Class "M," "MA" or "MB" Manager License Requirements

Any individual who performs the services of a manager for a Class "A" private investigative agency or branch office must have a Class "MA" license. A Class "C" or Class "M" licensee may be designated as the manager, in which case the Class "MA" license is not required.

Any individual who performs the services of a manager for a Class "B" security agency or branch office must have a Class "MB" license. A Class "M" licensee or a Class "D" licensee who has been so licensed for a minimum of two years may be designated as the manager, in which case the Class "MB" license is not required.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a license, you must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Be a citizen or legal resident alien of the United States or have been granted authority to work in this country by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Experience

Class "MA" Private Investigative Agency Manager

An applicant for the Class "MA" Private Investigative Agency Manager License must have two years of lawfully gained, verifiable, full-time experience or training in:

Private investigative work or related fields of work that provided equivalent experience or training;
Work as a Class "CC" licensed private investigator intern;
Any combination of the above;
College coursework related to criminal justice, criminology or law enforcement administration, or successful completion of any law enforcement-related training received from any federal, state, county or municipal agency, except that no more than one year may be used from this category;
One year of experience in private investigative work, work in related fields or work as a Class "CC" licensed private investigator intern and one year of managerial or supervisory experience; or
Relevant military training or education received and completed during service in the United States Armed Forces.

Class "MB" Security Agency Manager

An applicant for the Class "MB" Security Agency Manager License must have two years of lawfully gained, verifiable, full-time experience or training in:

Security work or related fields of work that provided equivalent experience or training;
A minimum of one year of experience in security work or related fields and no more than one year of college coursework related to criminal justice, criminology, or law enforcement administration, or successful completion of law enforcement related training received from any federal, state, county or municipal agency;
One year of experience in security work or related fields and one year of managerial or supervisory experience; or
Relevant military training or education received and completed during service in the United States Armed Forces.

Class "M" Security and Private Investigative Agency Manager

An applicant for the Class "M" license must qualify for licensure as a Class "MA" and a Class "MB" manager as outlined above.

Examination

An applicant for the Class “M” or "MA" license must also pass an examination.

This examination will cover the provisions of Chapter 493, Florida Statutes.

You must pass the exam before applying for licensure and submit proof of having passed the exam with your application.

We have contracted with Everblue, a third-party testing company, to provide exam services. Anyone who needs to take an exam should sign up using the Everblue Online Test Portal. You will then be able to schedule your exam either remotely online or at one of Everblue's facilities across the state. Remote online exams can be taken anytime 24/7/365 and do not require an appointment but do require a computer with a webcam. A $70 exam fee is required and paid directly to Everblue. If you need assistance with exam registration or payment, please contact Everblue at 1-888-502-8151 or fdacs@support.goeverblue.com.

Please note: Everblue offers a convenient option to complete the exam remotely online, but if you have any technology-related concerns, it may be to your advantage to schedule an in-person exam at one of their locations.

View Questions and Answers About the Examination [ 363 kB ] .

Application Instructions

Complete a Class "M," "MA" or "MB" Manager License Application [ Adobe PDF Document ].

Submit your application to:

The Regional Office nearest you or
Mail it to: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, P.O. Box 5767, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5767

Note to Military Veterans

The initial application and license fees for a veteran shall be waived if the application is received within 24 months of the applicant being discharged from any branch of the United States Armed forces. Please include a copy of your DD 214.