Suncoast PI, LLC has several different fee structures depending on the type of case. How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?

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There are many factors that go into determining how much a private investigator costs. This includes whether the private investigator works on an hourly basis or a flat rate basis, if a retainer is required, and the extent of the job. Before you hire a private investigator, it is very important to have a conversation with them. This ensures that you understand the fees, disbursements, and an estimate of what the job may cost. Suncoast PI, LLC 

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Hourly

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Most private investigators charge their clients by the hour. The total cost is determined by how many total hours the investigator works on your job.  The more complex the job is, the more expensive it is. Private investigators typically charge between $50 to $200 per hour depending on their experience, difficulty level of the job. The national average hourly rate for a private investigator is $100 an hour. Please click on the Fee Schedule pdf. at the bottom of this page to print out our fee schedule. 

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Flat Rate

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Private investigators normally charge a flat fee for routine services like: background checks, process serving, or court document retrieval.  You pay a set price for the investigator's services, and it doesn't change based on how many hours the investigator worked on your job. Refer to the link below. 

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Retainers

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Depending on the severity and nature of your case Suncoast PI, LLC reserves the right to ask their clients to provide a retainer before they begin working on a case. A retainer is an up-front amount of money you give the private investigator to charge against investigation services before completing the job.  Your retainer may be used to pay for disbursements related to your case or used to pay the private investigator's hourly rate.  

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Retainers can range anywhere from $500 to $5,000. If the private investigator doesn't use the full retainer amount, the balance will be returned to you when your case is closed.  

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Consultations

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Before a private investigator opens a file for you, you'll have an initial consultation where you explain what services you require, and the investigator advises whether they can assist or not.  The cost of an initial consultation varies from agency to agency. Some private investigators charge you their standard hourly rate for the consultation, some charge a lower hourly rate, and Suncoast PI, LLC gives you a free consultation.   

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Other Fees & Expenses

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Private investigators may charge for travel fees. This includes the cost of excessive mileage, hotels and other travel expenses for air travel should that be needed. Suncoast PI, LLC will only charge travel fees for expenses directly related to your case.