Locksmith license in Florida

Florida has no state locksmith license, and the Miami-Dade and Hillsborough County licenses ended in 2025 under state preemption. What that means for you.

The short answer

No statewide license

No statewide locksmith license. Since July 1, 2025, Florida law stops counties and cities from licensing trades the state doesn't license, so the Miami-Dade and Hillsborough County locksmith licenses have ended. A 2025 bill for a state license (HB 1311) died in committee.

Where to check: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
The law: Fla. Stat. §163.211 (local occupational licensing preempted)

What to do in Florida

We found no statewide locksmith license in Florida. That doesn't mean no rules: you still need whatever general business registration and local business license your city or county asks of any trade, and some cities and counties license locksmiths on their own. Call the city or county clerk where you're based before you open, and check again if you start working in a new county.

Local rules

Miami-Dade County (ended): Its locksmith license and business registration ended on July 1, 2025, when local licensing was preempted to the state. The county no longer issues them. Official page
Hillsborough County (ended): Its locksmith business license (which covered Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City) stopped renewing in 2025 and the county no longer issues or registers locksmith licenses. Official page
Broward County (ended): A 2021 locksmith ordinance was never enforced. The county stopped requiring locksmith registration after a state law took effect on July 1, 2021. Official page

Every state: ID and proof on every lockout

Whatever the license rules, check a photo ID and proof that the caller lives there or owns the car before you open anything, and keep a record of it. Our lockout authorization form gives you a signed record for the file.

Sources

Last checked October 2026. This page is a summary to help you find the right agency, not legal advice. If something here is out of date, tell us through the contact page.

All 50 states and DC · District of Columbia · Georgia

Questions

Do I need a locksmith license in Florida?

No statewide locksmith license. Since July 1, 2025, Florida law stops counties and cities from licensing trades the state doesn't license, so the Miami-Dade and Hillsborough County locksmith licenses have ended. A 2025 bill for a state license (HB 1311) died in committee.

Are there city or county locksmith rules in Florida?

Not any more. Miami-Dade County, Hillsborough County and Broward County used to have locksmith rules, but they have ended. Local rules change, so ask the clerk where you work.

Do I still need to check ID and proof of ownership?

Yes, in every state. Check a photo ID and proof that the person lives there or owns the car before you open anything, and keep a record of it.

Keep the paperwork on every job

LockCommand saves the customer's ID, proof of ownership photos and signature with each job, next to the invoice and the call recording.

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