What is a private investigator?
A private investigator is any individual or agency who, for consideration, advertises as providing or performs the following activities. Individuals or agencies providing or advertising as providing these services for consideration must be licensed.
- Subcontracting with the government to determine crimes or wrongs done or threatened against the United States
- Determining the identity, habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, reputation or character of any society, person, or group of persons
- The credibility of witnesses or other persons
- The whereabouts of missing persons, owners of abandoned or escheated property, or heirs to estates
- The location or recovery of lost or stolen property
- The causes or origin of fires, libels, slanders, losses, accidents, damage, or injuries to real or personal property
- Securing evidence to be used before investigating committees or boards of award or arbitration or trial of civil or criminal cases
Why shouldn't I just do my own investigation or have a friend or relative do it?
Doing your own investigation is an option, but is not recommended, because private investigation is a profession regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If you do the investigation yourself or have an unlicensed person do it for you, it may compromise the credibility of your case and violate state law. Also, if it is a case where you would have to testify in court you will have to explain your involvement in the investigation. In some instances by doing it yourself, especially surveillance, it may even be considered stalking or harassment. However, there are some things you can do yourself such as basic online background searches or court record searches. So it's kind of like cutting your own hair or repairing your own car, you may have the basic knowledge on how to do it and the tools, but if you want it done right, you are better off hiring a professional.
I just broke up with my boyfriend and he keeps texting me, calling me, and sending me letters telling me he loves me even after I told him to stop. Do you do offer protection or help someone get a restraining order for something like that?
No. We do not condone anyone to use the law or our services as a tool to break up with your boyfriend. If you are too immature to communicate as an adult with your boyfriend and except someone that might love you and establish a mature friendship then you need to grow up and get a psychiatrist and not a private investigator. There are too many women out there that are being victimized by men that do not love them and are being genuinely threatened or abused. We only protect and help those people that have documented or a potential real threat to their safety. Stalking is a serious crime, however too many women abuse the stalking law and jam up the courts and law enforcement with frivolous petitions for injunctions for protection(restraining orders) especially when it involves a recent break-up in which some women even lie about an incident so they can get a petition approved. However, should your boyfriend start to make threats to physically harm you, we will be glad to help.
Are you like that one T.V. show about cheaters?
Yes and no. Although we do infidelity investigations, we do not put the subject nor our clients in any uncomfortable situations. It may be great for ratings and marketing, but in our opinion it is very unprofessional and unnecessary to bring the client to confront the subject. It provokes and encourages assault & battery and domestic violence. All investigations are kept confidential and if you choose to confront your partner about infidelity, it is to your decision to do so in private.
What are your rates?
Our rates vary according to type, complexity, and length of service. We normally require a non-refundable retainer and additional hours may require an additional retainer. We charge from office to office and additional evidence and report preparation time. We may also charge mileage fees and any expenses required for the case (parking fees, meals, hotel stays, certified copies, etc.). Payments are non-refundable. Also, a 6% sales tax is added for services.
Is my case confidential?
Yes, we are bound by the law to keep all matters of the case confidential. (Section 493.6119, F.S.)
What do I need to do to start an investigation?
Call us toll free at (800) 909-0013 or fill out the Contact Form and provide a brief explanation of your situation. We will either email or call you (whichever you prefer) to explain the next steps, which require you to: complete an Investigative Worksheet, sign the Service Quote and Service Agreement (some supplemental paperwork required depending on the type of case), and remit your retainer.
Are you going to lose the subject during a surveillance?
Quite possibly. If you are shopping around for an investigator, don't be fooled by investigators that claim they have never lost a subject. Depending on the conditions and environment of the surveillance, many unfortunate things can happen, even with the most experienced investigator when following a subject. Then again, it might turn out to be a perfect surveillance. It is possible that our investigator could lose the subject due to weather or traffic conditions as we all know how Florida is. It is also possible that the subject is already aware of or is suspicious of a surveillance. The subject may be overly paranoid and will do erratic things to throw off a possible surveillance. Thus, we may feel that we need to temporarily stop the surveillance to prevent being revealed or keep out of unnecessary danger. Following a subject can be dangerous in many ways to both the investigator and the public, therefore we will not put ourselves or the public in danger when following a subject.
Do I still have to pay if you lose the subject during a surveillance?
Yes. But, you will only be charged for the surveillance up to the point that the subject was lost or surveillance was terminated.
Do I still have to pay if there are no results from the surveillance?
Yes. Keep in mind that you are paying for the service and not the results. We can't make a subject do things he or she is not doing. For instance, if you hire us to follow your spouse due to your suspicions of infidelity and your spouse is not being unfaithful, you are still required to pay for the service.
What is the quality of the video?
Most of the video evidence will be recorded "on the move" with a hand-held camcorder. Do not expect to have blockbuster movie quality video. The video will be shaky and somewhat distracting. This is something to be expected. Night or low light video may not be as clear or as bright as you expected either, because this is due to various conditions and the equipment used.
What do you accept for payment?
We accept cash, check, or credit card. However, if you prefer to pay with a credit card you must pay online via PayPal through the Make A Payment page.
Why should I choose you over another investigator or agency?
We offer professional investigations at negotiable prices and committed to providing our clients with the highest quality results.