Do I need a reason to hire a private investigator?

You should have a legitimate purpose — such as infidelity, a custody matter, a background check, or locating a person or asset. A licensed firm will decline work with an unlawful intent.

Can a PI legally follow someone in Florida?

Yes — observing and documenting a person in public places is legal. Investigators cannot trespass onto private property or use illegal surveillance methods.

Is evidence from a PI usable in court?

When gathered lawfully by a licensed investigator with proper documentation, yes. That is precisely why how the evidence is collected is so important.

How do I confirm a PI is licensed?

Ask for their Florida license and verify it through FDACS. A reputable investigator will provide it without hesitation.

Is It Legal to Hire a Private Investigator in Florida?

Private investigators are licensed by the state

In Florida, private investigators and agencies are licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 493 of the Florida Statutes. Licensing requires background screening, experience, and insurance — which is exactly why hiring a licensed investigator protects you.

What a licensed PI can legally do

A professional investigator has broad, lawful tools to find the truth:

Conduct surveillance and document a person's activities in public places
Research public records — court filings, property, liens, business records
Perform background investigations within legal limits
Locate people and assets, and serve as a fact witness in court
Gather court-admissible photos, video, and written reports

What a PI cannot legally do

A legitimate investigator will never cross these lines — and you should be wary of anyone who offers to:

Wiretap or record private calls illegally (Florida is a two-party consent state)
Trespass or place hidden cameras inside a private home
Attach a GPS tracker to a vehicle they have no legal right to
Impersonate law enforcement or a government official
Obtain protected financial or phone records through pretexting

Evidence obtained illegally is not just unusable — it can expose you to liability. That is the core reason to hire a licensed professional.

Why admissibility matters

If your situation could end up in court — a divorce, custody dispute, or civil claim — the value of an investigation lives or dies on whether the evidence is admissible. A licensed investigator documents findings with a clear chain of custody and can testify to how they were obtained, so your evidence stands up when it counts.