Local Guide · Locksmiths · Florida
Do locksmiths need a license in Florida?
Florida has no state locksmith license, and county locksmith licensing ended July 1, 2025. Here is what that means and how to vet a locksmith without a license to check.
No. Florida has no state locksmith license, and local licensing of locksmiths that predated 2021 expired July 1, 2025, under Florida Statutes 163.211. Miami-Dade County confirms its locksmith licensing was preempted to the state on that date. Without a license to look up, get written estimates, an itemized invoice and identification.
Who licenses locksmiths providers in Florida
No state locksmith license in Florida (local licensing preempted to the state). Florida Statutes 163.211 preempts occupational licensing to the state. Local licensing in place before January 1, 2021 expired July 1, 2025, and local licensing not authorized by general law may not be enforced. A 2025 bill (HB 1311) to create a state locksmith license under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services died in committee, so there is no license to verify.
Read Florida Statutes 163.211 →Key facts for Florida
- Florida Statutes 163.211 says the licensing of occupations is expressly preempted to the state.
- Under Florida Statutes 163.211, local occupational licensing imposed before January 1, 2021 expired on July 1, 2025.
- Florida law defines licensing to include any training, education, test, certification, registration or license required to perform an occupation.
- Miami-Dade County says local licensing of locksmiths and locksmith businesses was preempted to the State of Florida effective July 1, 2025.
- Florida House Bill 1311 of 2025, which would have created state locksmith licensing under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, died in subcommittee on June 16, 2025.
- Florida law requires landlords of dwellings other than single-family homes and duplexes to make reasonable provisions for locks and keys, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
What changed in 2025?
Florida Statutes 163.211 preempts occupational licensing to the state. Counties and cities that licensed occupations before January 1, 2021 could keep those programs only until July 1, 2025. Miami-Dade County says its licensing of locksmiths and locksmith businesses ended that day.
The Legislature considered a state license in 2025. House Bill 1311 would have created one under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, but it died in subcommittee on June 16, 2025.
How do you vet a Florida locksmith?
With no license to check, use the basics Miami-Dade has long recommended (county tips). Get more than one estimate, in writing. Don't choose on price alone. Ask for an invoice listing the services performed. Never sign a blank form. Ask to see identification.
Ask for the business's legal name and street address, and look it up before the visit.
What do Florida landlords owe tenants?
For dwellings other than single-family homes and duplexes, Florida Statutes 83.51 requires landlords to make reasonable provisions for locks and keys, unless the lease says otherwise in writing. Ask your landlord about rekeying before you move in.
How to choose a provider in Florida
- Get more than one written estimate.
- Ask for the business's legal name and street address.
- Ask to see identification when the locksmith arrives.
- Ask why drilling is needed before agreeing to it.
- Get an itemized invoice and never sign a blank form.
- If you rent, ask about rekeying before move-in.
Questions people ask
Does Florida license locksmiths?
No. Florida has no state locksmith license, and a 2025 bill to create one died in committee.
Can my Florida county still license locksmiths?
No. Local occupational licensing that predated 2021 expired July 1, 2025, under Florida Statutes 163.211.
Is Miami-Dade still registering locksmiths?
Miami-Dade County says its locksmith licensing was preempted to the state effective July 1, 2025.
How do I check a Florida locksmith without a license?
Get written estimates, ask for the business name and address, ask for identification and get an itemized invoice.
Does my Florida landlord have to provide locks?
For dwellings other than single-family homes and duplexes, landlords must make reasonable provisions for locks and keys unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Could Florida create a locksmith license later?
The Legislature could. HB 1311 proposed one in 2025 but died in subcommittee.
Sources
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
