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Private Investigator
Total cost: $167 | Training: 40 hours
Governing Authority
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing
Official website →Yes
License Required?
2 yrs
Experience (Years)
Yes
Exam Required?
$167
Total Initial Fees
No
Bond Required?
Available
Armed Endorsement
Get the Florida Private Investigator Roadmap — every step, fee, and deadline mapped out. — every step mapped out.
Get the Roadmap — $20You must be at least 18 years old. Florida requires state-level licensure for private investigators. Two-tier system: CC (intern) → C (full). Regulated by Dept of Agriculture. CC needs sponsorship by C/M/MA licensee.
Florida requires 2 years of investigative experience. Class CC (intern): 40-hr training, no prior exp required. Class C: 2 yrs full-time investigative exp (can include CC internship, college coursework in CJ/criminology, related fields). Law enforcement equivalency: 2 years law enforcement investigative experience qualifies. Military equivalency: 2 years military investigative experience qualifies.
CC: 40-hr approved course. C: college coursework in CJ/criminology can count toward exp. No degree required.. Complete 40 hours of required training. 40-hour Class CC/C training course from licensed school
Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Disqualifying offenses include: Felony conviction (unless civil rights restored), Adjudication of guilt for certain misdemeanors.
Pass the Florida private investigator licensing exam. Administered by: FDACS (state exam — Class C only). Passing score: 70%. Topics: Chapter 493 Florida Statutes, Investigation techniques, Florida law, Ethics.
Submit your application to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing. Application fee: $50. License fee: $75. Total initial fees: $167.
Renew your license every 2 yrs (C, CC, G, M, MA). 3 yrs (A, AA, AB, K)..
Available License Categories
VerifiedFlorida requires state-level licensure for private investigators. Two-tier system: CC (intern) → C (full). Regulated by Dept of Agriculture. CC needs sponsorship by C/M/MA licensee.
Class C Private Investigator
Individual PI license (requires 2 yrs exp + exam)
Class CC Private Investigator Intern
Intern license under supervision (40-hr training, no prior exp). Must be sponsored by C/M/MA licensee.
Class A Private Investigative Agency
Agency license (manager must hold Class C or equivalent)
Class G Statewide Firearms License
Armed carry endorsement (separate license)
Required Experience
Verified2 years
Years of Experience
Details
Class CC (intern): 40-hr training, no prior exp required. Class C: 2 yrs full-time investigative exp (can include CC internship, college coursework in CJ/criminology, related fields).
Law Enforcement Equivalency
2 years law enforcement investigative experience qualifies
Military Equivalency
2 years military investigative experience qualifies
Private investigator experience requirements often include work in law enforcement, military intelligence, legal investigations, or supervised work under a licensed PI.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
State Exam
70%
Passing Score
Exam Provider
FDACS (state exam — Class C only)
Exam Topics
Retake Policy
May retake after 30 days
Overall licensing difficulty: 7/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Minimum Age
18 years old
Background Check
VerifiedRequired
Criminal Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Required
Moral Character
Disqualifying Offenses
Surety Bond
VerifiedNot Required
Bond
Insurance
VerifiedNot Required
General Liability
Not Required
Errors & Omissions
Not sure if you need a private investigator license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
License Fee | $75 |
Total Initial Fees Class C: $50 app + $75 license + $42 fingerprint | $167 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 yrs (C, CC, G, M, MA). 3 yrs (A, AA, AB, K).
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
Regulatory Board
Private investigator licenses must be renewed on schedule. Some states require continuing education covering legal updates, ethics, and investigative techniques.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Florida does not have formal reciprocity; out-of-state experience may count toward requirements. Reciprocity with AL and CA for experience credit.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Private investigator license reciprocity varies by state. Some states offer endorsement for experienced PIs, while others require passing the state exam regardless of prior credentials.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Florida with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Firearm Carry Endorsement
VerifiedAvailable
Armed Endorsement
Required
Firearm Permit
28 hrs
Additional Training
Firearm Qualification
28-hour Class G Statewide Firearms License course
Requalification Period
Every 2 years
Armed endorsements typically require additional background checks, firearm training, and periodic requalification at an approved range.
Florida uses a unique class system: Class A (agency), Class C (individual PI), Class CC (intern), Class G (armed). The 40-hour mandatory training is distinctive. Regulated by the Dept of Agriculture rather than law enforcement. No bond or insurance requirement for individual PIs. Low initial fees ($167). Reciprocity with AL and CA.
Two-tier system: CC (intern) → C (full PI). CC needs sponsorship by C/M/MA licensee.
Regulated by Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), not law enforcement.
40-hour mandatory training course required.
Class G Statewide Firearms License required for armed carry (separate 28-hr course).
No bond or insurance requirement for individual PIs.
Relatively low fees compared to other states ($167 total initial).
Reciprocity with AL and CA for experience credit.
License terms vary by class: 2 yrs (C, CC, G, M, MA), 3 yrs (A, AA, AB, K).
Private Investigator requirements in nearby states
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Private Investigator Schools in Florida
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Florida? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Private Investigator license to Florida →
Florida requires a state-level PI license. 2 years of experience are required. All licensing is managed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing.
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.