In Florida, the statute governing private investigators is Chapter 493. Like in Florida, many states, allow the words “private investigator” and “private detective” to be interchangeable, but in some states there actually is a difference in their accepted meaning.

To further clarify and summarize requirements and titles, Florida offers the public a private investigator handbook. This will update investigators and civilians alike on the current laws and regulations.

Historically, the profession of non-law enforcement investigations started back with Pinkerton in the late 1800’s. Historically the term “private detective” was the formal name or title used, and the company they worked for was called a “detective agency.”

Starting around 1960, many states did not want the public to confuse a private detective with that of a police detective. There has been a trend amongst many state licensing authorities and state investigative associations to use the title “private investigator” as compared to “private detective”. In fact, many have actually taken legal steps to stop using the “detective” title.

No. Private investigators do not have police powers, and in most cases, private investigators do not have any more power than the average citizen does.

A Private Investigator is typically hired by businesses, law firms or individuals to obtain specific fact-based information to help them make more informed decisions. Investigators find facts, identify risks, provide peace of mind and help you see the big picture.

Private Investigators get their information from a wide number of sources, including investigative databases, court records, human intelligence, surveillance, confidential sources and social networks. Tip: Most of the information a private investigator can get is publicly available; you just need to know where to look.