How to become a private investigator in Florida
Florida private investigators are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed private investigator in Florida, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a private investigator in Florida?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen, legal resident alien or work-authorized by USCIS
- No disqualifying criminal history
Florida private investigator license requirements
| State license | Yes. Florida requires a Class C license for private investigators; newcomers can work as Class CC interns under a sponsor. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Licensing |
| License name | Class C Private Investigator License |
| Education or training | Criminal justice coursework or government law enforcement training may count for up to one of the two required years. |
| Experience | 2 years of lawfully gained, verifiable, full-time experience; coursework or law enforcement training counts for up to 1 year, and Class CC intern time counts. |
| Exam | Pass the Chapter 493 exam through Everblue (online or in person) before applying; exam fee $70. |
| License term | 2 years (biennial renewal, s. 493.6113, F.S.). |
How much does it cost?
| Application fee | $50 |
|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $75 |
| Fingerprint processing | $42 |
| Fingerprint retention | $10.75 |
| Total new application | $177.75 |
| Exam (paid to Everblue) | $70 |
| Renewal license fee | $75 |
| Renewal fingerprint retention | $16.75 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a private investigator in Florida
- Build 2 years of qualifying experience, often as a Class CC intern
- Document it on the Affidavit of Experience (form 16023)
- Pass the Everblue exam
- Get fingerprinted
- Submit form 16018 with $177.75 to a regional office or by mail
- Renew every 2 years
Apply on the official Florida site
How do you check a private investigator's license in Florida?
- Search the name or license number on the official Florida private investigator license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.