Last updated: February 2026
You're standing on your front porch in the Stuart heat, keys nowhere in sight, and the door isn't budging. That's exactly the situation Stuart Locksmiths handles every single day. A house lockout in Stuart, FL typically costs between $65 and $150, and our technicians reach most homes in 15 to 25 minutes.
We cover all of Stuart and the surrounding Martin County area, from the waterfront neighborhoods off SE Ocean Boulevard to the subdivisions near Kanner Highway. One call to (772) 362-5731 and you're back inside fast.
Why House Lockouts Happen More Than You'd Think
Stuart's humidity is brutal on door hardware. Locks swell, deadbolts stick, and keys that worked fine in January suddenly won't turn in August. That's one of the most common calls we get.
Beyond weather, the usual suspects are leaving keys inside while bringing in groceries, key breaks off in the lock, or a lock that finally gives out after years of salt air corrosion near the St. Lucie River. If your key snapped off inside the cylinder, check our Broken Key Extraction page before anything else.
Renters get locked out after a landlord changes the locks without notice. Homeowners get locked out after a Break-In & Burglary Repair when the locks are replaced and the new key doesn't get distributed properly. It happens constantly.
| Cause | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Keys left inside | ~34% | Most common scenario |
| Lost or misplaced keys | ~28% | Often prompts a rekey |
| Broken key in lock | ~18% | Higher in humid climates |
| Malfunctioning lock | ~14% | Salt air accelerates wear |
| Eviction / lock change dispute | ~6% | Requires proof of residency |
(Source: Associated Locksmiths of America, ALOA Industry Survey)
Our House Lockout Process in Stuart
- Call (772) 362-5731. Give us your address and a quick description of the lock type if you know it. Schlage, Kwikset, Medeco, smart lock - it matters for what tools we grab.
- We dispatch immediately. Our technician is rolling within minutes. Average drive time to most Stuart neighborhoods, including Willoughby, Sailfish Point, and Jensen Beach Road corridors, is under 20 minutes.
- We verify your identity. Florida law requires it. Have a photo ID and any document showing your address. This protects you as much as it protects us.
- Non-destructive entry first. We always try to pick or bypass the lock without damaging it. The goal is to open your door and leave it in working condition.
- You're back inside. We document the work, collect payment, and if you want, we can discuss a Lock Rekey Service on the spot so this doesn't happen again.
Residential Lockout Pricing in Stuart, FL
Pricing depends on lock complexity, time of day, and whether the lock needs any repair after entry. Here's what you're looking at honestly.
| Scenario | Estimated Cost | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard knob or deadbolt, daytime | $65 - $95 | 15-25 min arrival |
| High-security or older lock, daytime | $95 - $125 | 20-30 min arrival |
| After-hours or weekend lockout | $100 - $150 | 20-35 min arrival |
| Smart lock bypass or malfunction | $85 - $150 | Varies by brand |
No bait-and-switch pricing. The estimate you get on the phone is what you pay, assuming nothing unusual shows up at the door. If we find a broken lock that needs replacing, we tell you the cost before touching anything.
After a lockout, a lot of homeowners decide it's a good time to upgrade. Our Deadbolt Installation & Repair and Smart Lock Installation services are worth asking about while we're already on-site.
Why Stuart Residents Call Us First
There are a lot of locksmiths claiming to serve Stuart from 60 miles away. They're not local. We are.
- Licensed in Florida. Every technician holds a current Florida Class D or higher locksmith license. Ask any locksmith to show you theirs before letting them touch your lock.
- 15-25 minute average response. We're based in Stuart, not dispatching from West Palm or Fort Pierce. That difference adds up when you're standing outside in July heat.
- No damage guarantee. We use non-destructive entry techniques on every job where the lock allows. Your lock stays intact.
- Transparent quotes, no hidden fees. We quote before we work. Full stop.
- We know local hardware. Martin County homes run everything from 1970s Kwikset knobs in older Port Salerno neighborhoods to Medeco deadbolts on newer Sailfish Point estates. We've opened all of them.
We also serve homeowners in Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Hobe Sound when they need fast residential lockout help.
Beyond lockouts, our full Residential Locksmith services cover everything your home's security needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can a locksmith get to my house in Stuart, FL?
Stuart Locksmiths averages 15 to 25 minutes to most addresses in Stuart and the surrounding Martin County area. Traffic on US-1 or the Roosevelt Bridge can occasionally push that, but we'll give you a realistic ETA when you call.
What does a house lockout cost in Stuart?
Most standard residential lockouts run $65 to $95 during daytime hours. After-hours calls, complex locks, or smart lock malfunctions can push the price to $100-$150. You'll get a firm quote before we start.
Will the locksmith damage my door or lock to get in?
Not if we can help it. We use non-destructive entry techniques first on every call. The lock gets picked or bypassed, not drilled. Drilling is a last resort and happens on less than 5% of standard residential lockouts.
What ID do I need to show to prove I live there?
A government-issued photo ID with your address on it works great. A lease agreement, mortgage document, or piece of official mail also helps if your ID shows a different address. Florida law requires us to verify residency before opening any home.
My key broke off inside the lock. Can you still help?
Yes. Broken key extraction is a separate process from a standard lockout, but we handle it on the same call. We remove the broken piece, then get the door open. Check our Broken Key Extraction page for specifics.
I'm locked out of my house at 2 AM. Are you available?
Yes. Stuart Locksmiths takes calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. After-hours service costs slightly more, typically $100-$150 total, but you're not waiting until morning.
Should I rekey my locks after getting back inside?
If you lost your keys rather than just leaving them inside, yes, absolutely. Anyone who finds your keys now has access to your home. A rekey costs $25-$50 per lock and takes about 10 minutes. Our technician can do it right after the lockout on the same visit.
Can you open a smart lock if the battery dies or it malfunctions?
Most smart locks have a physical keyway backup or an external battery terminal for exactly this situation. We can also bypass certain models entirely. Smart lock lockouts run $85-$150 depending on the brand and what's actually wrong with it.
What if my landlord changed the locks and I can't get in?
In Florida, a landlord cannot legally lock you out without going through the proper eviction process. If you have a valid lease, we can open the door with your proof of residency. We're not lawyers and won't get involved in the dispute itself, but we can get you access while you sort it out.
Do you serve rental communities and apartment complexes in Stuart?
Yes. We work with individual renters at complexes throughout Stuart. Just note that some property managers prefer to call on behalf of tenants. Either way, we need to verify your right to access the unit before opening it.
Can I get a duplicate key made on-site after a lockout?
In most cases, yes. If your lock is a standard Kwikset or Schlage, our technician carries blanks and