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Verified by FL Board of Business

Private Investigator Licensing in Florida

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for private investigator in Florida, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Private Investigator in Florida

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    FL Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services • Division of Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $48,880 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #28 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Florida eligibility requirements for Private Investigator licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to FL Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services~Division of Licensing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Florida

With a median salary of $48,880, Private Investigators in Florida earn 7% below the national median of $52,370. Florida ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,330

Median annual salary

$48,880

Hourly estimate

$23.50
7% below national median

Difference: -$3,490

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,580
  • P2525th percentile$37,920
  • P50Median$48,880
  • P7575th percentile$71,440
  • P9090th percentile$96,540

State vs National Median

State: $48,880
National: $52,370

Total employment: 3,780 | Annual openings: N/A

Private Investigator Salary Ranking

#28 of 50 statesfor Private Investigator median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Oregon$77,320
#2Maryland$74,360
#3Illinois$73,070
#4Minnesota$72,070
#5Connecticut$68,290

Nearby States Comparison

Private Investigator licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Florida$48,880Varies by state boardState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$44,590Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$47,180Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Florida68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

FL Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services • Division of Licensing

P. O. Box 6687, Tallahassee, Fl, 32314-6687

Phone: 8502455499

Related Careers in Florida

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$83,720No educational requirementsVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$50,170Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$78,470No educational requirementsVaries by board
Civil Engineer$97,810No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Private Investigator in Florida?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Private Investigators in Florida?

Florida lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Private Investigators.

What is the typical Private Investigator salary in Florida?

The median annual salary for Private Investigators in Florida is $48,880. Salaries range from $34,580 (10th percentile) to $96,540 (90th percentile).

How does the Private Investigator salary in Florida compare to the national average?

Private Investigators in Florida earn 7% below the national median of $52,370, with a state median of $48,880.

How many Private Investigators work in Florida?

Florida employs approximately 3,780 Private Investigators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Private Investigator license to Florida from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Private Investigators in Florida?

The licensing agency is FL Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services / Division of Licensing. Review agency details at https://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/.

How often do you renew a Private Investigator license in Florida?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.