Licensed & Insured Locksmith in Miami-Dade
Anyone can buy lock picking tools and call themselves a "locksmith." But legitimate, professional locksmith work requires proper licensing, insurance, and training. Unfortunately, Miami-Dade County has a serious problem with unlicensed, uninsured handymen posing as professional locksmiths.
At 305 Locksmith, we maintain all required licenses, carry comprehensive insurance, and operate as a fully legitimate business. When you hire us, you're protected—legally, financially, and professionally.
Licensed, insured locksmith service throughout Miami-Dade County
Why Licensing Matters
Florida requires locksmiths to be licensed for good reason: security work affects people's safety, property protection, and peace of mind.
What a Locksmith License Requires
To obtain and maintain a locksmith license in Florida:
Background Check:
Fingerprinting and criminal background screening through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Proof of Experience:
Documentation of locksmith training or verifiable work experience.
Insurance Requirements:
Proof of general liability insurance.
Continuing Requirements:
Maintaining good standing, insurance, and business legitimacy.
The Problem with Unlicensed "Locksmiths"
Unlicensed locksmiths pose serious risks:
No Accountability:
If something goes wrong, you have limited recourse. They can disappear, change names, or simply refuse to fix problems.
No Standards:
Without licensing, there's no verification of skills or knowledge. They might damage your locks, doors, or vehicle.
Security Risks:
Unlicensed operators may not properly handle key control, may make unauthorized key copies, or may have criminal backgrounds.
Insurance Issues:
If an unlicensed locksmith damages your property, your insurance may not cover it, and the locksmith certainly has no insurance to cover it.
How to Verify a Locksmith's License
Ask for their license number
Before hiring any locksmith.
Verify with the Florida Department of Agriculture
You can verify locksmith licenses at fdacs.gov
Check their business registration
Legitimate businesses are registered with the Florida Division of Corporations.
Request to see identification
Professional locksmiths carry identification showing their license status.
Our license information is available upon request, and our technicians carry proper identification.
Why Insurance Matters
Licensed locksmiths are required to carry insurance, but that's just the minimum. Here's why insurance matters to you:
General Liability Insurance
This protects you if:
- The locksmith accidentally damages your door, frame, or lock
- Tools scratch your vehicle during a car lockout
- Any property damage occurs during service
Without insurance:
You're stuck paying for repairs yourself or trying to sue an unlicensed individual with no assets.
With insurance:
Damages are covered professionally through the locksmith's insurance policy.
What Our Insurance Covers
- Property damage during service
- Accidental damage to locks, doors, vehicles
- Customer property protection
- Professional liability
We can provide certificates of insurance for commercial clients, property managers, and anyone requiring documentation.
The Unlicensed Handyman Problem
Miami has countless unlicensed individuals offering locksmith services:
How they operate:
- •Ads on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
- •Very low prices to undercut legitimate businesses
- •Cash-only payments (no paper trail)
- •No business address or legitimate phone number
- •Can't provide license number when asked
The risks:
- No recourse if work is done poorly
- No insurance if they damage your property
- Possible criminal background (unlicensed means no background check)
- They may make unauthorized key copies for future break-ins
- Poor quality work that fails quickly
The temptation:
They're cheap! Maybe cheaper than a licensed locksmith.
The reality:
That savings isn't worth the risk of having your home or car improperly secured by someone with no accountability.
What Makes Us Legitimate
Proper Licensing
We maintain all required licenses:
- Florida locksmith license
- Miami-Dade County business tax receipt
- All required permits for commercial work
Comprehensive Insurance
We carry:
- General liability insurance
- Vehicle insurance on all service vehicles
- Workers' compensation (when required)
Business Registration
We're properly registered as a business entity with:
- Florida Division of Corporations
- IRS (we provide W-9s for commercial clients)
- Miami-Dade County business licensing
Verified Technicians
Our technicians undergo:
- Background screening
- Training on proper techniques
- Ongoing education on new locks and security systems
Professional Operations
- Professional identification
- Official invoices and receipts
- Accept credit cards (not just cash)
- Legitimate business phone number and address
- Proper licensing and insurance documentation
Red Flags: Unlicensed Locksmith Warning Signs
Won't Provide License Number:
This is the biggest red flag. Licensed locksmiths provide their license number immediately.
Extremely Low Prices:
Nobody legitimate operates at extremely low prices.
Cash Only:
Refuses credit cards because they're not a legitimate business.
No Business Address:
Just a phone number, no website, no address.
Pressure Tactics:
Pushy about starting work immediately before you can verify anything.
Can't Provide Insurance Info:
Refuses or can't provide proof of insurance when asked.
For Commercial Clients
Businesses and property managers face additional verification requirements:
Certificate of Insurance
We provide certificates of insurance naming your business or property as additionally insured. Required by many:
- Property management companies
- HOAs and condo associations
- Commercial property owners
- General contractors
W-9 Forms
For accounting and 1099 purposes, we provide completed W-9 forms showing our proper business registration and tax ID.
Vendor Registration
We can complete vendor registration forms for businesses requiring background checks and documentation verification.
Licensing Documentation
We provide copies of all licenses and permits for your vendor files.
Get Licensed, Insured Service
Don't risk your home or business security with unlicensed individuals. Work with a properly licensed, fully insured locksmith who operates legally and professionally.
Call (305) 539-0439 for:
- Licensed locksmith services
- Proof of insurance upon request
- Professional, accountable service
- All required documentation for commercial clients
Serving Miami-Dade County with legitimate, licensed, insured locksmith services. Because your security deserves professional handling.