Pro Tampa Locksmiths Service Team
Local locksmith team
Jun 13, 2026 3 min read
Moving into a new home in Tampa — whether it's a bungalow near Hyde Park, a townhouse in New Tampa, or a condo along the Riverwalk — is exciting. But somewhere between signing the closing documents and unpacking the first box, there's a security question most new homeowners overlook: who else still has a key to your front door? Former owners, their relatives, contractors, real estate agents, and neighbors with spare keys may all hold access you don't know about. The smart move isn't necessarily buying brand-new hardware — it's understanding whether to rekey or replace, and knowing why that decision matters more than most people realize.
At Pro Tampa Locksmiths, we serve homeowners and business owners across all of Hillsborough County, FL, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This guide walks you through exactly what rekeying means, when replacement makes more sense, and how to make the right call for your specific situation — so your new place is genuinely secure from day one.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the average locksmith charge?+
There is no single flat rate because the final price depends on several specific factors: the type of lock involved (a standard door knob lock costs less to service than a high-security mortise lock), the time of day (after-hours and emergency calls factor into the quote), travel distance to your location within Hillsborough County, and what parts or hardware are needed. What we commit to every time is confirming an exact up-front price before any work begins — no surprise charges after the fact. Call (704) 850-6756 and our dispatcher can walk through your situation and give you a clear quote on the spot.
Do you need a license to be a locksmith in Florida?+
Florida does not currently have a statewide licensing requirement specifically for locksmiths, unlike some other states. However, that does not mean all providers are equal. When choosing a locksmith in Hillsborough County, look for a team that is insured, that sends trained professionals to your door, and that requires proof of ownership or occupancy before performing any lock service. Pro Tampa Locksmiths is insured and our technicians are experienced professionals who follow industry-standard verification practices on every call — residential, commercial, or automotive.
How long does it usually take for a locksmith to come?+
Arrival time depends on your exact location within Hillsborough County, current traffic conditions, and how many calls are ahead of yours. When you call (704) 850-6756, our live dispatcher — a real person, not an automated system — will give you an honest estimated arrival window based on where our nearest available technician is at that moment. We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays, so there is always someone dispatched and on the way.
Can a locksmith make a key from a lock?+
Yes — an experienced locksmith can decode most standard locks and cut a working key from the lock itself, a process called impressioning or decoding, without needing an existing key as a template. This is especially useful when you've moved into a home and discovered that one of your doors has no key at all, or when a key has been lost entirely. For higher-security locks like a mortise lock, or for automotive transponder keys, the process is more involved and may require specialized equipment, but it is absolutely a service we provide. Let us know the lock type when you call and we can confirm the approach and quote up front.
