How Much Does a Private Investigator Cost in Florida?

It's usually the first question people ask, and a fair one. The short answer: the cost of a private investigator depends on what you need proven and how much investigator time it takes. Below is what actually drives the price, how retainers work, and how to keep your case as affordable as possible, from a licensed Florida agency that has been doing this for years.

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What drives the cost of a private investigator

• The type of case. A records search or background check is a very different job from multi-day surveillance in an infidelity or custody case. Surveillance is usually the biggest cost because it's measured in investigator hours.
• How many hours it takes. Most of the cost is time: watching, waiting, following, researching and writing it up. Good information up front (schedules, vehicles, addresses, photos) means fewer wasted hours.
• When it has to happen. Same-day, overnight and after-hours requests can carry an emergency fee, which we tell you about before we start.
• What you need at the end. A quick answer for peace of mind is different from court-ready evidence: time-stamped video, detailed logs, a professional report and, if needed, testimony.

How paying for an investigation works with us

1. Free, confidential consultation. John Hubbard answers every call himself, not a call center.
2. An honest assessment. If we don't think we can prove what you need, we say so before you spend a dollar.
3. A retainer. Work begins once the retainer is received (with exceptions for established clients).
4. No surprise invoices. We never exceed your retainer without consulting you and getting your authorization first.

How to keep the cost down

• Be specific about the goal. "Is he seeing someone on Thursday nights?" costs far less to answer than "follow him for a month."
• Share what you know. Work schedules, usual routes, vehicles, recent photos and social media accounts all save hours.
• Pick the right days. If you know when something is likely to happen, we can focus surveillance on those days.
• Don't tip anyone off. If the person becomes suspicious, behavior changes and the case takes longer.

Is a private investigator worth it?

For custody, divorce, alimony and litigation, evidence often decides the outcome, and professionally documented evidence holds up where screenshots and suspicions don't. For personal matters, the value is a clear answer instead of months of doubt. Either way, the free consultation tells you whether it's worth it in your situation before you pay anything.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private investigator cost in Florida?

There is no single price, because the cost depends on the type of case, how many hours of surveillance or research it needs, where the work happens and how quickly it has to start. Most of the cost is investigator time. The honest way to get a real number is a free consultation: we listen to what you need, tell you whether it can be proven, and explain what it will take before you commit to anything.

Do you charge for the first consultation?

No. The consultation is free and confidential. John Hubbard answers every call himself.

What is a retainer, and will I be charged more than that?

A retainer is the amount paid up front to reserve investigator time for your case. We never go past your retainer without consulting you and getting your authorization first, so there are no surprise invoices.

Why do same-day or after-hours cases cost more?

Starting the same day, overnight or on short notice means rearranging investigators at the last minute, so same-day and after-hours requests can carry an emergency fee. We tell you about it up front, before any work begins.

Is a cheaper online background check the same thing?

No. Instant online searches pull from data brokers and are often outdated or about the wrong person. A licensed investigator verifies records, can do field work and surveillance, and documents findings so they can be used in court.

How do I know an investigator is licensed in Florida?

Florida private investigation agencies must hold a state license. Ask for the agency license number and look it up with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing. Ours is #A1200250.

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Infidelity investigations · 24/7 surveillance · Child custody investigations · Background checks · Tampa · St. Petersburg · Largo