Locksmith scams are one of the most common home service frauds in Florida. This guide helps Brevard County residents identify red flags, verify credentials, and hire with confidence.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued multiple warnings about locksmith scams that operate heavily in Florida. The most common scheme works like this: a company advertises extremely low prices ($15–$35 service calls) across Google, Yelp, and other platforms. When you call, they dispatch a technician — often unlicensed — who then quotes prices of $150–$400+ after arriving at your location.
These operations use virtual local addresses and call centers to appear to be neighborhood businesses. The "locksmith" who arrives may have no formal training, may use destructive techniques that damage your locks, and will pressure you to pay inflated prices with cash.
Refuses to give a total price over the phone · Cannot provide a Florida locksmith license number · Quotes $15–$35 on the phone then charges $200+ on arrival · Insists on cash payment only · No local address or physical presence · Arrives in an unmarked vehicle with no ID or business cards
Provides a total price quote upfront before dispatch · Has a current Florida DBPR license number they'll share willingly · Has a verifiable physical address and established local reviews · Arrives in branded vehicle, presents ID and business card · Accepts multiple payment methods including card
Florida requires all locksmiths to hold a Class B Security license issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Ask any locksmith for their license number before scheduling. A legitimate locksmith will give you this number immediately without hesitation.
Go to myfloridalicense.com and search for the license number. Confirm the name matches the company, the license is active, and there are no disciplinary actions. This takes under two minutes and can save you hundreds of dollars.
Never allow a locksmith to start work without confirming the total price. Ask specifically: "What is the complete total price including labor, parts, and any after-hours fees?" A reputable locksmith will tell you exactly what you'll pay. If they can't or won't give you a firm price, hang up and call someone else.
Search the company name on Google Maps and the Better Business Bureau. Look for reviews that are verifiably local — reviews from people mentioning specific Brevard County neighborhoods, cities, or landmarks. Be skeptical of businesses with only 5-star reviews and no review history before 2020.
Franchise locksmiths and call center operations often subcontract work to unlicensed technicians. An owner-operated business like Key-En-Lock — which has operated in Melbourne since 1999 — means the person who answers the phone is often the person who arrives. This creates accountability that large franchise operations lack.
Legitimate locksmith pricing in Brevard County (2025) for common services:
If a quote is significantly above these ranges without explanation, or if a locksmith refuses to quote before arrival, consider it a red flag.
External Resources
Verify any locksmith's Florida license status before hiring. Takes under 2 minutes.
Visit myfloridalicense.com ↗The Federal Trade Commission's guidance on recognizing and avoiding bait-and-switch locksmith operations.
Read FTC warning ↗Check complaint history and accreditation status for any locksmith operating in Brevard County.
Search BBB ↗Local government resources for Brevard County residents including contractor verification.
Visit brevardfl.gov ↗