Emergency Locksmith in Miami, FL

What counts as urgent in Miami

Safety comes first. If anyone is in danger or trapped, or a person or pet is shut inside a hot space, call 911. After a break-in, call the police before anything else and stay outside if someone may still be in the building.

Local conditions add other cases:

• Storm damage. NOAA says hurricane-force winds reach Florida an average of three times every five years. A door that will not latch or lock after a storm leaves a home unsecured.
• Flood-exposed hardware. A lock that sat in floodwater should be checked for corrosion before you rely on it.
• Summer heat. NOAA projects the summer heat index to rise 8 to 15°F, the largest increase in the nation, so a lockout with a person or pet inside is more serious.

Security bars and getting out

Section R310.4 of the Florida Building Code, Residential, allows bars or grilles over an emergency escape and rescue opening only if they release from inside without a key, tool or extra force and leave a net clear opening of at least 5.7 square feet (5 at grade floor). Miami-Dade County resolution R-454-04, passed in January 2004 after a fatal 2003 house fire, launched an awareness campaign on this rule. In a fire, get out and call 911.

After a declared emergency

After the Governor declares a state of emergency, section 501.160(2) of the Florida Statutes makes it unlawful to charge an unconscionable amount for an essential commodity, which can include services needed as a direct result of the emergency, within the declared area. Under section 501.160(1)(b), a charge that grossly exceeds the trade-area average of the 30 days before the declaration is prima facie evidence, unless added costs or market trends explain it. Get the full total in writing before work starts and keep the invoice. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services takes complaints through its online portal. This is general information, not legal advice.

What to send

Describe what happened (storm, break-in or lockout), give the address or cross streets, and name the door and lock type. Add photos of any damage and say whether the police have been called. Requests can go through the Miami page or the request form. See emergency locksmith for the service, or lock repair for damage that can be fixed.