How to Start a Private Investigation Business in Florida (2026)

Last updated: February 23, 2026

Florida is one of the most heavily regulated states for private investigation, and for good reason – PIs have access to sensitive information and operate in situations that require professional standards. Unlike many businesses you can start with just a local permit, becoming a licensed PI in Florida requires passing a state exam, meeting experience requirements, and obtaining multiple licenses from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

This guide covers every license, fee, and requirement to legally start and operate a private investigation business in Florida – from your first intern license through launching your own agency. The licensing process takes time, but the requirements are clear once you know the path.

Private Investigator Requirements in Florida at a Glance

How to Start a Private Investigation Business in Florida (Step by Step)

Step 1: Meet the Experience Requirement (2 Years)

Before you can become a licensed PI in Florida, you need 2 years of lawfully gained, verifiable, full-time investigative experience. This is the most significant barrier to entry and it cannot be skipped.

Qualifying experience includes:

• PI intern work – Working under a Class CC intern license at a licensed Class A agency
• Law enforcement – Time as a sworn law enforcement officer
• Military – Relevant military investigative training or experience
• College coursework – Criminal justice, criminology, or law enforcement administration from an accredited institution (counts for a maximum of 1 year of the 2-year requirement)
• Related investigative fields – Insurance investigation, loss prevention, or similar work that provides equivalent experience

The Intern Path (Class CC License)

If you’re starting from scratch with no qualifying background, your path begins with a Class CC Private Investigator Intern license:

• Training: Complete 40 hours of professional training through an FDACS-approved institution
• Sponsorship: Must be sponsored by a licensed PI (Class C, M, or MA). You’ll need a “Letter of Intent to Sponsor” with your application
• Cost: $162.75 (application + fingerprints + license fee) plus training costs (~$200-$500)
• No exam required for the intern license
• Work under supervision at a licensed agency for 2 years to accumulate qualifying experience

Step 2: Pass the State PI Exam

Once you have qualifying experience, you must pass the FDACS state examination before applying for your Class C license.

• Exam content: Florida Statutes sections 493.6100-493.6203 and 493.6301(5)
• Administered by: Everblue (third-party testing company)
• Availability: Online 24/7/365 or in-person at Everblue facilities
• Cost: $70 (paid directly to Everblue)
• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Results: Displayed immediately after submission

Study tip: The exam is entirely based on Chapter 493 of the Florida Statutes. Read the statutes thoroughly – the questions come directly from the law.

Step 3: Get Your Class C Private Investigator License

After passing the exam, apply for your individual PI license through FDACS Division of Licensing.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• U.S. citizen, legal resident alien, or authorized to work by DHS
• Submit fingerprints for FDLE and FBI background check
• Passport-type color photograph taken within the last 6 months
• No disqualifying criminal history (felony convictions result in denial until 3 years after final release from supervision)

Important: A Class C license alone only authorizes you to work as an employee of a licensed agency. To operate your own PI business, you also need a Class A agency license (Step 5).

Step 4: Form Your Florida LLC

File your Articles of Organization online at Sunbiz.org. Total cost: $125 ($100 filing fee + $25 registered agent fee). Processing takes 3-5 business days.

Then apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) at IRS.gov (immediate online).

Note: You can operate a PI agency as a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation. An LLC is recommended for liability protection.

Step 5: Obtain Your Class A Agency License

The Class A Private Investigative Agency license is what authorizes you to operate a PI business in Florida. Every PI business – even a solo operation – needs this license.

Key requirements:

• Designated manager: Each agency must designate at least one licensed individual (Class C, M, or MA) to manage operations. If you hold a Class C license, you can serve as your own manager.
• Location-specific: One Class A license per physical location. Branch offices require a separate Class AA license.
• Renewal: Every 3 years at $450

Step 6: Get Local Permits, Insurance, and Optional Licenses

County Business Tax Receipt

Apply at your county Tax Collector’s office. Cost: $25-$150 depending on your county. If within city limits, you may need a city business tax receipt as well. Annual renewal.

General Liability Insurance

Florida does not legally require general liability insurance for PI agencies (that requirement applies only to Class B security agencies under F.S. 493.6110). However, insurance is practically essential – most clients require proof of coverage, and operating without it exposes you to significant personal risk.

• Recommended coverage: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate
• Average cost: $500-$2,000/year depending on services and coverage limits

Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance

E&O insurance protects against claims of negligence, incorrect findings, or failure to deliver promised services. Highly recommended for PI work given the sensitive nature of investigations.

Class G Statewide Firearm License (Optional)

Required only if you carry a firearm while performing PI duties.

• Prerequisite: Must hold a Class CC, C, M, or MA license and be employed by a licensed agency
• Training: 28 hours total (12 hours legal, 8-11 hours safety/mechanics, 8 hours firearms qualification with 144 rounds)
• Cost: $150 license fee + training costs
• Renewal: Every 2 years, requires 4 hours of annual requalification training including 48-round qualification

Cost to Start a Private Investigation Business in Florida

Solo PI Agency (Starting from Scratch)

With Qualifying Experience (Skip Intern Stage)

If you already have 2 years of qualifying experience from law enforcement, military, or related investigative work:

Military veterans: FDACS waives initial application and license fees for veterans who apply within 24 months of discharge. Include a copy of your DD-214 with your application.

Ongoing Renewal Costs

Late renewal warning: If you miss a renewal deadline, the late fee equals your original license fee (effectively doubling the cost). Licenses cannot be renewed more than 3 months after expiration – after that, you must submit a new application.

What Private Investigators Cannot Do in Florida

Florida Statutes 493.6118 and 493.6119 set clear boundaries on PI conduct:

• Cannot impersonate law enforcement through uniform, badge, credentials, or flashing lights
• Cannot use force except in lawful self-defense
• Cannot divulge investigation contents to anyone other than the client (without written consent)
• Cannot solicit business for attorneys in exchange for compensation
• Cannot use a business name not approved by FDACS
• Cannot employ unlicensed persons to perform licensed PI activities
• Cannot install tracking devices in violation of state law
• Must carry ID card and license while on duty
• Must report arrests to employer within 3 calendar days

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a licensed PI in Florida?

If starting from scratch, plan on at least 2 years. You’ll spend that time working as a Class CC intern under a licensed PI to accumulate the required experience. After that, the exam and license application process takes a few weeks. If you already have qualifying experience from law enforcement, military, or related fields, you can apply for the Class C exam immediately.

Can I be a PI without working for someone else first?

Only if you already have qualifying experience. The 2-year experience requirement can be met through law enforcement, military investigative work, or up to 1 year of college coursework in criminal justice (combined with at least 1 year of practical experience). Without any qualifying background, you must work as a Class CC intern at a licensed agency first.

What’s the difference between a Class C and Class A license?

A Class C is your individual PI license – it authorizes you to perform investigative work. A Class A is the agency license – it authorizes you to operate a PI business. To run your own PI business, you need both. A Class C alone only lets you work as an employee of someone else’s agency.

Is insurance required for PI agencies in Florida?

Not legally. Florida Statute 493.6110 requires $300,000 combined single-limit commercial general liability insurance for Class B (security) agencies, but this requirement does not apply to Class A (PI) agencies. However, operating without insurance is risky and most clients require proof of coverage.

Do I need a firearm license to be a PI in Florida?

Only if you carry a firearm while working. The Class G Statewide Firearm License costs $150 and requires 28 hours of training (legal, safety, and firearms qualification). Many PIs choose not to carry and do not need the Class G license.

How much does it cost to start a PI business in Florida?

If starting from scratch (intern path), expect $4,300-$10,200 including all licenses, LLC formation, insurance, and basic equipment. If you already have qualifying experience, the cost drops to approximately $3,940-$9,570. Military veterans may qualify for fee waivers on FDACS license fees.