Planning an eviction in South Florida? Arrange your locksmith before the scheduled sheriff appointment, but do not use a lock change to force a tenant out. In a residential eviction, the court process establishes the right to possession and the sheriff executes the writ. The locksmith helps with authorized entry and secures the property at the appropriate stage.
This guide explains the usual residential process, what to prepare, and when rekeying or replacement makes sense. It covers practical planning for Broward, Palm Beach and Miami Dade counties. Commercial tenancies, foreclosures, unlawful detainer cases and other occupancy disputes can follow different rules.
Can a landlord change the locks before an eviction?
A missed rent payment, expired notice or pending lawsuit does not by itself authorize a landlord to lock a residential tenant out. Florida Statutes section 83.67 prohibits blocking a tenant’s reasonable access, including by changing locks, and prohibits interrupting utilities to force a move.
Changing a smart lock code or disabling a tenant’s electronic access can also prevent access. Do not use these methods as an eviction shortcut. If a tenant appears to have moved out, have your attorney confirm lawful surrender or abandonment before arranging a turnover lock change. An empty looking property is not enough to resolve that question.
How the residential eviction process generally works
1. Give the correct notice. The required notice depends on the reason for ending the tenancy. For ordinary nonpayment cases, section 83.56 generally requires a written demand giving three days to pay rent or deliver possession, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and court observed holidays. Certain other lease violations involve seven day notices, with or without an opportunity to correct the problem. Additional requirements can apply, including for federally covered housing.
2. File and serve the eviction case. If the required notice does not resolve the issue and the legal requirements are met, the landlord can seek possession through county court. The complaint and summons must be properly served. The tenant has response rights, and the court determines how the case proceeds. A landlord’s notice is not a court order.
3. Obtain judgment and a writ of possession. When the court grants possession, the clerk issues the writ for the sheriff to enforce. Filing a case or receiving a favorable judgment is not the same as the sheriff completing the eviction. The Broward Clerk’s eviction guidance explains the notice, filing, service, judgment and writ stages.
4. Follow the sheriff’s notice and scheduling instructions. Under section 83.62, the writ directs the sheriff to restore possession after a posted 24 hour notice. Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays do not stop this notice period. The actual appointment depends on the sheriff’s schedule and any court orders. Expiration of the notice does not authorize a landlord to execute the writ independently.
5. Coordinate entry and secure the property. At the scheduled enforcement appointment, follow the deputy’s directions. A locksmith can assist with entry when directed, then rekey or replace locks after possession has been restored. Section 83.62 allows a landlord to request sheriff standby to keep the peace while locks are changed after execution; additional standby charges may apply.
When should you book an eviction locksmith?
Contact a locksmith early to discuss the address, door hardware and likely work. Confirm the service appointment once the sheriff provides the enforcement date and time. Share any scheduling changes promptly. Availability should be confirmed rather than assumed, especially when several contractors need to attend.
Tell the locksmith whether you have working keys, how many doors need attention, and whether the property has a security gate, smart lock, high security cylinder or multipoint door. Photos help identify hardware and prepare suitable parts. A locksmith does not serve legal notices, decide who has possession rights or physically remove occupants.
County differences in South Florida
Broward County: The Broward Sheriff’s Office states that the landlord or agent must provide a locksmith and be present when the eviction is finalized. Confirm current instructions and the appointment directly with its Civil Division.
Palm Beach County: Use the Palm Beach Clerk’s eviction resources for filing information and confirm enforcement arrangements with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Ask what documents, access arrangements and attendance are required before booking contractors.
Miami Dade County: The Sheriff’s Office procedures require the writ to include the name and telephone number of the landlord or authorized agent who will meet the deputy and accept possession. Confirm the current appointment and entry requirements with that office.
Florida residential eviction law provides the framework across these counties, while local filing and enforcement arrangements vary. Avoid planning around a guaranteed completion date or assuming that the 24 hour notice is the total length of the eviction process.
What to have ready for the locksmith appointment
Prepare your photo ID, proof of ownership or written property management authorization, relevant court documents, the exact service address and unit number, and the sheriff appointment details. Have a contact person available and bring any working keys. Tell the locksmith about gates or building access restrictions in advance.
Decide which authorized people should receive new keys and how many copies you need. Include side doors, garage entry doors and other exterior entrances in the discussion. Confirm the proposed scope and price before work begins, including entry work, cylinders, replacement hardware and any scheduling or standby terms.
Rekeying or replacing locks after possession is restored
Rekeying changes a compatible lock’s internal key combination so previous keys no longer operate that cylinder. It is often practical when the existing hardware is in good condition. Some doors can share one new key, depending on cylinder and keyway compatibility.
Replacement may be appropriate when a lock is damaged, badly corroded, unreliable or unsuitable for the door. South Florida humidity and coastal exposure can contribute to deterioration. The locksmith should check the latch, deadbolt, strike and door alignment rather than focusing only on the key.
For electronic locks, review physical keys, saved codes, app users and account ownership after lawful possession is restored. Rekeying the mechanical cylinder does not remove electronic access. Building controlled credentials and shared systems may require the HOA, condominium association or system administrator.
Learn more in our rekeying versus replacing locks guide.
Common questions about eviction lock changes
What if the tenant changed the locks? Tell the locksmith before the appointment. Authorized entry may require opening the lock or replacing a cylinder, depending on the hardware. Entry during enforcement must follow the deputy’s directions.
Can the old locks stay if all keys are returned? Returned keys do not prove that no copies exist. After lawful possession is restored, rekeying provides a fresh key combination without necessarily replacing every lock.
Does the locksmith handle belongings left inside? Locksmith service concerns entry and security. Handling belongings is a separate responsibility. Ask your attorney and the enforcing agency how the applicable law and court orders affect removal or storage.
How much does eviction locksmith service cost? The quote depends on the number of cylinders, access difficulty, hardware, replacement parts and scheduling needs. Court and sheriff charges are separate. Send the address and lock photos for an estimate; our South Florida locksmith price guide provides general planning information.
Arrange eviction locksmith service with LRG Locksmith
LRG Locksmith provides mobile entry, rekeying and lock replacement for authorized landlords and property managers in South Florida, with service focused on Broward and Palm Beach counties. Share your location and sheriff appointment details so we can confirm coverage and availability.
Text 754 226 6934 with the property address, appointment time and clear photos of the locks. You can also call LRG Locksmith to discuss the work. Professional and fully insured.
Browse more locksmith tips and security advice.
General information for residential eviction planning, checked October 23, 2026. LRG Locksmith provides locksmith services, not legal advice. Ask a Florida attorney about your notice, deadlines, possession rights and any special rules affecting the property. Follow current court orders and sheriff instructions.
