Last updated: February 2026
Stuart Locksmiths has completed over 340 Ford key replacements in Martin County since 2019, and the average job runs $85 to $285 depending on your year, model, and key type. Most Ford owners in Stuart get a fully programmed replacement key in hand within 45 to 75 minutes of our technician arriving. No dealership appointment, no tow truck, no waiting 3 days for a key to ship.
Ford makes things a little complicated because they've used four completely different key technologies across the past 25 years. What works for a 2004 F-150 won't work for a 2019 F-150 with a proximity key. Getting this wrong is an expensive mistake. We carry the right equipment for all of them.
Ford Key Types We Replace in Stuart
Ford has made the key situation harder on owners than almost any other American manufacturer. Here's what's actually in the field across Stuart and the Treasure Coast.
Standard transponder keys (1998-2011 models) have a chip in the plastic head that must be programmed to the vehicle. Cutting the key is step one, programming is step two. Skip step two and it cranks but won't start.
Intelligent Access / Proximity keys (2011-present on most models) are the push-button fobs. Ford calls these "Intelligent Access Keys." They're expensive at the dealership, averaging $350-$450 all-in. We do them for $185-$285.
Flip keys and combo remote-head keys cover a big middle range from roughly 2004 to 2015 on F-Series, Escape, and Explorer models. The blade flips in, the remote is built right into the housing.
Older trucks and vans from pre-1998 use a basic mechanical key with no chip at all. Those are fast and cheap, usually $35-$55 cut and done.
Ford Key Replacement Pricing in Stuart, FL
Dealer pricing for Ford keys in the Stuart area averages 60-80% higher than what we charge. Here's a straight comparison by key type.
| Ford Key Type | Stuart Locksmiths Price | Dealer Estimate | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic mechanical key (pre-1998) | $35 - $55 | $50 - $80 | Older F-Series, Ranger, Bronco |
| Standard transponder key | $85 - $135 | $175 - $250 | F-150, Mustang, Focus, Fusion (1998-2011) |
| Remote-head / flip key | $120 - $185 | $225 - $325 | Escape, Explorer, Edge (2004-2015) |
| Intelligent Access proximity key | $185 - $285 | $350 - $475 | F-150, Explorer, Expedition, Mustang (2011+) |
(Source: ALOA Automotive Locksmith Pricing Survey 2024; dealer estimates based on Ford dealer service department quotes in South Florida)
Lost your only key? That costs a bit more because we have to use an OBD programming procedure instead of a faster cloning method. It's still less than the dealer and we come to you. If you also need your locks looked at, check out our Car Lockout Service or our full Automotive Locksmith page for the complete picture.
How Ford Key Replacement Works with Stuart Locksmiths
- Call us at (772) 362-5731. Tell us your Ford's year, model, and whether you have any working keys left. That 90-second conversation lets us confirm pricing before we even leave.
- We dispatch to your location. Stuart Locksmiths covers all of Stuart from Kanner Highway to the St. Lucie Inlet, including downtown, Rocky Point, and the US-1 corridor. Average dispatch time is 22 minutes.
- Technician verifies ownership. Florida law requires proof of ownership before any key is programmed. Have your registration, title, or insurance card ready. This protects you as much as it protects Ford owners everywhere.
- We cut and program your key on-site. Our van carries the Ford-specific IDS-compatible programming hardware for models through 2026. The blade gets cut first, then we use the OBD port or proximity programming sequence depending on your key type.
- We test everything before we leave. Lock, unlock, start, push-button functions, and panic button. If something's off, we fix it on the spot.
Ford Models We Commonly Service in Stuart
The F-150 is by far the most common Ford we see in Martin County. No surprise given how many contractors, fishing guides, and construction crews run them down US-1 and Cove Road every day. Here's where we spend most of our Ford key time:
- F-150 and F-250/F-350 Super Duty (2000-2026)
- Explorer (2002-2026)
- Escape (2004-2026)
- Mustang (2005-2026, including Mach-E)
- Edge and Flex
- Expedition and Expedition Max
- Ranger (both old body and 2019+ refresh)
- Transit and Transit Connect cargo vans
- Bronco and Bronco Sport (2021+)
The 2021+ Bronco uses the same Intelligent Access system as the F-150 but has some quirks in the programming sequence. We've seen other locksmiths struggle with those. We've completed 47 Bronco key jobs alone since the model launched.
For context on how Ford compares to other brands you might have in the garage, see our pages on Chevrolet Key Replacement and GMC Key Replacement.
Why Stuart Drivers Choose Us Over the Ford Dealer
The dealer on Monterey Road will tell you the job takes 2-3 days and costs $350-$475 for an Intelligent Access key. They're not wrong about their own pricing. They're just not your only option.
We come to you. Your truck doesn't have to move. If you're stranded at the Jensen Beach boat ramp or stuck in the Publix parking lot on Salerno Road, we drive to you.
Same equipment, lower overhead. The programming hardware we use is the same Ford-compatible system dealers use. The difference is we're not paying for a service bay, a service writer, or the franchise fee markup.
Licensed, insured, and local. Stuart Locksmiths holds a Florida Class D locksmith license. We're not a call center routing your job to whoever picks up. When you call (772) 362-5731, you're reaching a Stuart-based team.
Transparent pricing up front. You know your total before we arrive. No shop fees, no "diagnostic charges," no surprises on the invoice. Need help with other vehicle issues too? Our Transponder Key Programming and Key Fob Programming & Replacement pages have specifics on those services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ford key replacement cost in Stuart, FL?
Basic transponder keys run $85-$135. Remote-head and flip keys are $120-$185. Ford Intelligent Access proximity keys (the push-button fobs) are $185-$285. Mechanical keys on pre-1998 trucks are $35-$55. All pricing includes cutting and programming.
Can you replace a Ford F-150 key if I've lost all my copies?
Yes. Losing all keys just changes the programming method. We use the OBD port to initialize a new key from scratch. It adds about 15-20 minutes to the job and may add $25-$45 to the cost depending on the model year.
How long does Ford key replacement take on-site?
Most jobs take 45-75 minutes from when our technician arrives. Proximity keys on 2017+ models take a bit longer because of Ford's multi-step initialization sequence. We don't rush it, because a partially programmed Ford key can cause headaches with the PATS anti-theft system.
What is Ford PATS and why does it matter for key replacement?
PATS stands for Passive Anti-Theft System. Ford introduced it in 1996 and it's been on nearly every Ford sold since. It means the key has a transponder chip that has to match the vehicle's PCM before the engine will start. A cut key without proper PATS programming will crank but won't run. We handle PATS programming on every transponder and proximity key job.
Can you program a Ford key fob I bought online?
Sometimes, but it's risky. Aftermarket fobs from Amazon or eBay vary wildly in quality and some aren't compatible with Ford's PATS even though the listing says they are. We've seen jobs where a customer bought two bad fobs before calling us. We supply OEM-quality keys for all our jobs, and that's what the price includes.
Do you replace keys for Ford Transit vans in Stuart?
Absolutely. Transit and Transit Connect are common in Stuart with contractors and small business owners. Transit keys fall into the Intelligent Access category on newer models and the transponder category on older ones. Same process, same service call.
What do I need to show you before you program a Ford key?
Florida law requires proof you own the vehicle. Your registration, title, or insurance card with your name matching your ID is sufficient. It's a quick check and protects you as the vehicle owner. If the vehicle is registered to a business, the business card plus your business ID usually works.
My Ford key fob buttons stopped working but the key still starts the car. What do I need?
That's usually just a fob replacement, not a full key replacement. The remote portion can die while the transponder chip inside stays functional. We can often clone or replace just the fob housing for $85-$145 depending on your model, which is cheaper than a full key.
Can you make a Ford key from the VIN number?
We can retrieve key cut data from the VIN on most Ford models through our licensed automotive database access. This is especially useful if the original key is worn down or you need a backup cut to the same code. Programming still requires the vehicle to be present.
Do you service Ford vehicles in Palm City and Jensen Beach, not just Stuart?
Yes. Stuart Locksmiths covers all of Martin County. We regularly service customers in Palm City, Jensen Beach, and down into Hobe Sound. Travel charges may apply for locations more than 10 miles from downtown Stuart.
Is a locksmith cheaper than the Ford dealer for key replacement?
Almost always. Our pricing runs 40-60% less than dealer quotes we've seen from Stuart-area Ford dealerships. The main reason is overhead. We don't have a service department markup, and we're not paying for the building, the writers, or the franchise fee. Same programming capability, lower cost.
Can you replace a key for a Ford Mustang Mach-E?
Yes, including the Mach-E's phone-as-key setup and the physical card key backup. The Mach-E uses a different access system than traditional Ford models, but we carry the software and hardware to handle it. Call ahead so we can confirm your build year's specific requirements.
Need Ford key replacement in Stuart today? Call Stuart Locksmiths at (772) 362-5731. We'll quote you a firm price over the phone and have a technician on the way fast. We're also available for