"How much is this going to cost me?" It's the first question almost everyone asks when they call a locksmith. This guide lays out the typical South Florida market ranges for the most common jobs, what drives prices up or down, and how to spot a scam before it costs you.

One important note: the ranges below reflect what locksmiths in the Fort Lauderdale area generally charge in 2026 — market ranges, not our quote. Every job is a little different, which is why we always give you an exact, upfront price on the phone before we come out.

Home lockouts: typically $75–$150

Getting back into your house is one of the most common — and most affordable — locksmith jobs. During normal daytime hours, most Fort Lauderdale locksmiths charge somewhere between $75 and $150 for a standard residential lockout, assuming a regular lock that can be picked or bypassed without damage.

Late-night, weekend, and holiday calls usually add an after-hours surcharge of roughly $25–$75. High-security locks or situations where the lock can't be picked (rare, but it happens) can push the price higher — a good tech will tell you that on the phone, not after they've started.

Car lockouts: typically $60–$125

Locked your keys in the car? A standard vehicle opening usually runs $60–$125 in our area. Cars with advanced anti-theft systems or keyless entry can cost a bit more, since they require specialized tools and know-how. Either way, it's far cheaper than a broken window — which can easily run $300 or more to replace.

Rekeying: typically $18–$30 per lock, plus a service call

Rekeying — changing the inside of your existing locks so old keys no longer work — is the smart move after moving into a new home, losing a key, or parting ways with a roommate or tenant. Most locksmiths charge $18–$30 per lock cylinder, plus a service call fee of roughly $55–$85 for the visit.

For a typical house with six to eight cylinders, expect something in the $150–$300 range all-in. It's almost always cheaper than replacing every lock, and you end up with the convenience of fewer keys. See our rekey and key duplication page for the full picture.

Car keys and fobs: $50–$450+, depending on the key

This is where prices vary the most, because "car key" can mean very different things:

  • Basic metal key (older cars): $50–$110 cut on the spot.
  • Transponder key (chip key): $130–$260, including cutting and programming.
  • Smart key / push-to-start fob: $220–$450+, depending on the make and model. Luxury brands run higher.

A mobile locksmith is almost always cheaper than the dealership for the same key — dealerships often charge double, and you have to tow the car there. We cut and program most keys at your location; see our automotive locksmith page for details.

Smart lock installation: typically $120–$200 labor

Keypad and smart locks are one of our most requested upgrades. If you supply the lock, professional installation typically runs $120–$200. If we supply a quality smart lock plus installation, expect $250–$450 all-in depending on the model. A standard deadbolt supplied and installed usually runs $110–$220 depending on hardware grade. Either way, professional installation means a lock that's aligned properly and actually secure — a surprising number of DIY installs aren't. More on our smart lock page.

Safe opening: typically $150–$400+

Safe work is specialized, and pricing reflects that. Opening a locked safe generally starts around $150 and climbs based on the safe's rating, lock type, and whether drilling is required. Safe installation and combination changes are quoted per job.

What actually drives the price

  • Time of day. A 2 AM emergency costs more than a 2 PM appointment — just make sure the surcharge is stated upfront.
  • The key or lock type. A basic house key and a push-to-start fob are different worlds of equipment and training.
  • High-security hardware. Restricted-keyway and pick-resistant locks take longer to service — that's the price of better security.
  • Distance. Most local locksmiths include a reasonable travel radius; far-flung calls may add a trip fee.
  • Parts. Quality hardware costs more than bargain-bin locks, and it's worth it — cheap locks fail faster and protect less.

How to avoid locksmith scams

The locksmith industry, unfortunately, has a well-known scam problem — especially in big Florida markets. Here's what to watch for:

  • The $15 service call ad. Ads promising $15–$25 locksmith service are the classic bait. Nobody can drive to you and do skilled work for $15 — the price always "goes up" once the tech arrives.
  • The price changes on arrival. If the phone quote was $80 and the technician suddenly says $280 because your lock is "high security" (it isn't), send them away.
  • Unmarked vehicle, no company name. Legitimate locksmiths identify their company clearly. Be wary of someone in a personal car who won't say who they're with.
  • Cash only, pay upfront. Pressure to pay cash before any work starts is a red flag. A real business takes cards and gives receipts.
  • They reach for the drill immediately. Drilling should be a last resort, not the opening move. A skilled locksmith picks or bypasses standard locks; drilling destroys your lock and forces you to buy a replacement from them — at a markup.

Protect yourself with three simple habits: get the total price on the phone before they dispatch, ask for the company name and check its reviews, and get the final price in writing (even a text) before work starts. If anything changes mid-job, a legitimate tech explains why and gets your OK first.

The bottom line

Most everyday locksmith jobs in Fort Lauderdale cost between $75 and $300 — lockouts on the lower end, car keys and installations higher depending on the hardware. The biggest variable isn't the job; it's who you call. A trustworthy locksmith quotes you upfront and charges what they quoted.

Need work done now? Call (954) 534-1003 for an exact, upfront price — no surprises, no games.