, the applicant must also pass an examination covering private investigative work and legal responsibilities, which must be passed prior to applying for the license.
What Is a Class “CC” License?
A Class “CC” Private Investigator Intern license is required for an individual performing private investigative work under the supervision of a designated, sponsoring Class “C” or Class “MA” licensee.
To be eligible for a Class “CC” license, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen or legal resident, the applicant must be authorized to work in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
To apply for a Class “CC” license, the applicant is required to submit proof of completion of at least 40 hours of professional training pertaining to investigation and Chapter 493, Florida Statutes, through an educational institution under the purview of the Florida Department of Education.
What Is a Class “MA” License?
A Class “MA” Private Investigative Agency Manager license is required for an individual to perform work as a manager of a Class “A” private investigative agency or branch office. However, if an individual holds a Class “C” license and is designated as the manager, then a Class “MA” license is not required.
To be eligible for a Class “MA” License, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen or legal resident, the applicant must be authorized to work in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
To qualify for a Class “MA” license, the applicant must have two years of full-time experience or training in:
- Private investigative work or related work that produced equivalent experience or training;
- Work as a Class “CC” licensed private investigator intern;
- A combination of the above experience;
- College coursework relating to criminal justice, criminology, or law enforcement administration, or completion of any law enforcement-related training obtained from a federal, state, county, or municipal agency. However, no more than one year may be used from this category;
- One year of experience in private investigative work, related work, or work as a Class “CC” licensed private investigator intern, and one year of managerial or supervisory work; or
- Relevant military training or education obtained during service for the U.S. military.
