Locksmith License

Any person, partnership or corporate entity that wants to operate a new locksmith business in Miami-Dade County can apply online, in person or by mail.

Application requirements include:

• Completed New/Renewal Locksmith Business Registration Application
  • Solicitud Para Inscribir Un Negocio De Cerrajero 
• Locksmith Experience Affidavit Verification of employment, experience or both shall be completed by the individual’s supervisor, or submission of at least three affidavits from persons affiliated with the locksmith industry, attesting to at least one year of locksmith experience of the individual.
  • Solicitud Para Inscribir Un Negocio De Cerrajero
• Copy of current Miami-Dade County local business tax or valid municipal business tax receipt
• Articles of incorporation/fictitious name registration
• Certificate of insurance with a minimum of $25,000 combined liability
• Individual locksmith licenses issued by the Office of Consumer Protection (each locksmith business must employ at least one licensed locksmith – separate Individual locksmith application required.)
• Workers’ Compensation Certificate or affirmation
• Copy of owner's driver's license

Online submission through the Citizen Self-Service Portal (CSS)

• Instructions for submitting business license applications and supporting documentation
• For renewal of an existing license follow these instructions

If the application process is not completed within 60 days from the date that the application was filed, the application will be considered abandoned and closed and a new application and fee will be required.

Each application for registration, renewal registration and duplicate registration must provide the required documents. Any person or corporation operating a locksmith business in Miami-Dade County whose registration is expiring must renew at least 30 days prior to the expiration of current registration

Change of Ownership
In the event of a change in ownership of a locksmith business, a new application and fee is required. Corporations that have a change of 10 percent or more of its ownership must notify the Office of Consumer Protection of the change no later than 30 days after the date of the change.

Business Changes
Changes in any material aspect of the locksmith business must be in writing along with proof of the change and the required fee, if replacement of the registration is required, within 30 days of the change.

Each application for registration, renewal registration and duplicate registration must provide the required documents. Any person or corporation operating a locksmith business in Miami-Dade County whose registration is expiring must renew at least 30 days prior to the expiration of current registration.

Individuals who do not currently qualify for a locksmith license due to lack of experience may obtain an apprentice locksmith permit. This allows the individual to work for a registered locksmith business, under the supervision of a licensed locksmith (direct supervision is required for the initial 120 days of employment). Fingerprints and a criminal background check will be conducted. Certain criminal backgrounds result in ineligibility for a permit.

Frist-time locksmith applicants must have been an apprentice locksmith for a minimum of one year or must provide documentary proof of being actively engaged as a locksmith or a locksmith supervisor for one year out of the 10 years preceding the application for a locksmith license.

• Locksmith Experience Affidavit

Verification of employment, experience or both, shall be completed by the individual’s supervisor or submission of at least three affidavits from persons affiliated with the locksmith industry, attesting to at least one year of locksmith experience of the individual.

How to Apply
Apply in person, by mail or online.

• To apply for a new license, follow these instructions
• For renewal of an existing license follow these instructions

Submit

• New/Renewal Locksmith License/Apprentice Permit Application

All applicants must complete a criminal background check and have photos taken by the Office of Consumer Protection as part of the application process. Fingerprints and a criminal background check will be conducted.

Upon successful completion of the application process, each locksmith will be issued a Locksmith ID card that must be displayed on the locksmith at all times when performing locksmith work, whether on or off the premises of the individual’s primary place of work.

• Locksmith Business fee: $449
  • Late fee for renewal: $224.50
  • Replacement of registration: $21
• Apprentice Locksmith Permit fee: $36
  • Late fee for renewal: $18
  • Replacement of registration: $11
• Certified Locksmith fee: $47
  • Late fee for renewal: $23.50
  • Replacement of registration: $11
• Background check fee: $25

NOTE:  Effective July 1, 2024, Section 163.211, Florida Statutes will preempt the local licensing of Locksmith Businesses, Locksmiths and Locksmith Apprentices.  As a result, applicants seeking a new or renewal registration will be issued a registration/permit with a July 1, 2024 expiration date.  The fees will be prorated on a monthly basis to cover the period between the month of issue and July 1, 2024. The background check fee will not be prorated.

The fees are non-refundable. A late fee will apply to renewal applications submitted after the expiration of the current registration. The late fee is in addition to the renewal fee.

Checks or money orders should be made payable to Miami-Dade County / CP. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted when applying online and in person.