How to Become a Locksmith in Florida

Depending on the location, becoming a locksmith in Florida is a fast and easy process.

Florida is one of the many states that doesn’t require licensure or certification, which industry professionals still recommend.

However, licensure is required in Hillsborough and Miami-Dade counties, which can confuse many newcomers.

Many locksmithing courses and programs exist in Florida, most accessible online.

If you’re interested in becoming a locksmith in Florida, keep reading the information below to learn more!

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Florida

The basic steps to becoming a locksmith in Florida include the following:

Step One: Enroll in a Training Program

Florida is abundant with training programs ranging from fully online to in-person.

Both learning types have pros and cons, so it’s best to understand how you retain information before enrolling in one or the other.

While Florida does not require training programs, experts advise you to register.

Then, you’re differentiated from the competition when looking for a job, and you can learn more techniques and skills.

Step Two: Acquire an Apprenticeship

Hardware stores, roadside assistance, and locksmith companies are always looking for apprentices to provide hands-on training at a lower cost.

Speaking to the various locksmithing companies in your area and checking job posting boards can help you find an apprenticeship.

Step Three: Find a Job

Depending on the apprenticeship type and company, many apprentices immediately get jobs within that shop or organization.

However, for those that don’t, countless resources are available to locksmiths looking for work.

For example, the Safe and Vault Technicians Association and the Associated Locksmiths of America regularly have job opportunities on their websites.

Also, speaking with former instructors from your training programs or other industry professionals can help you quickly start your career.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith

Florida doesn’t have any legislation that requires you to register as a new locksmith.

Several bills were presented in 2010 but didn’t pass through state congress.

So instead, each county determines locksmith registration requirements for those doing business in that area.

As mentioned, Hillsborough County (Tampa) and Miami-Dade County (Miami) are the only two locations that require locksmith registration.

There is a relatively strict set of guidelines required for starting a locksmithing business in each of these counties, which includes:

• One year of locksmith apprenticeship unless you worked as a licensed locksmith for at least one year in the past decade.
• No convictions in the past five or ten years, depending on the conviction type.
• Passing a background check, including providing fingerprints.

Locksmith Programs

Completing a locksmith program is a great option to perfect your craft and earn certifications, which can advance your career.

Some of the best Florida programs include:

Ashworth College

Ashworth College gives students the skills necessary to become a locksmith for a security firm, locksmith company, or start a locksmith business.

The course covers how to work with electronic and manual lock systems for businesses, vehicles, and residences.

Students can complete this program online in as little as four months.

The course includes online tutoring, a starter set of essential locksmithing tools, the Binder app for mobile learning materials, a student portal, access to the Learning Resource Center, and an active online community of other students, graduates, and staff to help with any questions.

Penn Foster

Penn Foster is an online-only school offering various trade programs, including a detailed locksmith course.

Students can purchase the entire course and materials for $900, and the program can be completed in little as five months when fast-tracked.

The average completion is approximately seven months, but since the program is entirely online, students have the flexibility to work and have a social life.

The program covers every topic, from an introduction to locksmithing, where students learn the basics of the trade, to key making and the various lock types they will encounter in the real world.

UHS Hardware

Located in Miami, UHS Hardware offers a locksmithing program taught by industry professionals.

Since this is a fully functioning hardware store, the course covers the basics of being a locksmith, with business advice, and the best students often get an apprenticeship after the course ends.

In addition, this program is an in-person, hands-on coursework so that you can work through different types of locks and issues with the instructor immediately available.

This differs from most programs which are entirely online.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that the average national annual income of a locksmith is $47,800, ranging from $29,000 to $70,000.

However, locksmiths in Florida make $40,000 annually, slightly less than the U.S. average.