Florida Private Investigator Practice Exam

Which act is NOT categorized under prohibited acts in the context of Section 493.6118 (1)?

1. Commission of an act of violence while on duty

2. Offering discount rates to clients

3. Willful betrayal of professional secrets

4. Assisting in the violation of a court order

The correct answer is: Offering discount rates to clients

Offering discount rates to clients is not categorized under prohibited acts in the context of Section 493.6118 (1) because pricing strategies, including discounting, fall within the business practices allowed for licensed private investigators. Unlike acts such as committing violence while on duty, willfully betraying professional secrets, or assisting in the violation of a court order—each of which pose significant ethical and legal concerns—providing discounts is a common and permissible practice aimed at attracting clients and enhancing business competitiveness. In the private investigation industry, maintaining ethical standards and legal compliance is vital, and certain acts are strictly prohibited due to their potential to undermine public trust and the integrity of the profession. Thus, while the other infractions involve moral and legal violations that can severely impact the investigator’s license and reputation, offering discounts is not inherently unethical and falls outside the scope of prohibited acts established by this regulation.