Florida Private Investigator Practice Exam

What must a licensee do if they deny access to an investigative file?

1. Notify the client verbally

2. State denial in writing

3. Ignore the request

4. Send an automated response

The correct answer is: State denial in writing

When a licensee decides to deny access to an investigative file, state law requires that this denial be communicated in writing. Providing a written statement serves several important purposes: it creates a clear record of the denial, it ensures that the rationale behind the decision is formally documented, and it provides the client with a tangible response that they can refer to in the future. This formal notification process upholds the professionalism and accountability expected in the field of private investigation. Verbal notifications can lead to misunderstandings or disputes, as there would be no official documentation of the denial or the reasons behind it. Ignoring the request altogether could lead to liability issues or create an impression of unresponsiveness. An automated response, while it might acknowledge the receipt of the request, does not substitute for a detailed, individualized explanation of why access to the file is denied, which is why written communication is necessary.