Oscar B. Santa Maria is a South Florida native, licensed Florida private investigator, and founder of Optimum Investigations. He began his career in 1992 as an investigative intern, gaining hands-on experience in surveillance, interviewing, research, and evidence documentation.

In June 1995, Oscar established Optimum Investigations with a commitment to providing ethical, thorough, and dependable investigative services. Since then, he has directed and conducted more than 5,000 assignments for attorneys, insurance carriers, businesses, homeowners’ associations, and private individuals throughout Florida.

Oscar’s background includes insurance defense surveillance, witness interviews and recorded statements, background investigations, domestic and child custody matters, locate investigations, social media research, and complex litigation support. This broad experience allows him to evaluate the circumstances of each case and develop an effective strategy based on the client’s specific objectives.

Oscar remains personally involved in the agency’s investigations and client communication. His work is guided by integrity, discretion, persistence, careful preparation, and objective fact-finding—the same principles upon which Optimum Investigations was founded.

In addition to his professional work, Oscar is the author of The Optimum Private Investigator: Volume One, a practical guide that shares lessons, strategies, and insights gained during more than three decades in the field. He is also co-host of the Miami PI Chronicles Podcast, where experienced investigators and industry professionals discuss real-world cases, investigative methods, emerging technology, and developments within the profession. Through his book and podcast, Oscar continues to give back to the investigative community by sharing the knowledge and perspective he has acquired throughout his career.