Florida Locksmith License

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-25

Here’s the short answer: there is no state-issued Florida locksmith license for mechanical key/lock work. Since July 1, 2025, local occupational locksmith licenses were preempted by state law. But if you install or service electronic access, CCTV, or burglar/fire alarm systems, Florida treats that as electrical/alarm contracting and you must be licensed by DBPR’s Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB). ([leg.state.fl.us](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/Index.cfm/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199%2F0163%2FSections%2F0163.211.html&utm_source=openai))

Do you need a Florida locksmith license?

• Mechanical locksmithing (keys, rekeys, non‑electronic locks): no state license. Local occupational licenses that once existed expire by law on July 1, 2025. ([leg.state.fl.us](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/Index.cfm/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199%2F0163%2FSections%2F0163.211.html&utm_source=openai))

• Electronic access/alarm/CCTV work: requires an ECLB credential. Relevant license classes: Certified Alarm System Contractor I (fire + burglar) and II (burglar/non‑fire); Registered Alarm System Contractor I/II (legacy local-competency based). Employees who install/service alarms must hold BASA/FASA agent credentials. ([www2.myfloridalicense.com](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/electrical-contractors/?utm_source=openai))

Official definitions that matter

Florida defines “alarm system contractor,” the scopes for I and II, and related low‑voltage work (e.g., electric locks, access control, surveillance) in Chapter 489, Part II. ([m.flsenate.gov](https://m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/489.505?utm_source=openai))

Eligibility & experience (when licensing applies)

Certified Alarm System Contractor (I or II): typically six years of combined experience/education meeting 489.511 standards; Board rules allow certain substitutions and employer verification. ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter489/All?utm_source=openai))
Registered Alarm System Contractor (I or II): based on holding a qualifying local competency card and exam (legacy/limited use); DBPR ECLB application ECLB 3. ([myfloridalicense.com](https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&XACT_DEFN_ID=3845&clientCode=0807&xactCode=1030&utm_source=openai))
Alarm employees: BASA (burglar) and FASA (fire) agents must meet age, training, and FDLE fingerprint/background requirements within statutory timelines. ([leg.state.fl.us](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm/ch0320/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499%2F0489%2FSections%2F0489.518.html&utm_source=openai))

Exam, fingerprinting, and background checks

Exam

ECLB certification exams are computer‑based via Pearson VUE (technical/safety and business parts). ([www2.myfloridalicense.com](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/examination-information/electrical-examinations/?utm_source=openai))

Fingerprinting

For DBPR‑regulated licenses, submit Livescan fingerprints through an FDLE‑approved provider immediately after filing your application; results typically post to DBPR within about five days. Use the FDLE provider list. ([myfloridalicense.custhelp.com](https://myfloridalicense.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2210/~/when-should-i-submit-my-fingerprints-if-i-am-applying-for-a-license%3F?utm_source=openai))
BASA/FASA agents: employers must obtain FDLE fingerprint and criminal history checks; renewals require updated checks. ([leg.state.fl.us](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm/ch0320/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499%2F0489%2FSections%2F0489.518.html&utm_source=openai))

Insurance and bond/financial responsibility

Alarm/electrical contractors must maintain liability insurance meeting ECLB minimums: either $300,000 per occurrence + $500,000 property damage + $100,000 per person, or $800,000 combined single limit; workers’ compensation per Ch. 440. ([www2.myfloridalicense.com](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/electrical-contractors/faqs/?utm_source=openai))
Applicants must also show financial responsibility/creditworthiness as directed by DBPR checklists; some applicants use a surety bond or letter of credit when allowed by rule. ([myfloridalicense.custhelp.com](https://myfloridalicense.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1450/~/what-other-documentation-is-required-for-an-electrical-contractor-initial?utm_source=openai))

Criminal‑conviction rules

DBPR must follow Chapter 455’s licensing standards. Generally, a conviction more than five years before the application date may not be grounds for denial for specified professions, subject to exceptions for listed serious crimes; boards may still consider crimes directly related to the profession. Fingerprints are required where background checks apply. ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/455.213?utm_source=openai))

Renewal and continuing education

Alarm/electrical contractor licenses renew biennially and must meet CE and insurance attestation requirements under 489.517 and board rules. ([leg.state.fl.us](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499%2F0489%2FSections%2F0489.517.html&utm_source=openai))
BASA/FASA agent ID cards renew every two years with required CE (including false‑alarm reduction). ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0489.5185?utm_source=openai))

Reciprocity/out‑of‑state applicants

The ECLB may certify by endorsement if you hold a substantially equivalent license/exam from another state or meet the 10‑year licensure track; see 489.511 and ECLB endorsement matrix/instructions. ([wwwo.leg.state.fl.us](https://wwwo.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499%2F0489%2FSections%2F0489.511.html&utm_source=openai))

Local county/municipal requirements

Occupational licensing of locksmiths by local governments is preempted and expired July 1, 2025. Examples: Hillsborough County stopped issuing/monitoring locksmith licenses and sunset prior licenses; Miami‑Dade announced state preemption of locksmith licenses. ([leg.state.fl.us](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/Index.cfm/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199%2F0163%2FSections%2F0163.211.html&utm_source=openai))
Local Business Tax Receipt (LBTR) under Chapter 205 F.S. may still be required to operate a business in a city/county; check your tax collector. ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/205.043?utm_source=openai))

Penalties for noncompliance

Unlicensed alarm/electrical contracting (e.g., installing electronic access/alarms without an ECLB license) violates 489.531 and carries criminal and administrative penalties; penalties increase during declared emergencies. ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/489.531?utm_source=openai))

Fees and processing times

Item	Amount/Timeline	Source
State locksmith license fee (mechanical work)	Not applicable (no state license)	—
ECLB certification exam provider	Pearson VUE (computer‑based)	DBPR ([www2.myfloridalicense.com](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/examination-information/electrical-examinations/?utm_source=openai))
DBPR application processing time	Agency must approve/deny within 90 days of a complete application; initial deficiency notice due within 30 days	F.S. 120.60; DBPR ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/120.60?utm_source=openai))
Livescan fingerprint timing	Submit after filing; DBPR notes results may take up to ~5 business days from FDLE	DBPR ([myfloridalicense.custhelp.com](https://myfloridalicense.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2210/~/when-should-i-submit-my-fingerprints-if-i-am-applying-for-a-license%3F?utm_source=openai))
Liability insurance (ECLB)	$300k occurrence + $500k property + $100k per person, or $800k CSL	DBPR ([www2.myfloridalicense.com](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/electrical-contractors/faqs/?utm_source=openai))

Printable checklist

Starting a locksmith business doing ONLY mechanical work

Form your entity or register a fictitious name with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). ([dos.fl.gov](https://dos.fl.gov/SUNBIZ?utm_source=openai))
Obtain your local Business Tax Receipt (city/county) if required. ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/205.043?utm_source=openai))
General liability insurance and commercial auto (best practice; not state‑mandated for mechanical-only work).
Know consumer‑protection rules; avoid deceptive ads and follow FDACS scam‑prevention guidance. ([fdacs.gov](https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Scams-and-Fraud/Service-Contractor-Scams?utm_source=openai))

Adding electronic access/CCTV or alarm work (licensing required)

Decide license: Certified or Registered Alarm System Contractor (I or II). ([compliance.thereadydocs.app](https://compliance.thereadydocs.app/contractors/florida/electrical?utm_source=openai))
Prepare experience documentation per 489.511 and ECLB rules. ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter489/All?utm_source=openai))
Apply to sit for the ECLB certification exam; after approval, schedule with Pearson VUE. ([www2.myfloridalicense.com](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/examination-information/electrical-examinations/?utm_source=openai))
File the correct DBPR application (e.g., ECLB 1 for Certified Alarm I/II after passing; ECLB 3 for Registered). ([myfloridalicense.com](https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?boardid=08&chBoard=true&professionid=0802&utm_source=openai))
Submit Livescan fingerprints via an FDLE‑approved provider. ([fdle.state.fl.us](https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/criminal-history-records/documents/internetdoc_serviceproviders.aspx?utm_source=openai))
Upload insurance meeting ECLB minimums and satisfy financial responsibility/credit checks. ([www2.myfloridalicense.com](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/electrical-contractors/faqs/?utm_source=openai))
For employees doing alarm work, issue BASA/FASA training and ID cards; complete FDLE checks. ([leg.state.fl.us](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm/ch0320/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0400-0499%2F0489%2FSections%2F0489.518.html&utm_source=openai))

FAQ

Is there any “provisional” or apprentice locksmith license in Florida?

No state locksmith license exists for mechanical work, and Florida no longer issues county locksmith licenses. Apprenticeships are optional unless you pursue ECLB licensure, which has its own experience criteria. ([leg.state.fl.us](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/Index.cfm/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199%2F0163%2FSections%2F0163.211.html&utm_source=openai))

What does it cost to get licensed if I add alarms/electronic access?

Expect DBPR application and exam fees (set by rule and form), Livescan fees, required insurance, and business setup costs. Confirm current amounts on the ECLB application pages before you apply. ([myfloridalicense.com](https://www.myfloridalicense.com/intentions2.asp?boardid=08&chBoard=true&professionid=0802&utm_source=openai))

Do I need a local permit or registration to operate?

Local occupational “locksmith licenses” ended July 1, 2025, but many jurisdictions still require a Local Business Tax Receipt to operate. ([leg.state.fl.us](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/Index.cfm/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199%2F0163%2FSections%2F0163.211.html&utm_source=openai))

Who do I contact about scams or bad actors advertising as “licensed locksmiths”?

For deceptive ads or unfair practices, contact the Florida Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and review FDACS consumer tips on service/contractor scams. ([myfloridalegal.com](https://www.myfloridalegal.com/consumer-protection/consumer-alerts?utm_source=openai))

Next steps and official links

Form/register your business (Sunbiz): Florida Division of Corporations. ([dos.fl.gov](https://dos.fl.gov/SUNBIZ?utm_source=openai))
Check Local Business Tax Receipt process with your county/city tax collector (see Chapter 205, F.S.). Statute. ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/205.043?utm_source=openai))
Alarm/electronic access path:
- ECLB overview and applications: DBPR – Electrical Contractors. ([www2.myfloridalicense.com](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/electrical-contractors/?utm_source=openai))
- Certified exam scheduling: DBPR exam info (Pearson VUE). ([www2.myfloridalicense.com](https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/examination-information/electrical-examinations/?utm_source=openai))
- Registered Alarm System Contractor (ECLB 3) checklist: DBPR. ([myfloridalicense.com](https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&XACT_DEFN_ID=3845&clientCode=0807&xactCode=1030&utm_source=openai))
- Livescan providers: FDLE list. ([fdle.state.fl.us](https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/criminal-history-records/documents/internetdoc_serviceproviders.aspx?utm_source=openai))
- BASA/FASA agent requirements: F.S. 489.5185, F.S. 489.518, and DBPR FAQs. ([flsenate.gov](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0489.5185?utm_source=openai))
Questions? DBPR Customer Contact Center: (850) 487‑1395. ([myfloridalicense.com](https://www.myfloridalicense.com/CheckListDetail.asp?SID=&XACT_DEFN_ID=3845&clientCode=0807&xactCode=1030&utm_source=openai))

Florida Locksmith License