Get Quotes from Top Locksmiths in Orlando, FL

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring a Locksmith in Orlando?

There are no mandatory licensing requirements for locksmithing in Orlando. However, it is common for professional locksmiths to pursue voluntary certifications to prove their expertise and reliability. We recommend hiring certified locksmiths, as they have more on-the-job knowledge and experience than their uncertified counterparts. Another crucial aspect to consider when hiring locksmiths is their area of specialization and how it aligns with your specific needs. If you need assistance with vehicle locks, hire an auto locksmith rather than a traditional locksmith who primarily deals with building-related lockouts.

Additional factors to consider when deciding on the right professionals for your locksmithing work in Orlando include:

• The urgency of your lock-related issue
• The locksmith's availability and current location
• The locksmith's local reputation
• The locksmith's rates

Are You Licensed as a Locksmith in Orlando?

Locksmiths do not need a license to operate in Orlando. However, any locksmith that offers alarm system installation or monitoring services will need an Alarm Contractor's license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Given the general absence of licensing requirements for locksmithing in Orlando (which usually comes with strict government regulation), it is a good idea to prioritize locksmiths who are trained and certified by recognized organizations and institutions, like:

• The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA)
• The Society of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL)
• The Institutional Locksmiths Association
• The Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA)

Opting for certified locksmiths is advisable because they are more experienced, competent, and knowledgeable than their non-certified counterparts. Certified locksmiths undergo thorough vetting by their respective certifying organizations, have access to continuous training and education opportunities, and are held to high professional and ethical standards, ensuring you are dealing with skilled and trustworthy individuals.

Remember to verify the certifications a locksmith claims before finalizing your hiring decision. If your required services involve installing alarms, ensure the locksmith has been appropriately licensed to provide this service using the DBPR's License Search Portal. Contact this agency at (850) 487-1395 for more information on alarm contractor licenses.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Locksmith Services in Orlando?

Locksmiths in Orlando typically charge an average of $25 - $55 per hour for their services, although some may prefer fixed fees per job. However, the ultimate cost of your locksmith services will be determined by factors like:

• The nature, complexity, and urgency of the task
• The cost of required materials
• The time of day
• Your specific location
• Trip fees

Consider getting and comparing quotes from at least two or three local locksmiths before hiring. This practice ensures you pay a fair price for your locksmith services. However, be wary of locksmiths whose rates are significantly lower than the competition – scammers often use this tactic to attract unsuspecting customers.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Locksmiths in Orlando provide various services to address diverse lock and security needs. These services include (but are not limited to) key duplication, lock repairs, and the installation of keyless entry systems. However, before committing to a particular locksmith, confirm they offer the specific services you need and agree on their service rates before they start any work to avoid potential misunderstandings.

Here are common locksmith services typically available in Orlando, along with approximate cost ranges for each service:

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Orlando?

Orlando auto locksmiths specialize in vehicle-related lockout situations and provide many services to resolve them, such as:

• Extracting broken or stuck car keys
• Unlocking jammed car doors
• Duplicating vehicle keys and trunks
• Fixing faulty vehicle ignitions
• Replacing door actuators
• Repairing and replacing malfunctioning car and motorcycle locks

Before committing to auto locksmiths in Orlando, ensure they have experience with the make and model of the vehicle in question. If your required services include motorcycle rekeying, key replacement, or duplication, go a step further by confirming that the auto locksmiths are equipped for this – motorcycle keys usually have unique coding that requires specialized knowledge and tools for these tasks.

Here are estimated cost ranges for services provided by Orlando auto locksmiths:

Do You Provide Emergency or 24-hour Locksmith Services?

Some lockout situations are considered emergencies and require more urgent attention than others. Examples of these emergencies include:

• Having your keys stolen
• Being locked out of your home
• Having your key snap inside its lock
• Needing to change your locks after a break-in

Mobile locksmiths are suitable for these emergencies, as their mobile workshops give them several advantages over non-mobile locksmiths, like:

• Quicker response times
• Easier access to remote and difficult-to-reach locations
• 24/7 availability
• Little-to-no towing fees for auto emergencies
• More on-the-job experience due to handling a higher volume of service requests

Self-service locksmith companies like KeyMe and MinuteKey allow customers to store digital copies of their keys online and create physical duplicates as needed. It also provides a convenient resolution for lockout emergencies. However, be aware these companies have certain limitations and risks, such as:

• There may be no self-service kiosks near your lockout site
• Data breaches exposing copies of your keys to unauthorized parties

Consider the following precautions to reduce the occurrence of lockouts or effectively manage these situations:

• Organize your keys to prevent misplacement
• Get spares and keep them in secure locations
• Use lockboxes
• Install keyless/smart locks
• Maintain the contact information of one or two reputable local locksmiths for quick assistance during lockout emergencies.

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?

Certified locksmiths are vetted by their respective certifying bodies, which is the one reason we recommend prioritizing these locksmiths over non-certified ones. It is a good idea to confirm that your chosen locksmith conducts thorough background checks on their employees, especially those who directly interact with customers or handle sensitive information. These background checks often include:

• Criminal background checks
• Civil record checks
• Credit checks
• Previous employment verifications
• Driving record checks
• Random drug screenings

Engaging locksmiths who are vetted goes a long way in guaranteeing satisfactory service delivery and eliminating issues like theft, robbery, and blackmail. Other actions you can take to ensure your chosen locksmith's reliability and trustworthiness include:

• Checking online reviews and testimonials about the locksmith and their services
• Getting the names and descriptions of the specific locksmiths assigned to your task and asking to see their company ID when they arrive at your location to verify their identity

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Locksmith Services?

Professional Orlando locksmiths typically provide clients with two warranties:

• A manufacturer's warranty covering the locks (and any other products) used for the job
• A workmanship warranty covering their (the locksmith's) work and any issues that may arise from it

Confirming your chosen locksmith offers these warranties before hiring is crucial, as they assure you quality services. Keep in mind that while the extent of coverage provided by these warranties usually varies between locksmiths and the products they use, standard locksmithing warranties typically don't cover issues caused by:

• Incorrect lock installation
• Unauthorized repairs
• Misuse, negligence, vandalism, and natural disasters

Always request written copies of any warranties you are offered; this allows you to review and understand their specific terms and scope of coverage.