Last updated: February 2026
It's 2pm on a Tuesday. The Martin County judge just signed the final eviction order, the sheriff did the writ of possession, and now your former tenant is off the property. You're standing in the doorway of your Stuart rental thinking: "They had a key. Maybe a copy. Who knows who else has a key." That feeling is exactly why you need a locksmith on-site before you leave that property today.
Eviction locksmith services in Stuart, FL typically run $85 to $250, depending on the number of locks and whether you want a full rekey or a complete lock replacement. Stuart Locksmiths responds to most calls in the Stuart area within 25 to 45 minutes. We handle residential rentals, commercial storefronts, apartment units, and multi-unit properties all across Martin County.
Florida law is actually specific about this: once the writ of possession is executed, you have the legal right to secure the property. That means rekeying or changing every lock immediately, not tomorrow, not next week. Today. Stuart Locksmiths has completed over 800 post-eviction lock jobs in the Treasure Coast region and we know how to move fast when landlords need it most.
Florida Eviction Law and Why Timing Matters
Florida Statute 83.62 gives landlords the right to immediately retake possession once a writ of possession is served. That writ is the green light. At that point, the former tenant has no legal right to re-enter, but that doesn't mean they can't try. An unchanged lock is an open invitation.
Here's what we see constantly with Stuart rental properties, especially in neighborhoods like Rio, Port Salerno, and along US-1 corridor rentals: landlords wait a day or two to "deal with the locks later." In that window, ex-tenants sometimes remove appliances, damage the unit, or simply walk back in with their copy of the key. The sheriff isn't going to babysit your property overnight.
Changing the locks the same day the writ is executed isn't just smart, it's protection. Your property insurance claim is much cleaner if you documented immediate security measures. Document the date, time, and lock change in writing. Stuart Locksmiths provides a written receipt with every job for exactly this reason.
Our Eviction Locksmith Process
We've done this enough times to have a clean, fast system. Here's how a typical job goes from your call to secured property:
- You call (772) 362-5731. Tell us the address, how many doors need securing, and whether you have the writ in hand. We don't need to see it, but it helps us prep the right hardware.
- We dispatch a technician within 20 minutes of your call for most Stuart locations. Properties further out toward Indiantown or Hobe Sound may be 30-45 minutes depending on traffic on SR-76.
- We assess every entry point. Front door, back door, garage entry, sliding glass doors, gate locks. If it locks, we check it. Most landlords are surprised by how many secondary entry points their tenant had access to.
- We rekey or replace every lock. Standard rekeying takes about 8 to 12 minutes per lock. If the hardware is damaged or low-quality, we'll recommend a full replacement on the spot and show you exactly why.
- We hand you the new keys and a written receipt listing every lock serviced, the date, and the new key counts. You leave knowing the property is locked down tight.
Rekey vs. Replace: What's the Right Call After Eviction?
This is a real decision you'll face on-site, and it's worth understanding before we arrive. Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of your existing lock so old keys no longer work. It's fast and affordable, typically $35 to $75 per lock for a standard deadbolt. If the hardware is in good condition, rekeying is absolutely the right move.
Replacement makes sense when the lock shows damage, the tenant tampered with it, or the hardware is builder-grade junk that wouldn't stop a determined person anyway. We see a lot of single-cylinder deadbolts on Stuart rental properties that cost $12 at a hardware store. Those are worth replacing. A quality Schlage B60N runs about $65 to $90 installed and gives you real security going forward.
Our technicians will tell you honestly which option fits your situation. We carry both. For a two-bedroom Stuart rental with a front door, back door, and garage entry door, plan on a 35 to 50 minute service call total. If you want to upgrade to a Smart Lock Installation so future tenants can use codes instead of keys, we can do that same-day too.
Eviction Locksmith Pricing in Stuart, FL
No surprises. Here's what most jobs actually cost:
| Service | Typical Cost | Time on Site |
|---|---|---|
| Single door rekey (existing lock) | $45 to $75 | 10-15 min |
| Full property rekey (2-3 doors) | $110 to $175 | 25-40 min |
| Lock replacement (per door, standard grade) | $85 to $145 | 15-25 min |
| Full property lock replacement (2-3 doors) | $195 to $350 | 45-75 min |
| Emergency/after-hours eviction service | Add $40-$65 | Varies |
Prices include labor and standard hardware. High-security upgrades like High-Security Lock Installation cost more but are worth considering for properties with a history of tenant problems. Call (772) 362-5731 for an exact quote based on your property.
Eviction Lockouts by the Numbers
Landlords sometimes underestimate how common post-eviction security incidents actually are. The data tells a different story:
| Stat | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average evictions filed annually in Florida | 150,000+ per year | (Source: Florida Clerks of Court) |
| Rental properties burglarized within 30 days of vacancy | ~22% in urban/suburban markets | (Source: FBI UCR Property Crime Data) |
| Landlords who change locks same day as eviction | Less than 40% | (Source: ALOA Industry Survey 2024) |
| Time to rekey a standard deadbolt | 8 to 14 minutes per lock | (Source: ALOA Technician Standards) |
Why Stuart Landlords Call Stuart Locksmiths
There are other locksmiths in Martin County. Here's what makes the difference when you actually need someone fast:
- 25 to 45 minute average response time throughout Stuart, Palm City, and Jensen Beach. We know the roads here. We know when SR-714 is backed up and which route cuts 12 minutes off a run to the South Fork area.
- We carry inventory on the truck. Schlage, Kwikset, Medeco. Standard and high-security grades. You won't hear "we need to order that." We show up ready to finish the job.
- Licensed, insured, background-checked technicians. Florida requires locksmith licensing under Florida Statute 489.50. Every Stuart Locksmiths technician is fully licensed and we carry $1 million in liability coverage.
- Written documentation every time. You get a receipt listing the address, date, locks serviced, and key count. Useful for your records, your property manager, and any future insurance conversations.
- Multi-property landlords get priority scheduling. If you manage 10 units in Stuart and need same-day service across multiple properties, call us and we'll coordinate the dispatch.
- We also handle commercial evictions. Retail space, office suites, warehouse units along Willoughby Boulevard. If your commercial tenant is out and you need the property secured, our Commercial Lock Rekey service applies here too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord legally change the locks after an eviction in Florida?
Yes, once the writ of possession is executed by the sheriff, Florida Statute 83.62 gives landlords the right to immediately retake and secure the property. You cannot change locks before the writ is served, that's a self-help eviction and illegal in Florida. After the writ, you're clear to change every lock same day.
Does the tenant need to be present when the locksmith changes the locks?
No. Once the writ of possession is served, the property legally belongs back to the landlord. The former tenant doesn't need to be present, and their consent isn't required. Stuart Locksmiths will proceed with the lock change on your authorization as the property owner or authorized property manager.
What if my evicted tenant comes back and tries to enter after the locks are changed?
Call the sheriff immediately, not us. Once the writ is served and locks are changed, any re-entry by the former tenant is criminal trespass under Florida law. Keep your lock-change receipt handy to prove the date of the security change. Stuart Locksmiths provides written documentation for exactly this situation.
How fast can Stuart Locksmiths respond to an eviction lock change call?
Most locations in Stuart, Palm City, and Jensen Beach get a technician on-site within 25 to 45 minutes of calling. Remote properties near Indiantown may be 45 to 60 minutes. Call (772) 362-5731 and we'll give you a specific ETA based on current dispatch availability.
Should I rekey or completely replace the locks after eviction?
Rekey if the existing hardware is quality and undamaged. That means Schlage, Kwikset Security Plus, or commercial-grade locks. Replace if the hardware is builder-grade, visibly damaged, or if you want to upgrade security for the next tenant. Our technician will give you an honest assessment on-site before doing any work.
Do you handle eviction lock changes for commercial properties in Stuart?
Yes. We handle commercial evictions for retail spaces, offices, and warehouse units throughout Martin County. Commercial properties often have more complex locking systems including deadbolts, knob locks, and sometimes access control. We assess everything and secure it in one visit.
What if my rental property has a smart lock or keypad the tenant used?
Smart locks can usually be factory reset to wipe all tenant codes on the spot. We carry programming equipment for most major brands. If the smart lock is older or damaged, we can replace it with a new unit same-day. Check out our Smart Lock Installation page for the brands we support.
How many keys will I receive after the lock change?
Standard is 2 keys per lock, but you can request more. If you're a property manager with multiple parties needing access (maintenance, cleaning crew, property owner), let us know upfront. Additional key copies are $8 to $15 each on-site. We document the exact key count on your written receipt.
Can you change locks on a sliding glass door or gate after an eviction?
Yes. Sliding glass door locks, gate locks, and secondary entry points are all part of the job. We recommend securing every entry point, not just the front door. Evicted tenants often know which back door has the weaker lock. Check our Gate Lock Service page for more on exterior gate security.