Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Private Investigator Services in St. Petersburg, Florida
Since 1974, EX-CEL INVESTIGATIONS has established itself as a trusted investigative agency serving attorneys, corporations, and individuals across the United States. Our team combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver high-accuracy results, including a 96% success rate in locating individuals. We specialize in personal injury investigations, video surveillance, background checks, and service of process, adhering to strict ethical standards and legal compliance. Our founder, a former Florida Highway Patrol Trooper and Certified Legal Investigator, brings unparalleled expertise to every case.We maintain active participation in professional associations and continuous education to stay at the forefront of investigative techniques. Our commitment to integrity and client satisfaction has earned us recognition, including the Florida Certified Investigator of the Year award. We operate with transparency, offering fixed-budget solutions to ensure predictable costs for our clients. With over 45 years of experience and a nationwide network of qualified professionals, we provide efficient, reliable investigative services tailored to complex legal and corporate needs.
Services
Locates
Accident Investigation
Surveillance
Background Checks
Service of Process
Corporate Investigations
Due Diligence
Legal Document Service
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 45+ years of investigative experience with 96% success rate in locates
- Certified Legal Investigator with law enforcement background leads complex cases
- Licensed service of process in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties
- Nationwide network of trained process servers for cost-effective solutions
- Continuing education in surveillance technology and legal compliance
Associations and certifications
- Florida Department of Agriculture License A 0001037
- Certified Legal Investigator (CLI)
- World Association of Detectives
- National Association of Legal Investigators
- National Association of Professional Process Servers
Services
Locates
Our locate service specializes in finding missing persons, heirs, witnesses, and debtors with a 96% success rate. Using extensive databases and investigative techniques, we track individuals nationwide while maintaining legal compliance. Clients include attorneys, banks, and private individuals requiring accurate location information for legal or personal matters.
Accident Investigation
We conduct thorough accident investigations for attorneys, documenting scenes through photography, measurements, and witness statements. Our services include creating scale diagrams, obtaining aerial views, and preserving evidence for legal proceedings. Former law enforcement expertise ensures detailed analysis of collision circumstances and injury documentation.
Surveillance
Our licensed investigators perform discreet video surveillance to gather courtroom-admissible evidence. Using covert cameras in public spaces, we document subject activities while maintaining legal compliance. Each investigation includes a comprehensive written report detailing observed behaviors and contextual information for legal proceedings.
Background Checks
We provide comprehensive background investigations for pre-employment, business partnerships, and personal relationships. Services include criminal record checks, civil litigation history, and verification of personal/professional claims. All employment-related checks comply with FCRA regulations and state-specific legal requirements.
Service of Process
We offer official service of legal documents in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties through sheriff-appointed authority. Our nationwide network handles process service across state lines with documented chain of custody. Services include proof of service documentation and court-certified copies when required.
People
Claude E. Lavaron III
Owner/Investigator
Florida Licensed Private Investigator since 1974 with Florida License #A0001037. Former Florida Highway Patrol Trooper and Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) with national recognition. Recipient of Florida Certified Investigator of the Year award in 2007.
Brenda
Licensed Investigator
Licensed investigator since 1995 with expertise in asset discovery and witness statement collection. Holds Associates Arts Degree in Business and maintains continuing education in investigative technology and legal compliance.
Judy
Office Manager
Office manager since 1974 with responsibility for legal process handling and accounting. Maintains expertise in service of process law through continuing education seminars and daily operational oversight.
Questions
What services does EX-CEL INVESTIGATIONS offer?
We provide locating services, accident investigations, surveillance, background checks, and legal process service. Our expertise also includes corporate investigations and due diligence support for attorneys and businesses.
How long has EX-CEL INVESTIGATIONS been in business?
We've served clients since 1974, making us one of Florida's longest-operating investigative agencies with continuous family ownership and operation.
Are your investigators licensed and certified?
Yes, our lead investigator holds Florida License #A0001037 and is a Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) with national accreditation through the National Association of Legal Investigators.
Can you perform investigations outside Florida?
While based in Florida, we handle cases nationwide through our network of licensed process servers and investigators while maintaining local legal compliance in each jurisdiction.
What makes EX-CEL different from other agencies?
Our combination of law enforcement experience, 96% locate success rate, and continuous operation since 1974 provides unmatched reliability. We maintain direct client communication and fixed-budget approaches for all services.
How do you handle service of process in Florida?
We're officially appointed by Pinellas and Pasco County Sheriffs and Hillsborough County Chief Judge to serve legal documents. This official appointment ensures proper legal compliance and documentation for court proceedings.
