The cost of hiring a private investigator in Florida will fluctuate from low $25/hour and upwards of $250 or more. Hourly fees, however, mask the result and cost of the investigation. When we are investigating into a matter, we know that there IS an end goal, but we do not know exactly where it is – that’s why we are hired to look into the matter.

If we think about this in terms of driving from West Palm Beach to Miami – we know it is going to take us about 1 hour and 30 minutes (Depending on time of date and traffic). If I were to tell you that we charge $100/hour – you could expect to pay $150 for the trip. We know where the end goal is – Miami. We know how long it takes – Approximately 1:30.

Now, if you came and asked how much a trip “down south” would cost, how could we effectively put a cost to the trip? We could quote you $100 per hour – but we don’t even know where you’re going or if we can even get there. Not only that, but how long it takes ME to drive down to Miami is different than how long it would take a new inexperienced driver. Then, we have to add how far down south? For how many people are in your trip? Do you want a comfortable drive? Do you want snacks to be prepared? How many stops, and even what time of day will have an impact on your trip. Investigations are similarly priced to that of a trip “down south” like that.

As you start to find cheaper alternatives, you suddenly find yourself in a sedan that is underinsured, with no AC, low maintenance records, maybe a driver with a bad driving history, etc. Sure, you will save a few dollars here and there – but at what costs?

When it comes to conducting a full-scale investigation, we need to consider all the costs associated with the investigation; Database Fees, Driving Expenses, Document Preparation, Video Editing, Insurance Fees, Licensing Fees, the list goes on. It includes the experience of the investigator, how many investigators, what kind of investigator, etc. So, as you start to cut into these expenses, you start to cut into the elements that ensure you will have a successful investigation. By “successful” we are talking about an investigation that will give you all the answers you seek and will ensure you have documents that will stand up in court – assuming you are planning for a court a date.

Like the driving example I gave you above, there are several people in Florida who lack proper licensing, the tools and resources, or could be using outdated technology to conduct investigations. Many investigators cannot even get licensed in Florida, yet they advertise on Craigslist or social media as being able to conduct a “private” investigation. By private they mean an investigation between you and them, not an investigation that is legal in Florida.

If you believe that a person is not a licensed private investigator but claims to be one, you can call the FDACS and file a complaint. Or visit this link for more: Complaint Form

Not every single private investigator who offers a low rate is bad. Maybe you find an investigator who is extremely affordable. It doesn’t mean they can’t do the job, it just means that (typically) that they can’t use some of the same databases or resources as other investigators can.

At the end of the day, you can make it down to Miami from West Palm Beach in a 1992 4 Door Sedan – will it be comfortable? It depends on what your level of comfort is. Will it be safe? It depends on the maintenance records and the driver. Can an investigation be done as cheap as $30 per hour? Yes, it just depends on how much you want to risk your case, how much experience you want your investigator to have, and what kind of receivables you’re looking for (HD Video, Reports, Documents, Court Records, Etc.).

Our investigators now have over 20 years of experience. We have worked with hundreds of clients over the years. We have 5-star reviews from a little over 60 clients on Google alone – not including Bark, Yelp, Facebook, or Thumbtack. We are NOT the cheapest investigative agency around – but we are one of the most reputable, aggressive, and honest agencies in the state of Florida.