PI Study Flashcards
(42 cards)
Private investigation is obtaining information about:
Crime against the US or state, but must operate under written authority of government official
Identity, whereabouts, etc. of people or groups
Credibility witnesses
Whereabouts of missing persons or owners of property
Location, recovery of lost or stolen property
Causes and origin of fires, accidents, injuries, etc.
Securing evidence for civil or criminal cases
Class C license
Private Investigator: must have or work for Class A, AA, or AB unless he is an in-house investigator. No subcontracting.
Class CC License
PI intern, must be sponsored by Class C. M, MA must have Class CC
Class C must work for class A agency/branch office
May not subcontract
Class A
PI Agency
Only one location
Cannot subcontract with Class C or CC
May subcontract with another Class A
5 working days: change of ownership or officers
10 working days: change physical location
Changes not reported violate Chapter 493
Class AA
Each branch office of Class A must have class AA license
In-house investigators
No license required. Unarmed.
Investigations for employer only.
Employer cannot provide investigative services for a fee.
Class AA
Branch Office. Each office of Class A must have AA license
Class M or MA
Agency managers
Class C may be manager
No subcontracting
Class M or MA must work for Class A
The owner of a Class A who has a Class C can designate himself manager and doesn’t need a Class MA
Each branch must have a manager
Manager may have three offices within 150 mile radius
How long are licenses valid?
C, M - 2 years
A, K - 3 years
Class C, M, MA must carry license when working
Class CC training
Not expected to have experience
40 hours of professional training
If Class CC expires or revoked for more than one year, must retake training and 2 exams
Class C training/ experience
2 years training and/or experience
Only 1 year college can be used
Class G
Firearms
.38, .380, 9mm, .357 w/ .38 ammo, .40, .45
No more than 2 guns
Must be qualified on specific gun
Concealed weapon permit doesn’t authorize PI to carry
Carrying concealed weapons
Class C, CC, M, MA must be 21 yrs old w/ Class G
Must be required by duties AND approved by employer (Agency)
Ammunition
Only standard (factory) ammunition
Shotguns, semiautomatic rifles
12 gauge pump
Rule 5N-1.131, FAC
Must be required by contract and government facility or critical infrastructure
12-gauge remains in vehicle for armored car, transporting prisoners, or bodyguard Services.
Firearms training
28 hours within 12 months preceding the date the application is submitted
Trainer must have Class K firearms instructor license
Class G must have 4 hours range training each year
Discharge a firearm
Notify Division of Licensing within 5 working days
Includes accidental discharge
Use of Force:
Defense of People/ Property
PI not police. No power to arrest.
Deadly force or threat except defending another person from eminent death, great bodily harm, or forcible felony
No deadly force to protect property or prevent loss
Non-deadly only to defend against someone else using unlawful force
Defending property
Non-deadly force only for trespassing, criminal interference with real property other than a dwelling. Or personal property PI has legal duty to protect
Sponsorship of interns
Class C, M, MA may sponsor up to six Class CC interns
Intern may not operate independently
Sponsor may not require interns to perform activities that do not enhance qualification for license
Internship cannot start until application is submitted, and sponsor gives notice of intent
Sponsor must certify completion within 15 days
Sponsor most give biannual (every 2 years) progress reports for each intern.
ID cards
ID cards for all LICENSED employees
Name & license number of both of employee and agency
Signed by employee and agency representative
Cannot use official state seal
Cannot use the terms “State of Florida“ “Department of Agriculture“ or “Division of Licensing“
Must be carried on the job
Applying for a license
18 years old, US citizen/legal resident, US work authorization, no criminal history, good moral character, no mental illness, drug use, or alcoholism unless completed rehabilitation program
Applicant must provide name, DOB, SSN, photo, fingerprints, personal injury waiver, other related documents, appropriate fees
Notify within 10 days of change of residence or mailing address
Fee waivers for veterans spouses and surviving spouses
24 months after being discharged
Spouses and surviving spouses can claim a waiver of an initial application fee
Renewal fees waived for active duty, spouse or active duty within two years preceding the license expiration date.
All appropriate documentation required 
Cancellation or inactivation of license
Notify in writing and return license within 10 days of date of cancellation
With written request and license can be inactive for up to three years. I automatically canceled after three years.
No late fees while in inactive status
