In general, any locksmith looking to operate in Miami doesn’t need to be registered, but Dade County is the exception. Anyone who installs, repairs, rekeys, adjusts, or modifies locks, vaults, and safes, both mechanical and electronic, needs to be registered in Dade County.
As for official locksmith organizations, at least one of the locksmiths needs to have a license in order to operate. To obtain a locksmith license in Miami, a background check and fingerprint submissions are required. In some instances, a criminal background will result in ineligibility for registration.
The final licensing requirement is official training and an exam that tests across several key categories, including lock opening techniques.
Over and above obtaining a license, some locksmiths may need to be an apprentice for at least a year before they can operate independently. Proof of apprenticeship is required when applying for a locksmith license thereafter.
Registration and licensing are processed on the Miami-Dade County website.
Locksmith Association Memberships
Florida doesn’t have any official association requirements for locksmiths. Choosing to join an association is purely a personal choice based on wanting to build a better reputation within your community. Each association operates under different rules though, which should be considered before joining.
Some of the associations in Miami include Florida West Coast Locksmith Association, Central Florida Locksmith Association Inc, and South Florida Chapter of ALOA.
Insurance Requirements
Insurance and bond protection is necessary when starting a locksmith business in Miami. In most instances, professionals require at least $25,000 in liability insurance. However, this once again depends on the county.
Overall, while a locksmith license isn’t always necessary, it still instills a lot of confidence in a professional’s abilities and commitment to their trade.
