FAQ
When should I hire a private investigator?
You should hire a private investigator when you have a need to find out the facts of any given situation, need evidence for court or are simply looking for peace of mind.
How much does it cost to hire an investigator?
Before an investigation is begun, a case plan is established based on the circumstances and individual needs of the client. A budget can then be prepared and a retainer fee determined. All cases require a retainer fee paid in advance. Generally speaking, background checks, criminal histories, record searches, witness locating and missing persons are billed on a flat fee basis with the cost depending on the information provided to us and the information requested by you. Surveillance is billed at an hourly rate plus mileage. All private investigation agencies are required by the state of Florida to collect sales tax on their services. Payment may be made by credit card, cash, check or money order.
How soon can you start work on my case?
We appreciate having twenty four (or more) hours notice. However it is often possible to start sooner than that. In the case of surveillance, proper planning is essential to a successful execution. If at all possible, do not wait until the last moment to contact us. All cases require a signed retainer agreement and paid retainer fee prior to initializing the investigation.
What information should I provide for a surveillance
investigation?
A photo and/or a physical description of the subject, home and work addresses, work schedule, vehicle information, driving habits, any third party information (if suspected), places they like to frequent, times that they are most likely to be active and any other information that you feel might be helpful to the investigation.
Who will find out I hired you?
All of our investigations are 100% confidential as are our clients. No one will know that you hired us unless you tell them. We recommend that you don't tell anyone that you hired a private investigator until the case is completed so as not to compromise the investigation.
Is it legal to follow someone?
Surveillance of a person is legal when it is conducted by a licensed investigator retained for the purpose of performing surveillance for a legitimate purpose.
Will the surveillance subject find out they are being watched?
We do everything necessary to ensure that the investigation is not compromised by the subject discovering that they are being watched. If we perceive that the subject is suspicious at all, we will immediately back off and re-evaluate the situation.
How many investigators will be used?
The number of investigators used depends on the individual circumstances of the case. If it is a simple assignment in which the subject is being followed from home or work, one investigator is usually adequate. If the assignment is more complicated, two investigators may be warranted. We recommend that a second investigator be used if the subject is an aggressive driver, is very alert to his surroundings, or if he has previously had an investigator follow him.
What information do I need to locate someone?
The more information you have, the less costly it will be for you to have us find someone. Ideally you should have the subject's full name, date of birth, social security number, and a last known address within the last two years. At a minimum, you should have the subject's name and one of the other identifying pieces of information. Please note that we are responsible to inform the missing person that someone is trying to locate him or her. It isn't until both parties agree that there is no intent of harm that we will release any personal information (except in the case of abduction, and the location of a witness, a fugitive, or a party to a civil or criminal action.)
Where are you located?
Our corporate office is located in Vero Beach, Florida. A large amount of the surveillance and investigative work we do is concentrated on the Treasure Coast, the Palm Beaches and Central Florida, however we conduct investigations throughout the state of Florida.
I would like to take advantage of your free consultation offer. Do I need to come to your office?
No. Consultations may be conducted over the phone or in person, whichever you prefer. If you would like a consultation in person, and it is inconvenient for you to come to our office, we are glad to meet you at a mutually agreed upon location.
Do I need to come to your office if I decide to retain your services?
No. Everything can be done over the telephone and through fax or email. If you would like to meet in person, and it is inconvenient for you to come to our office, we are glad to meet you at a mutually agreed upon location.
What are your office hours?
To insure the confidentiality of our clients and to protect their privacy, our office hours are by appointment only. We do our best to accommodate your schedule and will gladly set evening or weekend appointments for your convenience.
5976 20th Street, Suite #158 | Vero Beach, FL 32966
Phone: 772-567-9198 | Fax: 772-567-9198
