Your keys are sitting on the driver's seat, the engine is off, and the doors are locked. Or maybe your transponder key stopped communicating with the car this morning and now it won't start. Either way, you're stuck somewhere in Martin County, probably in the heat, and you need a real solution fast, not a runaround.
Stuart Locksmiths handles every automotive locksmith situation in Stuart, FL, from basic car lockouts to full ignition replacements and key programming for modern vehicles with rolling-code security systems. We cover Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, and surrounding areas, typically arriving within 20-35 minutes. Pricing runs $65-$400 depending on the service, and we'll give you an exact quote before we start any work.
Here's why a licensed automotive locksmith beats the dealership almost every time: we come to you, we're usually 40-60% cheaper, and we can handle the job on the spot. Dealerships require a tow, an appointment, and days of waiting. Our technicians carry the same OEM-grade programming equipment that dealer service departments use, including Autel, Advanced Diagnostics, and Ilco key cutting machines.
Most Common Automotive Locksmith Requests in Stuart
Car Key Replacement
Losing your only car key in Stuart is a bigger problem than most people expect. Modern keys aren't just metal blades you can cut at the hardware store. Since the mid-1990s, virtually every vehicle sold in the US has some form of electronic security built into the key, and cutting a new blade without programming the chip is useless. The car simply won't start.
Stuart Locksmiths can replace car keys for nearly every make and model on the road in Martin County, from basic transponder keys to high-security laser-cut keys to smart proximity keys. We cut and program on-site, so you're driving again the same day. Replacement typically costs $85-$250 depending on the key type, which is dramatically less than the $250-$500+ a dealership charges once you add the tow.
Car Lockout Service
Car lockouts in Stuart peak around two times: mid-morning when people are rushing to appointments on US-1, and late afternoon when beach traffic on A1A has everyone distracted. We respond to locked-out calls across Martin County seven days a week, and our average arrival time is 22 minutes from your call. No contract, no membership, no gimmicks.
Getting into a locked car without damage is a skill that takes real training. The wrong tool or wrong technique on a newer vehicle can trigger airbag sensors, damage door seals, or scratch paint. Our technicians use professional slim jim sets and air wedge kits designed for modern vehicle door frames, and we've successfully opened over 1,400 vehicles in the Treasure Coast area without a single damage claim.
Transponder Key Programming
A transponder key has a small RFID chip inside the plastic head. When you insert the key, the car's immobilizer reads that chip's code. If the code doesn't match what's stored in the ECU, the engine won't fire even if the key blade turns perfectly. This is intentional anti-theft design, and it's been standard on virtually all new vehicles since 1998 in the US market.
Programming a transponder key requires either an original working key (to clone) or direct access to the vehicle's OBD-II port and a manufacturer-specific programming sequence. Stuart Locksmiths carries programming tools compatible with over 98% of vehicles on the road in Florida, including older GM VATS systems and newer encrypted Hitag Pro chips used in European imports. Transponder key programming runs $95-$185 at your location.
Key Fob Programming & Replacement
Key fobs die. The buttons wear out, the housing cracks, or the battery replacement process accidentally wipes the fob's pairing. And unlike 10 years ago, today's smart key fobs do a lot more than lock and unlock remotely. They handle passive entry, push-button start, remote start, and trunk release, so a dead fob is a real inconvenience.
We stock aftermarket fob shells and OEM-compatible remotes for the most common vehicles in Stuart, and we can program them roadside. Some fobs can be reprogrammed through a door-lock sequence you do yourself. Most 2018-and-newer vehicles require a dealer-level scan tool. We have both covered, and we'll tell you upfront which situation you're in. Key fob replacement and programming typically costs $75-$220.
Ignition Repair & Replacement
Ignition cylinders wear out. The tumblers inside get rounded from daily use, keys start sticking or turning hard, and eventually the cylinder won't turn at all. Salt air in Stuart and coastal Martin County accelerates this process on vehicles parked outside regularly. A worn ignition is also a theft risk, because a worn cylinder is far easier to pick or bypass than a new one.
Stuart Locksmiths can repair or replace the ignition cylinder on-site for most domestic and import vehicles. Full ignition replacement runs $150-$350, which includes rekeying the new cylinder to match your existing door key so you're not carrying two separate keys. If your key broke off inside the ignition, check our broken key extraction service before assuming you need a full replacement.
Automotive Locksmith Cost vs. Dealership: What You'll Actually Pay
| Service | Stuart Locksmiths | Dealership Est. | Wait Time (Dealer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Lockout | $65-$95 | N/A (tow required) | 1-2 days |
| Basic Transponder Key | $95-$145 | $220-$350 | 1-3 days |
| Smart/Proximity Key | $185-$280 | $300-$500+ | 2-5 days |
| Key Fob Only | $75-$150 | $150-$350 | 1-3 days |
| Ignition Replacement | $150-$350 | $350-$700+ | 2-4 days |
| Broken Key Extraction | $65-$120 | $150-$300 | 1-2 days |
Dealer pricing sourced from NADA service advisories and customer-reported data across Martin County, St. Lucie County, and Palm Beach County, 2024-2025. Locksmith pricing reflects Stuart Locksmiths standard rates. Individual quotes may vary by vehicle year and model.
Make-Specific Key Replacement in Stuart, FL
Different manufacturers use completely different key systems, programming protocols, and security chip families. A Toyota G chip works nothing like a Ford PATS system or a BMW EWS. This is why brand-specific experience matters, and why Stuart Locksmiths maintains programming databases and key blanks for every major manufacturer sold in Florida.
All Automotive Locksmith Services We Offer
- Car Key Replacement
- Car Lockout Service
- Transponder Key Programming
- Key Fob Programming & Replacement
- Ignition Repair & Replacement
- Toyota Key Replacement
- Honda Key Replacement
- Nissan Key Replacement
- Ford Key Replacement
- Chevrolet Key Replacement
- Jeep Key Replacement
- Dodge & Ram Key Replacement
- Hyundai Key Replacement
- Kia Key Replacement
- BMW Key Replacement
- Mercedes-Benz Key Replacement
- Lexus Key Replacement
- Subaru Key Replacement
- Volkswagen Key Replacement
- GMC Key Replacement
Why Choose Stuart Locksmiths for Automotive Work
There are roughly a dozen locksmiths advertising in Martin County. Most are one-person operations with basic equipment. Stuart Locksmiths has been serving the Treasure Coast for over 12 years, and we've completed more than 3,800 automotive locksmith jobs across Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, and Jensen Beach.
Our technicians hold ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) certifications and Florida state licensing. We carry $1 million in liability coverage on every vehicle job. And we invest in current programming equipment every year because the key technology in vehicles sold today changes faster than most people realize. A shop running 5-year-old software simply cannot program a 2024 Toyota or Ford key correctly.
We don't subcontract. When you call (772) 362-5731, a Stuart Locksmiths technician shows up, not a third-party driver dispatched from a call center in another state. That matters more than most customers realize until something goes wrong with a subcontracted job.
Need help with your home security while you're dealing with car key issues? We also handle residential locksmith services, smart lock installation, and home security upgrades across Stuart and Martin County.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an automotive locksmith cost in Stuart, FL?
Car lockouts run $65-$95. Key replacements range from $85-$280 depending on the key type. Transponder programming is $95-$185. Ignition replacement is $150-$350. Stuart Locksmiths gives you an exact quote by phone before dispatching, so there are no surprise charges when we arrive.
Can you make a car key without the original in Stuart?
Yes. We can cut and program a new key using your VIN number and proof of ownership, even if you've lost every copy. The process takes 30-60 minutes on-site and requires a government-issued ID matching the vehicle registration.
How fast can you get to me if I'm locked out of my car in Stuart?
Our average response time in Stuart proper is 22 minutes. Outlying areas like Indiantown or Hobe Sound may run 30-40 minutes. We'll give you a realistic ETA when you call, not an optimistic one.
Is it cheaper to go to the dealership or call a locksmith for a new car key?
A locksmith is almost always cheaper. Dealerships charge 40-60% more for key replacement and programming, and they require a tow if you have no working key. A mobile locksmith comes to you and typically costs $85-$280 versus $250-$500+ at the dealer.
Do you program smart keys and push-button start keys?
Yes. We program proximity smart keys for most major brands including Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, and more. Smart key programming costs $150-$280 depending on the vehicle.
My car key broke off in the ignition. What should I do?
Don't try to pull it out with tweezers or pliers. You'll push it deeper. Call Stuart Locksmiths for broken key extraction. We use proper extractor tools that remove the broken piece without damaging the cylinder, usually in under 15 minutes.
Can you replace a key fob that got wet or stopped working?
Yes. Water-damaged fobs are common in Stuart given the rain and humidity. Sometimes the internal board just needs cleaning and a new battery. Other times the fob is gone and needs full replacement and reprogramming. We'll diagnose it on the spot.
Do you work on older cars without transponder keys?
Absolutely. Pre-1998 vehicles with mechanical-only keys are actually simpler to cut and replace. We carry a wide range of legacy key blanks and can cut traditional keys for vehicles going back to the 1970s.
What do I need to bring as proof of ownership when getting a car key made?
A government-issued photo ID and your vehicle registration or title. The name on the ID must match the registration. If the vehicle is a company car or borrowed, we'll need a signed authorization letter from the registered owner plus their ID copy.
Can you rekey my car doors to match a new key?
Yes. If you've had a key stolen or you bought a used car and want to make sure no old keys work, we can rekey the door cylinders and ignition to a new key code. This is often smarter than replacing all the locks outright.
Do you service cars at Sailfish Marina, Kmart parking lots, or other public locations in Stuart?
Yes. We come to wherever your vehicle is, parking lots, roadsides, driveways, boat ramps. As long as it's in Martin County or the immediately surrounding area, we'll get there.
Are you available on weekends and holidays in Stuart?
Yes, seven days a week including holidays. Automotive lockouts don't follow business hours, and neither do we. For true emergencies, see our emergency locksmith page for after-hours options.
Call Stuart Locksmiths for Automotive Help Right Now
Locked out, lost your key, or dealing with an ignition that won't cooperate? Call Stuart Locksmiths at (772) 362-5731. We'll give you a firm price on the phone and have a technician to you fast, no tow truck, no dealership wait, no runaround.
We serve Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Jupiter, Tequesta, Sewalls Point, and all of Martin County. One call handles it.