Locksmith answers for South Florida homeowners, businesses, and drivers.

Most calls inside Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties are reached within 20 to 45 minutes from our Hallandale Beach base, depending on traffic and the time of day. Call (754) 295-0228 for a current ETA.

Rekeying a single residential lock typically runs $15 to $40 per cylinder, plus a service call fee. A full home rekey of four to six locks usually lands between $80 and $180, depending on hardware and the city. Call (754) 295-0228 for a free estimate before we dispatch.

Rekey changes the inside pins of the existing lock so old keys stop working — same hardware, new key. Lock change replaces the entire lock with new hardware. Rekey is usually faster and cheaper; lock change is the right call when the hardware is worn, damaged, or being upgraded for higher security.

Yes, in most cases. We can originate a new mechanical or transponder key without the original by accessing the vehicle's lock and, for modern cars, pairing the new key to the vehicle's onboard security. Bring registration and photo ID — Florida law requires verification before originating a vehicle key.

Most homeowners benefit from a rekey every 3 to 5 years as a security maintenance habit. Rekey immediately when you move into a new home, after lost or stolen keys, after a breakup or roommate change, or after any contractor or service provider had access.

Yes, when you pick the right hardware. Florida's salt air and humidity can shorten the life of cheaper smart locks, especially on doors exposed to the elements. We recommend coastal-rated smart locks with replaceable batteries and a verified water-resistance rating for outdoor-facing doors.

Florida fire code requires panic hardware (exit devices) on certain commercial doors based on occupancy type and capacity — assembly spaces, educational spaces, and high-occupancy retail typically need them. Your local fire marshal makes the final determination. We install code-compliant panic bars and can walk you through what your space likely needs.

Stay calm. Check every door and any accessible window — never force entry or climb to upper floors. Call someone with a spare key if anyone has one. If nobody does, call a local mobile locksmith. Avoid attempting credit-card or coat-hanger tricks, which often damage the lock and the door.

Key fob programming typically runs $50 to $150 from a mobile locksmith, depending on the vehicle make, model, and year. Smart keys with push-to-start pairing can run higher. Call (754) 295-0228 with your make and model — we'll quote it upfront.

Yes, in almost every case. We use non-destructive entry techniques designed not to damage the door, weather seal, or interior trim. The rare exceptions are heavily modified vehicles or vehicles with unusual security systems — we'll tell you upfront if that's a risk before starting.

Yes. Tim Mobile Locksmith carries general liability insurance covering every job. Ask for our certificate of insurance if your property manager or HOA requests one before service.

Yes. We work with gated communities and condo buildings every day across South Florida. Have your access protocol ready (gate code, building access procedure) and we'll coordinate with security or the on-site manager as needed.

Yes. We quote over the phone before dispatch and confirm in writing on-site before any work begins. No bait pricing — the estimate is the estimate.

We accept all major credit cards, debit, and standard mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Cash is also welcome. You receive a receipt by email or printed at the door, whichever you prefer.

In most cases, no — rekeying is a normal maintenance operation on any pin-tumbler lock and does not affect manufacturer warranties. The exception is some smart locks with sealed electronic cores, where the manufacturer specifies how the lock can be serviced. We'll confirm before starting.

Your name, your city, the service you need, and any specifics (for a car: year, make, model; for a home: how many locks; for an office: door type and number of doors). The more we know up front, the better the phone estimate.