Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Florida Private Investigator
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Florida Private Investigator
Thinking about hiring a private investigator in Florida? Whether you’re dealing with a cheating spouse, a missing person, business fraud, or need background checks or surveillance, choosing the right investigator is critical to getting results.
At Nathans Investigations, we believe that informed clients get better outcomes. This guide covers the 17 most important questions to ask before hiring a Florida private investigator—so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
1. Are You Licensed in the State of Florida?
Always confirm that both the investigator and the agency are licensed in Florida. You can verify credentials through the Florida Division of Licensing.
✅ Ask to see:
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The investigator’s individual license
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The agency license
2. Do You Carry Liability Insurance?
Reputable Florida private investigators carry professional liability insurance. It protects both you and the investigator in case of unexpected situations.
3. How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
An experienced investigator is more likely to handle your case efficiently. Ask how long they’ve been working in Florida and what types of cases they’ve handled.
4. What Are Your Areas of Specialization?
Private investigators often focus on specific areas such as:
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Missing persons
Make sure they have relevant experience with your case type.
5. Where Is Your Office Located in Florida?
Many investigators operate from private offices or home-based setups. What matters most is accessibility and proper Florida licensing—not a physical storefront.
6. Can You Provide References or Testimonials?
A trustworthy private investigator in Florida should have:
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Professional references
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Case success stories (without breaching confidentiality)
Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or industry platforms.
7. How Do You Handle Client Confidentiality?
Florida law requires PIs to protect your privacy. Ask:
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How is your case information stored?
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Who has access to it?
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What happens after the case ends?
8. Will the Subject Know They’re Being Investigated?
In most cases, investigations are conducted discreetly. However, some legal matters (like employment screenings) may require disclosure. Clarify this upfront.
9. How Will You Communicate With Me?
You should know how often and through what methods the investigator will update you:
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Phone calls
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Secure emails
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Encrypted messaging apps
10. How Frequently Will I Receive Updates?
Some investigators provide daily updates; others report weekly or when key developments occur. Set expectations before the case begins.
11. Will I Receive a Final Report?
Most Florida PIs provide:
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Written reports
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Photos or video evidence
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Summaries of findings
These are often essential for legal proceedings or personal decisions.
12. Do You Operate Legally and Ethically?
This is non-negotiable. Illegal surveillance or data collection can jeopardize your case. Ensure they follow all Florida statutes and PI laws.
13. Will You Testify in Court If Needed?
If your case could result in legal action, ask if the investigator is:
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Willing to testify
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Experienced with court procedures
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Familiar with writing court-admissible reports
14. What Happens If You’re Spotted During Surveillance?
Even skilled PIs can be noticed. Ask how they handle being approached or discovered during field work—and whether they have a backup plan.
15. Do You Use Contracts or Service Agreements?
Every Florida PI should provide a written contract that clearly outlines:
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Services provided
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Fees and billing terms
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Confidentiality agreement
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Your rights and responsibilities
16. What Are Your Rates and Do You Require a Retainer?
Ask for:
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Hourly rates
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Mileage and equipment fees
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Minimum hours per day
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Retainer amount (if any)
This avoids misunderstandings and helps you budget properly.
17. Can You Guarantee Results?
No honest private investigator will guarantee results. Their job is to gather facts and present the truth—whatever it may be.
At Nathans Investigations, we promise professionalism, discretion, and thorough investigative work—not promises we can’t keep.
🔎 Final Thoughts: Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Choosing a licensed private investigator in Florida is a big decision. These 17 questions will help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure legal compliance, and give you the confidence that your case is in good hands.
If you’re ready to speak with a trusted Miami private investigator, contact Nathans Investigations today. We provide free, confidential consultations and serve clients across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and all of Florida.