Last updated: February 2026
Did someone just take your keys? Did your ex move out under bad terms? Did a break-in happen at your Palm City Road apartment and the deadbolt is compromised? If you're searching "emergency lock change Stuart FL" right now, you probably don't have time to read a lot. Here's what matters: Stuart Locksmiths handles emergency lock changes starting at $85, we're typically at your door within 25 minutes anywhere in Stuart, and the job takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how many locks you're changing.
That's the short version. Keep reading if you want to know exactly what happens, what it costs, and why it matters to get this right the first time.
What Is an Emergency Lock Change, and When Do You Actually Need One?
A lock change means we physically remove your existing lock cylinder and hardware and install a brand-new lock. This is different from a rekey, where we modify the existing lock's internal pins to work with a new key. If your lock was damaged in a break-in, is severely worn, or is a low-grade builder's lock that honestly shouldn't have been on your door in the first place, a Lock Change & Replacement is the right call.
You need an emergency lock change specifically when time is a factor. A domestic dispute that just ended. A fired employee who still has a key to your SE Ocean Boulevard shop. A landlord-tenant situation escalating fast. These aren't scenarios where you schedule something for next Tuesday.
Stuart has a transient population that swells every winter season, and the Martin County Sheriff's Office handles thousands of property-related calls annually. Lock security isn't paranoia here. It's common sense.
How Our Emergency Lock Change Process Works
- You call (772) 362-5731. We pick up fast. No call centers, no automated menus. You tell us the address, how many doors, and what's going on. We give you an honest price estimate on the phone.
- We dispatch immediately. Our technician is already somewhere in Stuart or nearby, covering everything from Sewalls Point to Jensen Beach. Average arrival is 25 minutes. Sometimes faster on the US-1 corridor.
- We assess the existing hardware on-site. Not every lock needs a full change. Sometimes a damaged strike plate is the real problem. We tell you what's actually broken before we charge you for anything.
- We install the new lock. We carry Schlage, Kwikset, and Medeco hardware on the truck. You pick the grade you want. We fit it, test it, and hand you the new keys.
- We verify everything works before we leave. Door closes and latches properly. Key turns smoothly. Deadbolt throws the full inch it's supposed to. We don't call the job done until you do.
Emergency Lock Change Pricing in Stuart, FL
Pricing depends on the lock grade, the number of doors, and whether any door prep work is needed. Here's what you can expect from Stuart Locksmiths for a standard emergency call:
| Service | Price Range | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Single door, Grade 3 (standard residential) | $85 - $130 | 30 min |
| Single door, Grade 2 (Schlage B60N or equivalent) | $120 - $165 | 35 min |
| Single door, Grade 1 / High-Security (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) | $175 - $280 | 45-60 min |
| Multiple doors (per additional door, same visit) | $65 - $120 each | 20-30 min each |
Emergency service fees typically run $25 to $50 on top of the lock and labor cost, and that applies any time outside standard business hours including nights and weekends. Stuart Locksmiths is upfront about that number on the phone, not after we're done with the work.
Worth knowing: the average cost of a home burglary in Florida runs over $2,300 in losses according to FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Spending $130 on a quality lock tonight is not a hard call. (Source: FBI UCR)
Lock Security Data You Should Know
| Lock Grade | ANSI/BHMA Rating | Cycles Tested | Forced Entry Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 (Builder basic) | ANSI Grade 3 | 250,000 | Low |
| Grade 2 (Residential upgrade) | ANSI Grade 2 | 400,000 | Medium |
| Grade 1 (Commercial/High security) | ANSI Grade 1 | 800,000 | High |
| UL Listed High Security | UL 437 | 1,000,000+ | Very High (10-min attack resistance) |
(Source: ALOA Security Professionals Association / ANSI/BHMA Standards)
Most builder-installed locks in Stuart subdivisions are Grade 3. That's fine for keeping honest people honest. It won't slow down someone who actually wants in.
Why Choose Stuart Locksmiths for an Emergency Lock Change
Look, there are other locksmiths in Martin County. Some are good. Some are not licensed, show up in an unmarked car, and charge you $300 for a $90 job. Florida requires locksmiths to be licensed through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Stuart Locksmiths is fully licensed and insured. Ask for the license number before any locksmith touches your door.
We've completed over 1,400 emergency lock jobs in the Stuart area since we opened. That number matters because it means we've seen the weird stuff: doors with off-center bore holes, Kwikset SmartKey cylinders that stripped, old Weiser hardware from the 1980s that nothing modern fits without adapters. We carry the adapters.
Our technicians know the difference between a door that's sagging from South Florida humidity shifting the frame versus a lock that's actually failing. Those two problems have different fixes, and only one of them requires a new lock. We'll tell you which is which before charging you. If a Lock Rekey Service solves your problem for less money, we'll say so.
We also cover the full area. From the waterfront homes along the St. Lucie River to the residential neighborhoods near Kanner Highway, we're not strangers to any part of Stuart.
Situations We Handle Every Week in Stuart
A few scenarios that come up constantly in this area, not hypothetically, but from actual calls we've run:
- Vacation rental turnovers near the Stuart waterfront where a guest didn't return the key and the next booking is in 4 hours
- Post-eviction lock changes for landlords in the Rio and Tropical Farms areas (we also handle full Eviction Locksmith Services)
- Break-in repair after someone kicked in a back door off SW Kanner Highway, where we pair the new lock with a Deadbolt Installation & Repair to reinforce the frame
- Domestic situations where someone needs locks changed same-day for safety reasons, no judgment, just fast professional service
- Business owners on Colorado Avenue who had a key go missing during a staff change and can't afford to wait on a locksmith who doesn't stock commercial-grade hardware
If any of those sound familiar, you already know you're in the right place. Call (772) 362-5731.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can you get to my house in Stuart for an emergency lock change?
Average response time in Stuart is 25 minutes. If you're in a central location near US-1 or downtown, it can be under 20. More remote areas like Indiantown Road's far west end may run 30 to 40 minutes.
Do I need a full lock change or can I just get the lock rekeyed?
Depends on the situation. If your lock is structurally sound and you just want old keys to stop working, a rekey is cheaper ($35 to $75 per lock). If the lock is damaged, low-grade, or was defeated in a break-in, you need a new lock. We tell you which on-site before we start.
What lock brands do you carry on the truck for emergency replacements?
We stock Schlage, Kwikset, and Medeco on every service vehicle. Schlage Grade 1 and Grade 2 models cover most residential needs in Stuart. Medeco handles high-security requests. We carry Grade 3 for budget-conscious situations too.
Can you change the locks on my rental property in Stuart if I'm the landlord?
Yes, with proper documentation. Florida law requires a lawful eviction process before a landlord can change a tenant's locks. If you have a writ of possession or the tenant has vacated, we can proceed immediately. We handle post-eviction lock changes regularly throughout Martin County.
Is there an extra fee for emergency lock changes at night or on weekends?
Yes. Emergency/after-hours service carries an additional $25 to $50 fee. We tell you that number when you call, not after the job is done.
My door was kicked in during a break-in. Should I get a lock change or something more?
Both. A new lock on a broken door frame won't hold. After a kick-in, we assess the strike plate, door frame, and hinge hardware before installing anything. A reinforced strike plate with 3-inch screws into the stud is the minimum. We can also handle full Break-In & Burglary Repair so the whole entry point is solid again.
How many keys do you provide with a new lock?
Standard new lock sets come with 2 keys. We can cut additional copies on-site at the time of installation, typically $4 to $8 per additional key depending on the key type.
Can you change just one lock or do you have to do the whole house?
One lock is completely fine. Most customers who call for a single door end up adding a second lock once they see the price difference for doing two in the same visit, but there's zero pressure to do more than you need.
What's the difference between a Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 lock?
ANSI/BHMA grades measure durability and security. Grade 3 is what most builders install, tested to 250,000 cycles with low forced-entry resistance. Grade 2 is a solid residential upgrade. Grade 1 is the highest standard, tested to 800,000 cycles with high forced-entry resistance. For Stuart homes near higher-crime corridors, we strongly suggest at least Grade 2.
Do you offer smart lock installation as part of an emergency lock change?
Yes. If you want keypad or app-controlled access instead of traditional keys, we can install compatible smart locks on the same emergency call. See our full Smart Lock Installation page for brand options and pricing details.
Can you change the locks on my apartment in Stuart without my landlord present?
Florida law allows tenants to add a lock for personal safety in certain situations, but it's worth knowing your lease terms first. If you're in a dangerous situation, call us and we can talk through the options. Safety always comes first.