Our homes, businesses and vehicles are some of our most valuable possessions. The key in securing these investments depends not only on the quality of the locks but also on the integrity, honesty and workmanship of the locksmith.
To ensure the highest level of competency and security in this area, Miami-Dade County enacted the Locksmith Ordinance.
The following is the text of a brochure published by the Consumer Services Department summarizing the provisions of the Miami-Dade County 'Locksmith Ordinance' and giving advice to consumers utilizing the services of locksmiths.
Who Regulates Locksmiths?
Under the Locksmith Ordinance, any person who installs, repairs, rebuilds, rekeys, repins, recodes, services, adjusts, opens or modifies locks, mechanical and electronic security locking devices and peripherals, safes, vaults, safe deposit boxes, and closed circuit television systems must register with the Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department, Consumer Protection Division.
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Exemptions
The following persons are exempted from registration:
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Lock manufacturers and their subcontractors.
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Licensed tow truck operators and re-possessors who key to make entry.
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Key duplicators who duplicate keys by machine from existing keys.
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Police, fire and rescue in the official line of duty.
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Building trade workers constructing new homes and offices.
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Workers on burglary, fire or security systems.
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Persons performing key services for family without compensation.
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Government employees who work on non-residential public facilities, equipment or vehicles.
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Retail establishments that provide only re-keying or recombination services at their place of business on locks purchased on the premises, as long as certain conditions are met.
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Safety Tips
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Never sign a blank form.
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Always get an itemized bill.
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Always keep accurate records and paperwork.
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Always deal with a registered locksmith business. Make sure that the business has its registration number in all advertisements and documents, and that locksmiths who service you are certified and have appropriate identification.
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Avoid hiding keys outside your residence or office.
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Avoid hanging keys in plain sight of others.
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Maintenance Tips
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Complaints
If you cannot resolve a dispute directly with a locksmith or locksmith business, call Miami-Dade's Consumer Services Department Consumer Protection Hotline at (305) 375-3677. A Consumer Protection Enforcement Officer will handle your call or fill out our online application of a complaint form which will be sent automatically.
Record all pertinent facts in a brief and clear manner. Include copies (not originals) of all documentation. Be sure to include a copy of any advertisement, coupon or invoice, the name and address of the business, the names of any persons you dealt with at the business, the company's locksmith business registration number and the individual locksmith's certification number.
The more completely the facts are presented, the quicker the agency can process your complaint.
Experienced personnel will process your complaint and contact you with the results. If violations of the Ordinance are detected, the business will be subject to enforcement action.
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Key Provisions of the Law
Besides mandatory registration, the law requires locksmiths and locksmith businesses to:
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Carry insurance no less than $25,000.00 combined liability workers compensation insurance, unless exempted by state law.
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Post a legible sign in English Spanish and Creole notifying consumers that they are entitled to duplicate keys including keys with errors or made in error.
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Display the registration # on all forms, invoices, advertisements, commercial trucks and vans.
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Refrain from making any oral or written statement to any customer which is deceptive, fraudulent misleading or false regarding their goods or services.
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Undergo a criminal background check.
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Obtain written authorization to duplicate a restricted key which includes the name, address, telephone number, and other information of the person authorized to request the key and keep that authorization on file.
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When opening a locked vehicle, obtain and record on a work order the signature, name, and driver's license number or other identification of the person requesting entrance, the license plate or vehicle identification number of the vehicle and the date service was performed. This requirement includes towing companies that open vehicles when towing.
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When opening any home, office, building or safe, obtain and record on a order the name, address, telephone number driver's license number or other identification, and signature of the persons requesting the service.
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Choosing a Locksmith
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Always ask friends for recommendations.
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Always deal with registered locksmiths. Call the Consumer Services Department at (305) 375-3677, for verification.
Always check for complaint registration records with the Consumer Services Department.
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Always ask the locksmith you call for their locksmith registration and certification numbers and when services are rendered insist on an invoice listing the services performed.
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Always obtain more than one estimate.
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Always obtain written estimates.
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Never choose on the basis of price alone
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