Call Us: (386) 756-6100
Frequently Asked Questions
About Hiring Private Investigators
1. Are you licensed and insured as a private investigator?
Yes, Locaters International is a fully licensed private investigative agency in the State of Florida, holding License Number A-0000919. Professional private investigators are required to be licensed in nearly every state and jurisdiction. In Florida, licenses are issued by the Florida Division of Licensing under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This licensing process ensures that investigators have completed mandated training, adhere to state and federal laws, and uphold strict ethical guidelines.
In addition to licensing, we carry comprehensive liability insurance to protect both our clients and our agency from unforeseen legal or financial complications that could arise during an investigation. While Florida law does not require private investigators to maintain insurance, we have voluntarily carried insurance continuously since our agency was founded in the 1970s. This commitment provides an additional layer of accountability, professionalism, and peace of mind for our clients.
We strongly encourage anyone hiring a private investigator to verify both licensing and insurance coverage before engaging services, as these credentials are essential indicators of legitimacy and professional responsibility.
2. What types of investigations do you handle (e.g., infidelity, missing persons, fraud)?
Locaters International offers a comprehensive range of investigative services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our specialties include infidelity and marital investigations, missing persons and heir location services, corporate fraud and insurance fraud investigations, comprehensive background checks and due diligence, surveillance operations, asset searches and financial investigations, child custody and parental fitness investigations, and workplace investigations, including employee misconduct and internal theft.
Additionally, we maintain our own polygraph equipment and employ a properly trained, licensed, and certified polygraph examiner to support investigations requiring truth verification. This specialized resource allows us to provide comprehensive services when cases require objective truth verification as part of the investigative process.
While some private investigators work in criminal defense, our firm does not handle criminal defense cases. This policy stems from our founder's extensive background as a sworn law enforcement officer in Florida, and we remain committed to avoiding conflicts of interest in that area. This ensures we maintain the highest ethical standards and avoid any potential complications that could compromise our investigative work. However, we refer this work out to investigators who have met our rigid requirements.
Each investigator within Locaters International brings specialized expertise, allowing us to match the right professional to your specific case. We encourage prospective clients to discuss their needs with us so we can clearly outline our relevant experience and ensure we are the best fit for the investigation at hand.
3. Can you locate a missing person or biological relative?
Yes, locating missing persons, biological relatives, and adopted family members is one of our core specialties, and we have achieved considerable success in this area over the many decades we have been in business. Our approach combines comprehensive database research, targeted interviews, surveillance operations, and thorough public record analysis to develop leads and locate individuals who may have been out of contact for years or even decades.
Our experienced investigators are skilled at overcoming challenges and navigating complex cases, though success often depends on the quality and amount of information initially provided by the client. Over the years, we have successfully located siblings, parents, grandparents, children, and other relatives across a wide range of circumstances, including adoptions, family estrangements, and inheritance matters.
We understand that reconnecting with family members who have been out of touch, or discovering relatives you never knew existed, can bring up complex emotions. That is why we take the time to discuss with each client how best to approach these sensitive matters and how we can work on their behalf to ensure the process is handled as smoothly, professionally, and compassionately as possible.
4. Can you find out if my spouse or partner is cheating?
Infidelity investigations are among the most frequently requested services in the private investigation field, and we have extensive experience conducting these sensitive inquiries. Our investigators utilize discreet surveillance techniques, social media analysis, background research, interviews, and other legal investigative strategies to document suspicious behavior and provide clarity to our clients.
Results are typically presented in the form of photographic evidence, video documentation, and a comprehensive professional report that can be used for personal decision-making or legal proceedings. We have assisted both women seeking to confirm whether their husbands are unfaithful and men who need to know if their wives are involved in extramarital relationships. Each case is approached with professionalism, discretion, and respect for the emotional difficulty our clients are experiencing.
We take the time to meet with each client to understand their unique situation, discuss the available investigative avenues, and develop a strategy that fits their budget and personal preferences. It is important to note that while confrontational or dramatic scenarios may be depicted on television, we do not condone or intentionally participate in public encounters or any actions designed to provoke violent reactions. Our investigations are conducted discreetly and confidentially, prioritizing the safety and privacy of all parties involved.
5. Is everything a private investigator does legal?
All professional private investigators are required to operate within strict legal boundaries and ethical standards. Licensed investigators are extensively trained to gather evidence through legal means that is admissible in court. At Locaters International, we are firmly committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical standards in every investigation we conduct.
There are many activities that private investigators are explicitly prohibited from engaging in. These include trespassing on private property without permission, hacking into phones, email accounts, or computers, misrepresenting or impersonating law enforcement or government officials, intercepting communications without proper consent, and accessing confidential information such as medical records or bank accounts without legally acceptable authorization.
In Florida specifically, there are additional restrictions that licensed private investigators must follow. For example, Florida law prohibits the use of GPS tracking devices by private investigators under most circumstances. If a private investigator suggests using a GPS tracker on a vehicle or person without explicit legal authority or offers to "bug" a phone or location, this should raise significant concerns about their adherence to state law and professional ethics.
When hiring a private investigator, it is essential to verify that the individual or agency is committed to strict legal and ethical standards. A reputable investigator will be transparent about what can and cannot be done legally and will never suggest or engage in illegal activities to obtain information. This commitment protects both the client and the integrity of any evidence gathered during the investigation.
6. What methods do you use during surveillance or investigations?
The methods we employ vary depending on the specific nature and objectives of each case. Our investigative toolkit includes physical surveillance, comprehensive background checks, access to both public records and proprietary investigative databases, social media analysis, witness interviews, and, when appropriate and legally permissible, undercover work. Every approach we use must comply strictly with privacy laws and all applicable legal restrictions.
We also incorporate advanced technology into our investigations when appropriate. This may include high-zoom cameras for discreet surveillance, secure data handling protocols to protect sensitive information, and other specialized equipment or vehicles tailored to the case requirements. It is important to note that any use of technology, such as GPS tracking devices, is only employed where explicitly permitted by law.
Our process begins with an initial free consultation where we sit down with each client to thoroughly understand their ultimate objectives, concerns, and desired outcomes. Based on this discussion, should we accept the case, we develop a customized investigative plan that may involve stationary or mobile surveillance, database research, forensic analysis, witness interviews, or a combination of methods. This tailored approach ensures that we select the most effective and legally compliant strategies to achieve the client's goals while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and discretion.
7. How much does it cost to hire a private investigator, and how do you bill?
The cost of hiring a private investigator can vary significantly depending on several
factors, including the complexity of the case, geographic location, required technology and resources, and the anticipated time investment. Because of these variables, it is difficult to provide an accurate fee estimate without first understanding the client's specific goals and objectives. When considering hiring an investigator, it is essential to think clearly about what information or outcome is being sought at the conclusion of the investigation. Legitimate private investigators do not make any assertions or guarantees that they can accomplish the client's objectives other than utilizing their experience and best efforts.
Our standard practice is to schedule an initial consultation where we review the details of the matter, discuss your goals and objectives, and outline a realistic timeframe for achieving those goals. Based on this assessment, we provide a transparent fee structure tailored to your case. Most of our investigations are billed using one of two approaches: a flat fee that is inclusive of all expenses, or an hourly rate plus expenses for travel, database access, specialized equipment, and other case-related costs such as the need to engage multiple licensed investigators depending on the nature of the matter.
While the hourly rate is an important consideration, we believe that the overall value and results of the investigation are paramount. Our billing practices are completely transparent. Before any work begins, clients receive a detailed written estimate, sign a formal contract outlining the scope of work and fee structure, and provide a retainer to secure services. This approach ensures clarity, accountability, and mutual understanding from the outset of the engagement.
8. Can private investigators access phone records, or text messages?
No, private investigators cannot legally access phone records or text messages without the subject's explicit consent or a valid court order. Any service or individual that claims they can obtain this information through other means is likely engaging in illegal or unlawful activity and should be avoided. Further, unlawfully gained information may not be used in any legal proceedings and may subject the client and the private investigator to sanctions and unpleasant consequences.
This prohibition stems from federal law, specifically the Telephone Records and Privacy Protection Act of 2006, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush in January 2007. This legislation was enacted largely in response to the Hewlett-Packard pretexting scandal, where HP board members' phone records were fraudulently obtained by investigators using deceptive tactics known as "pretexting"—the practice of impersonating customers or using false pretenses to convince phone companies to release confidential customer information. The law makes it a federal crime to fraudulently obtain, purchase, sell, or possess someone else's phone records, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison for violators.
While private investigators cannot access protected phone records or text messages, we can use publicly available information, open-source intelligence, sophisticated research techniques, and legal investigative methods to gather extensive and valuable information that supports our clients' objectives. Our commitment is to operate within all legal boundaries while delivering effective results through ethical and professional investigative practices.
9. How do you ensure client confidentiality and privacy?
Client confidentiality is absolutely fundamental to our practice, and we take this responsibility very seriously. In fact, our company founder, Harvey Morse, played a direct role in helping to draft portions of the Florida State Statute governing private investigation licensing, including the specific provisions related to confidentiality. This deep understanding of confidentiality requirements has been woven into the foundation of our agency since its inception.
Florida Statute 493.6119 explicitly prohibits licensed private investigators and their employees from divulging or releasing the contents of an investigative file to anyone other than the client or employer, except under very limited circumstances such as when the client provides prior written consent or when required by law. We strictly adhere to these statutory obligations and go beyond the minimum legal requirements.
Our office employs secure storage systems for all case files, both physical and digital, to ensure that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access including a comprehensive alarm system. We limit access to investigative files to only those individuals directly involved in the case, and we obtain written consent from clients before sharing any sensitive information with third parties. All client communications and case data are safeguarded with the highest level of professionalism and care, and our team is trained to adhere strictly to professional standards and best practices in data security and privacy protection.
10. Can private investigators testify in court, and are your reports admissible?
Yes, our experienced investigators are regularly called upon to testify in legal proceedings, both in civil and criminal cases including depositions. Licensed private investigators can serve as expert witnesses when their specialized knowledge, training, and experience are directly relevant to the facts at issue in a case. Our investigators have testified personally in courtrooms, via remote platforms such as Zoom for virtual hearings, during depositions, and through sworn affidavits that are submitted to the court as written testimony.
The admissibility of investigative reports depends on several factors, including whether the investigation was conducted legally, whether proper chain of custody procedures were followed for physical evidence, and whether the documentation meets legal standards for relevance, reliability, and authenticity. Well-documented, fact-based reports that are supported by case evidence, such as surveillance photographs, video recordings, witness statements, notarized documents and forensic data, can be admitted in court and often play a crucial role in supporting legal arguments.
In Florida, expert testimony is evaluated under the Daubert standard, which requires that expert opinions be based on reliable principles and methods that have been properly applied to the facts of the case. Our investigators adhere to these standards and are prepared to explain their investigative methods, the reliability of their findings, and how the evidence supports the case. Whether through expert testimony, documentary evidence, or both, we are committed to providing legally sound and professionally presented information that can withstand courtroom scrutiny.
11. How long will my investigation take?
The timeline for an investigation varies significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the activities and whereabouts of the subject, and the required depth of investigation. Straightforward cases, such as routine background checks or database searches, can often be completed within a few days. More complex investigations, such as surveillance operations, missing persons cases, domestic matters, or in-depth fraud investigations, may take several weeks or even months to thoroughly complete.
It is important to understand that the scope and goals of each investigation, along with the allocated budget, dictate the methods we use and the timeline we follow. Our investigators will provide a realistic initial estimate based on the information available at the outset, but our firm and the client must remain flexible to adapt to unforeseen developments that may arise during the course of the investigation.
For example, we have handled child custody investigations that were initially anticipated to be wrapped up within a few short days. However, based on the findings we uncovered and new information that came to light, the client and their attorney requested that we extend and expand the scope of the work to address additional objectives. This flexibility ensures that our investigations remain responsive to client needs and produce the most thorough and accurate results possible. We maintain open communication throughout the process to keep clients informed of progress and any changes to the anticipated timeline.
12. Can you provide references or examples of past successful cases?
Yes, professional and reputable investigators should be willing to provide references or share anonymized case studies that demonstrate their experience, capabilities, and track record, while always respecting client privacy and confidentiality obligations. Speaking with past clients or reviewing testimonials can help prospective clients gauge an investigator's experience, work ethic, professionalism, and reliability.
At Locaters International, we maintain client testimonials without divulging the name of a client, business, or governmental agency and are happy to connect prospective clients with satisfied former clients who have agreed to serve as references, where appropriate and with their permission. Due to the sensitive nature of many investigations and our strict confidentiality policies, we may provide general case summaries or redacted examples that protect the identities and privacy of those involved.
In addition to client references, our reputation within the professional community speaks for itself. We are proud members in good standing of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau of Central Florida and many state and foreign investigative associations as part of our extensive network developed in our being one of the oldest consinually operating private investigative agencies in the State of Florida, in excess of 50 years. These memberships reflect our commitment to ethical business practices, community engagement, and professional accountability. We encourage prospective clients to verify our credentials, review our standing with these organizations, and speak with us directly about how our experience aligns with their investigative needs.
13. What are your qualifications or experience in handling cases like mine?
Our agency has been proudly serving Volusia County for over 50 years as a family-owned business, originally founded in the early 1970s by Harvey Morse. Harvey established the foundation of our investigative practice and served as a consultant to Florida's Division of Licensing for many years, and its expert witness, contributing his expertise to regulatory oversight and professional standards.
Today, Ari Morse continues that legacy as a member of the Private Investigative, Recovery, Security Advisory Council with the Florida Division of Licensing, where policy and best practices for the investigative profession are shaped. Our entire team remains committed to professional development—regularly attending industry conferences and staying current on the latest investigative techniques, legal updates, and emerging trends to ensure we deliver the most effective and informed services to our clients.
With decades of experience in missing persons, heir location, surveillance, background investigations, among the many other civil matters we have the knowledge, resources, and proven track record to handle cases like yours with professionalism and discretion.
14. Do you work with attorneys or law enforcement, and in what situations?
Many cases involve collaboration between investigators, attorneys, and sometimes law enforcement—especially in legal support work (e.g., serving subpoenas, gathering evidence for lawsuits, or criminal defense investigations). PIs can help attorneys build cases, locate witnesses, and deliver research that supports courtroom strategy. While we do work directly with our clients we often prefer to collaborate with our clients attorney to ensure that we are both meeting the client expectations and that will work together with what their attorney needs for their case.
15. Will the person being investigated find out?
Professional investigators are highly trained to conduct surveillance and gather information discreetly, but there is always some inherent risk of being noticed. Skilled private investigators (PIs) use various covert techniques to avoid detection, such as rotating surveillance agents, maintaining an optimal distance, and blending into different environments to minimize the chance of discovery. They carefully plan their investigations and adjust their tactics if they believe they are drawing attention to themselves, however as in any business or profession, unexpected situations may occur.
Despite taking every precaution, it is impossible to ensure with absolute certainty that the individual being investigated will remain unaware of the surveillance. Good investigators will openly discuss these risks with clients beforehand, explain how they manage exposure, and set realistic expectations about the small but genuine possibility of discovery during the investigation. This transparency ensures that clients are fully informed about both the safeguards and the limitations involved.
16. Can you do a background check or asset search?
Background checks and asset searches are core services that we offer. There are several types of background checks we can perform, including criminal, civil, employment, educational, and financial reviews, each tailored to your specific needs and the requirements of your case. Depending on jurisdiction, our investigators access a wide range of public records, court filings, professional licensing databases, property records, and business ownership information to develop a thorough profile. Some of the more common reasons we are hired to conduct background checks include employment, dating, business partnerships, business opportunities, and many other scenarios.
For asset searches, we specialize in identifying both visible and potentially hidden assets. This is particularly valuable in divorce, probate, or lawsuit situations where discovering undisclosed property, accounts, or investments is critical. All research and searches we conduct are handled discreetly, in full compliance with local and federal laws, and with strict respect for privacy regulations. We conduct these services for clients wishing to enter into a business venture with an unfamiliar person, rent a home or apartment, political background intelligence and for people in anticipation of wedlock.
17. How do you update clients during an active investigation?
Communication protocols are established at the outset of every investigation, and we recognize that each client's preferences vary. Some clients prefer frequent updates, while others wish to be contacted only for significant developments. Updates can be provided via email, phone, or secure messaging, depending on what works best for each situation and the method of communication the client allows.
For the safety of all parties involved, our investigators typically do not provide real-time updates during active surveillance operations. This practice helps us maintain the integrity of the investigation and ensures that no confrontation or compromise occurs. However, our investigators remain fully accessible for urgent concerns, major case milestones, or any matters involving the health and safety of individuals connected to the investigation. We are committed to keeping clients informed without ever leaving them in the dark about critical developments.
18. What happens if you’re discovered or confronted during surveillance?
Our investigators are extensively trained to handle situations where they may be discovered or confronted during surveillance operations. Safety and discretion are always the top priorities. If confronted, our team follows established protocols to de-escalate the situation calmly and professionally, withdrawing from the scene if necessary to avoid any risk to themselves, the subject, or the integrity of the investigation.
If surveillance is compromised, we immediately inform the client and work collaboratively to assess the situation, discuss alternative strategies, and determine the best path forward to achieve the investigation's objectives while maintaining the highest ethical and legal standards.
19. Are there cases you will not accept?
Yes, as licensed and ethical investigators, we adhere to strict professional and legal standards, and there are certain types of cases we will decline. We will not accept any investigation that requires illegal conduct, violates privacy laws, Court Orders, or presents a conflict of interest. Our firm does not handle criminal defense investigations or matters that involve adversarial actions against law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, we may decline cases involving harassment, certain domestic disputes that fall outside appropriate legal boundaries, or matters beyond our area of expertise. We are committed to transparency and will be honest about our limitations. If a case is not suitable for our services, we will recommend alternative resources or clearly advise whether the desired outcome can realistically be achieved through investigative means.
For example, we have been asked to obtain unauthorized access to emails, break into computer accounts, or engage in other illegal activities. We will not participate in such requests under any circumstances, as they violate both the law and our professional code of ethics.
20. What sets you apart from other investigators or agencies?
Our agency is among a select few investigative firms in Florida that have been continuously operating for over 50 years. This longevity reflects not only our stability and reputation but also the depth of experience we bring to every case. Many of our investigators are former law enforcement officers or federal agency personnel who have transitioned into private sector work, bringing specialized training in investigative techniques and a deep understanding of complex case management.
What truly distinguishes us, however, is our client-centered approach. Before accepting any engagement, we take the time to speak directly with each client to set realistic expectations, understand their specific goals, and verify that we can deliver the results they need. We believe in transparency from the start, which builds trust and ensures alignment throughout the investigative process.
Our strengths include decades of combined experience, proven success in handling difficult and high-stakes cases, advanced investigative technology, active participation in professional organizations, and extensive local knowledge paired with a network of trusted contacts across law enforcement, legal, and industry professionals. These elements allow us to provide exceptional service, deliver reliable results, and demonstrate measurable value to our clients.
We are the founders of the Florida Association of Private Investigators and as such we adhere to the association's comprehensive ethical and legal rules in addition to local, state and federal law.
