In Florida, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates private investigators and private investigative agencies. Florida regulates the private investigative profession to ensure the public’s interests are protected. Hiring a licensed private investigator helps ensure you are engaging a business that has passed all the licensing requirements in Florida.

Things you should know before you sign a contract with an agency in Florida:

• Check with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to see if there have been any sustained complaints or disciplinary action taken against the agency or its investigators.

• Always ask to see the investigative agency’s license.

• When you meet with the investigator, you should always ask to see their license.

• You should ask to see any professional certifications the private investigator says they have.

• Read the service agreement before you sign it. If something is unclear or you have any uncertainties, ask the representative for clarification.

• Make sure you understand the financial arrangements of the service agreement (retainer, hourly fee, expedite fee, refund policy, or any other itemized fee schedule)

• Make certain you understand what you are entitled to when the case is complete, such as case report, documents, photographs, and videos.