So, you want to become a locksmith in Florida? That’s a great choice. Locksmith’s in Florida average an annual salary of over $46,000. Couple this with the fact that Florida is a relatively simple state to set a locksmithing shop up in, and you are well on your way to a solid salary. All this, while being your own boss, and controlling your own destiny.

But before we run off and pick up our locksmith kit, let’s talk about the specifics.

Locksmith Job Description

A locksmith is a trained professional that inspects, repairs, replaces, and installs locks and locking systems for home and business owners. They also cut both new and duplicate keys for various locks. Locksmiths also help to open doors on cars, safes, homes, and businesses when the owner is locked out. With many of today’s home and business owners using key-less entry locks, locksmiths also must know how to repair and maintain digital locks.

Many of today’s locksmiths also install, repair, and maintain home security and surveillance systems. While some locksmith services are done by appointment, you can expect to provide emergency services too. For example, if a customer is locked out of their car or lost their keys, they would need your locksmith services right away.

Locksmith Registration Requirements

This is where things get a bit tricky. The state of Florida doesn’t have anything specifically requiring you to register as a locksmith. There were a couple of bills put forth in 2010, but they didn’t pass.

That said, each county in Florida determines it’s own locksmith registration requirements. Dade county, for example, does require a locksmith registration. A relatively strict set of guidelines is required for setting up a shop in that county. We haven’t been able to find any requirements in any other county in Florida, so the following will be specifically for Dade.

You must pass a background check. This includes a fingerprint form, which must not show any convictions in the past 5 or 10 years (depending on the type of conviction.)

You must have also done at least a year of locksmith apprenticeship, though it isn’t clear how recently this apprenticeship has to have been completed. The exception to this is if you have worked as a licensed locksmith for 1 year in the past 10 years.

Online Locksmith Training Course

One of the easiest ways to get the skills required to become a locksmith is to sign up to an online locksmith training course. Our basic locksmith course is good, but what I’m really talking about is an in-depth online course that will walk you through all of the step-by-step requirements for becoming a locksmith — even if your state doesn’t require training. The job itself requires specialized knowledge that has traditionally been passed down from locksmith to locksmith. That’s what this online course does, it just does it in the comfort of your own home, at your own learning speed. Take your time, learn locksmithing online, and when you’re ready, go out and launch your own locksmithing business.

Association Memberships

Locksmiths in Florida do not have to belong to any professional membership group, such as Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). However, joining this group can help to build trust with your customers. This trust can improve sales over time. Each professional association has its own set of membership rules and regulations. Be sure to take your time and find out which group is right for you. Once you earn your membership into a group, you can display their logo on your website or social media profile. Membership into one of these groups allows potential customers to know that you have the right skills and professionalism to finish the job right.

Insurance and Bond Protection

Along with the previous requirements, you must also maintain a minimum of $25,000 in combined liability insurance. This is good practice for any locksmith, but in Dade county it is a required aspect of setting up your locksmith shop.

Tools and Equipment

Before you can start your career as a locksmith, you must purchase the right types of tools. This can include a key decoder, lock by-pass tools, key duplicator, key extractor, re-keying kits, code cutting machine, and more. You also will need to have reliable transportation, since typically you will go to the customer’s location versus them coming to you. Most locksmiths use a business van because it allows them to store all the tools and equipment they need inside.

The first step is to obtain the right training. Then, you can register with the state and purchase the right insurance and tools. Once that is done, you can begin your career as a locksmith in Florida. You will need to start small. Consider setting up a website or social media profile so that prospective customers can find you. Over time you can build your business by providing great services to all your customers.