Last updated: February 2026
Most people expect to pay $25-50 for a locksmith. The reality in Stuart, FL in 2026? You're looking at $75-350 depending on the job, with after-hours calls running higher. Here's exactly what everything costs, so no one catches you off guard.
Stuart Locksmiths has completed over 2,400 jobs across Martin County. We're giving you real numbers, not ballpark guesses.
Locksmith Prices in Stuart FL at a Glance
Every locksmith job starts with a service call fee, typically $35-65 in the Stuart area. That covers the drive out, the diagnosis, and the first few minutes of labor.
Here's the full breakdown of what you'll pay at Stuart Locksmiths for the most common jobs:
| Service | Typical Cost Range | Average Time |
|---|---|---|
| Residential lockout | $75-$125 | 12-20 min |
| Car lockout | $65-$115 | 10-18 min |
| Lock rekey (per lock) | $25-$45 | 8-12 min |
| Lock replacement (per lock) | $125-$250 | 20-35 min |
| Deadbolt installation | $100-$185 | 25-40 min |
| Smart lock installation | $150-$300 | 30-60 min |
| Car key replacement (standard) | $125-$200 | 30-45 min |
| Transponder key programming | $150-$275 | 20-40 min |
| Key fob replacement | $85-$175 | 15-30 min |
| Safe opening | $175-$450 | 30-90 min |
| Commercial lockout | $95-$175 | 15-30 min |
| After-hours emergency call | +$50-$100 surcharge | Varies |
One thing worth knowing: rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. If the hardware itself is fine, Lock Rekey Service is the smarter move.
What Drives Locksmith Costs Up in Stuart
Location matters more than people think. A call off Kanner Highway in central Stuart costs less to reach than a property out near Indiantown Road or a waterfront home in Sewalls Point. Distance adds time, and time adds cost.
Four factors push your bill higher:
- Time of day: Calls between 10pm-6am carry a $50-100 after-hours surcharge.
- Lock grade: A Grade 3 residential knob is easy. A Medeco or Mul-T-Lock high-security cylinder takes real skill and specialty tools.
- Car make and model: A basic Honda key is $125-175. A BMW key fob with proximity programming? Plan on $200-350.
- Damage present: If a break-in or storm damage bent the door frame, we're doing lock repair plus frame work, not just a lock swap.
Stuart's humidity is a real factor too. Salt air from the St. Lucie River corrodes lock internals faster than inland areas. We see seized deadbolts and frozen cylinders regularly out on the barrier island and around the waterfront neighborhoods.
Residential Locksmith Costs in Stuart FL
Getting locked out of your home on SE Ocean Boulevard at 2pm on a Tuesday? That's a $75-125 job, usually done in under 20 minutes. Same call at midnight? Add $50-75 to that number.
For our full residential service menu, see Residential Locksmith services in Stuart.
Common residential jobs and real costs:
- Lockout service: $75-$125. Most homes open with non-destructive picking, so no damage to your door or lock.
- Rekeying after a move or breakup: $90-$180 for a typical 3-4 lock home. This is the single best $100 you'll spend on home security.
- Deadbolt installation on a new door: $100-$185 per lock, hardware included for standard Grade 1 deadbolts.
- Smart lock setup: $150-$300 installed. Schlage Encode and Kwikset Halo are the two brands we see most in the Palm City and Hobe Sound areas.
- High-security lock upgrade: $250-$450 per lock for ANSI Grade 1 certified cylinders with pick and drill resistance.
Car Key and Auto Locksmith Costs in Stuart FL
This is where costs surprise people most. The dealership will quote you $300-600 for a new key fob. We do the same job for $85-275, usually same-day.
Car lockouts are the fastest and cheapest automotive call, $65-115 and typically resolved in under 18 minutes. Transponder programming takes longer because we have to sync the chip to your car's ECU, but it still beats a tow to the dealer plus a 3-day wait.
Luxury brands cost more. A Mercedes-Benz or BMW key requires proprietary software and takes 30-50 minutes of programming time. Budget $200-350 for those. A Toyota Camry or Honda Civic key is $125-200 total, programming included.
We cover Stuart, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Port St. Lucie, and Jupiter for automotive calls. We come to you, whether you're in a parking lot off US-1 or stranded on I-95 near the Martin County line.
Commercial Locksmith Costs in Stuart FL
Commercial jobs carry more complexity, more hardware, and higher stakes. A retail storefront lockout during business hours can cost you more in lost revenue than the locksmith bill itself.
Commercial pricing in Martin County:
- Commercial lockout: $95-$175 depending on lock type and time of day.
- Master key system setup: $200-$800 for a standard commercial building, depending on number of doors and cylinder type.
- Access control installation: $350-$1,200 per door for keypad or card reader systems. Ongoing per-user costs depend on the platform.
- Panic bar installation: $250-$500 per door, required under Florida Fire Code for most commercial exits.
- Commercial rekey: $35-$65 per cylinder, less per unit on larger jobs.
Most businesses on Colorado Avenue and the downtown Stuart commercial district don't realize they can rekey an entire office for under $300. That's cheaper than one day of reduced security after a staff change.
How to Avoid Overpaying for a Locksmith in Stuart
Ask for a total price before work starts. Any legitimate locksmith quotes parts plus labor upfront. If someone quotes you $35 on the phone and then presents a $400 invoice at your door, that's a known scam in Martin County and you don't have to pay it.
Three red flags for locksmith scams in Stuart:
- No physical address or Florida license number on their website or invoice.
- Quote changes dramatically once they arrive and "see the lock."
- They immediately say the lock must be drilled when picking would work fine.
Stuart Locksmiths is licensed in Florida and provides written quotes before any work begins. We've been operating in Martin County for years and have 400+ verified reviews you can read at Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a locksmith cost in Stuart FL for a basic lockout?
A residential lockout in Stuart runs $75-$125 during daytime hours. Car lockouts are slightly less, usually $65-$115. After-hours calls between 10pm and 6am carry a $50-$75 surcharge on top of those rates.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks in Stuart?
Rekeying is almost always cheaper. Rekeying one lock costs $25-$45. Replacing it costs $125-$250. Unless the lock hardware is damaged or outdated, rekeying is the right call.
Do Stuart locksmiths charge a service call fee?
Yes. Most locksmiths in the Stuart area charge a $35-$65 service call fee that covers travel and diagnosis. This fee is typically included in the total quoted price, not added on top, but always confirm before work starts.
How much does car key replacement cost in Stuart FL?
Standard car key replacement with basic transponder programming runs $125-$200. Smart key fobs and proximity keys are $175-$350 depending on the make and model. Luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes run higher due to proprietary programming requirements.
What's the average response time for a locksmith in Stuart?
Stuart Locksmiths averages 20-35 minutes to most locations in Martin County. Traffic on US-1 and Kanner Highway during peak hours can push that to 45 minutes. Jobs in Indiantown or outer Palm City may take slightly longer.
Are locksmiths in Stuart available 24 hours?
Yes. Stuart Locksmiths handles emergency calls around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Expect the after-hours surcharge of $50-$100 for calls outside normal business hours.
How much does smart lock installation cost in Stuart?
Smart lock installation runs $150-$300 fully installed, including the hardware. Brands like Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, and August Smart Lock are common. More complex setups that integrate with a home automation system take longer and cost more.
Is it cheaper to call a locksmith or a dealer for a car key in Stuart FL?
A locksmith is almost always cheaper. Dealers charge $250-$600 for key fob programming and often require 2-3 days. Stuart Locksmiths handles most makes same-day for $125-$350, and we come to you.
How much does it cost to rekey an entire house in Stuart FL?
A typical 3-4 lock home runs $90-$180 to rekey completely. If you just moved, had a break-in, or lost a key, this is the fastest and cheapest way to secure your home without replacing hardware.
Do locksmith prices vary by neighborhood in Stuart?
Slightly. A call in central Stuart near downtown is easiest to reach. Properties on the barrier island, in Rocky Point, or out toward the western Martin County edges may carry a small additional travel fee due to distance or bridge traffic.
What should I do if a locksmith quotes me a very low price on the phone but charges much more at my door?
Don't pay it. This is a known scam. You agreed to the phone quote, not a higher in-person price. Document everything, get their license number, and report it to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Always confirm total price in writing before any work begins.