Last updated: February 2026
You handed out 14 key copies over the past 3 years. Two employees quit without returning theirs. One contractor still has a fob from a job finished 8 months ago. You have zero idea who's walking into your building after hours. That's not a minor inconvenience. That's a liability.
Access control systems in Stuart, FL replace traditional lock-and-key setups with electronic credentials you can revoke, track, and manage from your phone. Stuart Locksmiths installs keypad systems, card readers, fob-based entry, and cloud-managed access platforms for commercial properties across Martin County. Basic single-door setups start around $350-$600 installed. Multi-door commercial systems typically run $800-$2,500 depending on hardware and wiring. Most installs take 2 to 6 hours.
The Problem With Physical Keys in a Commercial Building
Physical keys can't be tracked. They can't be deactivated. And in Stuart's transient business environment, where seasonal workers come through from October to April and turnover runs high in the restaurant and marina industries along the St. Lucie River corridor, keys get copied, lost, and forgotten constantly.
Every time a key walks out the door, you face a choice: rekey the whole building or hope nothing happens. Rekeying every 6 months isn't cheap either. See our Commercial Lock Rekey page for what that actually costs. Access control eliminates the problem entirely. No key, no problem.
The numbers back this up. According to ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America), businesses that switch from physical keys to electronic access control see a 60-80% reduction in unauthorized entry incidents within the first year.
Access Control vs. Traditional Locks: A Real Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Locks | Access Control Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Revoke access instantly | No (must rekey) | Yes (seconds) |
| Track who entered and when | No | Yes (full audit log) |
| Set time-based permissions | No | Yes (per user, per door) |
| Remote management | No | Yes (phone or desktop) |
| Average annual cost after install | $150-$400 (rekeying/replacement) | $0-$120 (software fees only) |
| Insurance premium impact | None | 5-15% reduction possible |
(Source: ALOA Industry Survey 2024, Insurance Information Institute 2025)
What Access Control Systems Stuart Locksmiths Actually Installs
Not every business needs the same solution. A medical office near Kanner Highway needs HIPAA-compliant audit trails and restricted server room access. A marina on the South Fork needs weatherproof fob readers and gate integration. A retail strip on US-1 near the Treasure Coast Square needs simple keypad entry for after-hours stock deliveries.
Stuart Locksmiths installs all of the following:
- Standalone keypad systems (PIN-only, no network required)
- Key fob and proximity card readers (HID, AWID compatible)
- Cloud-based access platforms (manage from any browser)
- Biometric readers (fingerprint and palm for restricted areas)
- Video-integrated entry with doorbell camera tie-in
- Electric strike and magnetic lock conversions (see our Electric & Magnetic Door Locks page for hardware details)
- Intercom and buzzer systems for lobbies and gated entries
If your building has glass storefront doors, that changes the hardware options. Check our Glass & Storefront Door Locks page for compatible frame types before you call.
Access Control Pricing in Stuart, FL
| System Type | Typical Install Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single-door keypad (standalone) | $350 - $600 | Small offices, storage rooms |
| Fob/card reader (1-2 doors) | $600 - $1,200 | Professional offices, clinics |
| Cloud-managed multi-door system | $1,200 - $2,500 | Multi-tenant buildings, retail |
| Enterprise/biometric system | $2,500 - $6,000+ | Warehouses, medical, government |
Prices include hardware and labor. Conduit runs, electrical panel work, or concrete drilling billed separately. Most Stuart-area installs fall in the $600-$1,800 range. We'll give you an exact quote before touching anything.
Our Installation Process
- Site assessment (free). We walk your building, count doors, check existing door frames and wiring, and note any code requirements. Martin County commercial properties must comply with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code for egress, which affects how we wire electric strikes on exit doors.
- System recommendation. We match the right hardware to your actual situation, not the most expensive option. Single door? Standalone keypad is often the right call. 10 doors? Cloud management saves you hours of admin time.
- Hardware installation. Our technicians mount readers, run wiring, install power supplies, and program the controller. Most single-door installs finish in 2-3 hours. Multi-door systems typically take a full day.
- Credential setup and testing. We program every fob, card, or PIN. Test every door. Walk you through revoking access and adding new users yourself.
- Handoff and follow-up. You get full admin access to the system. No holding you hostage for future changes. We're available by phone at (772) 362-5731 if you hit a snag later.
Why Stuart Businesses Choose Stuart Locksmiths
We're not a national franchise dispatching a subcontractor from 40 miles away. Stuart Locksmiths is based in Stuart, FL. Our technicians know the local buildings, the local codes, and the Martin County permit office requirements for commercial electrical work.
- Licensed and insured in Florida. State-licensed locksmith, fully insured for commercial property work.
- We don't disappear after install. Most of our access control clients call us when they expand or add doors. That happens because we make the first install clean and the handoff simple.
- No upselling cloud subscriptions you don't need. Standalone keypads work great for a lot of businesses. We'll tell you when a $400 solution does the job.
- Same-week installs. We're not booking 3 weeks out. Most Stuart-area commercial installs get scheduled within 3-5 business days.
- We handle adjacent problems too. If your doors need a Panic Bar Installation to meet code before we add electric strikes, we handle that in the same visit. No coordinating three separate contractors.
For businesses also considering upgrading interior office locks alongside access control, our Office Lock Upgrades page covers compatible hardware options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an access control system cost for a small business in Stuart, FL?
A single-door keypad system runs $350-$600 installed. A two-door fob-reader setup is typically $700-$1,200. Most small offices in Stuart land in that range. We give exact quotes before any work starts.
Can I install access control without replacing my existing door hardware?
Usually yes. We often retrofit access control onto existing commercial doors using electric strike conversions or magnetic locks. The door frame and hardware can stay. We assess this during the free site visit.
What happens if there's a power outage? Will my doors lock everyone out?
Good question, and the answer depends on how we wire it. Fail-safe locks open when power cuts (good for interior doors). Fail-secure locks stay locked (better for exterior security). We discuss which mode is right for each door and can add battery backup to keep the system running through short outages.
How do I revoke access if an employee quits?
On a cloud-managed system, you log in and deactivate their credential in about 15 seconds. On a standalone keypad, you change the PIN or delete the fob from the controller, which takes 1-3 minutes. Either way, it's immediate and you don't need us to do it.
Do access control systems work with Florida fire codes?
Yes, but the installation has to account for NFPA 101 egress requirements. Electric strikes on fire egress doors must fail in the unlocked position during an alarm. Stuart Locksmiths wires all systems to comply with these requirements. We've worked in Martin County commercial buildings long enough to know exactly what inspectors look for.
Can I manage access control from my phone remotely?
On cloud-based systems, yes. You can lock or unlock any door, add new users, check the entry log, and set time schedules from any browser or the mobile app. Standalone keypad systems are not remotely managed but cost significantly less.
How long does it take to install an access control system?
A single-door install takes 2-3 hours. A 3-5 door commercial system typically takes 6-8 hours, sometimes spread across two half-days depending on wiring complexity. We give you a time estimate before we start.
What's the difference between a proximity card reader and a key fob system?
Functionally almost identical. Proximity cards (credit-card sized) are easier to put on a lanyard or in a wallet. Fobs clip to keychains. Both use RFID technology and work at 1-4 inch read distance from the reader. We stock both and they're compatible with the same systems.
Do you service access control systems you didn't install?
Often yes. If it's a common commercial brand (HID, Schlage, Alarm Lock, Kisi, Brivo), we can likely service, reprogram, or upgrade it. Call us at (772) 362-5731 with the brand and model and we'll tell you upfront.
Will I need an electrician in addition to a locksmith for this installation?
For most commercial access control installs, no. Stuart Locksmiths handles the low-voltage wiring for readers and electric strikes. If your install requires panel work or 110V wiring, we'll tell you in advance and coordinate with a licensed electrician.
Can access control systems be integrated with security cameras?
Yes. Several platforms we install support camera tie-in so you can see a snapshot of who badged in at each entry event. This is particularly useful for businesses near high-traffic areas like the US-1 corridor or the Port Salerno commercial district.
Do you install access control for apartment buildings or multi-tenant properties in Stuart?
Absolutely. Multi-tenant access control is one of the most common requests we get from property managers in the Stuart area. We can set up individual credentials per unit, shared credentials for common areas, and time-restricted access for maintenance staff.
Get Access Control Installed at Your Stuart Business
Stop guessing who has a key to your building. Stuart Locksmiths inst