How to Become a Locksmith in Hillsborough County, FL

Locksmithing is a highly respected occupation since you are helping keep others safe during a time of need.

Locksmith professionals often start their careers working with a locksmith company, and then some branch out and start their own businesses.

Different states have different legal requirements and rules for becoming and working as a locksmith.

Although most of Florida is unregulated, Hillsborough and Miami-Dade Counties require locksmiths to earn a license before entering the field.

Keep reading to learn more about how to become a locksmith in Hillsborough County, FL!

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Florida

Since Hillsborough County requires licensure, these are the steps to becoming a locksmith:

Step One: Meet the Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements to apply for licensing and become a locksmith are to be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background history check.

The background check cost is $25.

Step Two: Pass the Licensing Exam (If Necessary)

Many locksmith professionals are also certified in electrical work to install alarm and camera systems or digital lock systems that are hardwired to the home.

For those interested in having this extra skill, you must pass a licensing exam for electrical contractors.

Study materials are available through the Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc. (ALOA) via the website HERE.

Step Three: Apply for a License

Once the examination is complete, or if you opt not to take the exam, you can apply for an apprenticeship locksmith permit, which allows you to jump into your career.

After earning one year of experience under a certified locksmith, you can apply for a new locksmith license, which fulfills the county requirements.

The Apprentice Locksmith Permit fee is $32, and the Certified Locksmith fee is $42.

Step Four: Complete a Locksmith Training Program

Although a locksmith training program is not required for licensure, it will help you with the licensing examination, as electrical systems are often covered in the curriculum.

Also, these training programs are updated regularly, so you can learn the latest locksmithing concepts and techniques, as well as have access to new home security technology.

If you plan to own a business, you can differentiate from the competition by highlighting this extra training and focusing on the latest technologies for homeowners, businesses, and industrial companies.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith

Although the State of Florida doesn’t require a license to become a locksmith, Hillsborough County, including the City of Tampa, requires an apprenticeship permit, followed by an official license after one year of experience in the field.

This licensing allows you to continue working as a locksmith or open a locksmithing business.

Locksmith Programs

For those new to the industry, completing a training program will differentiate you from other candidates since you will have the foundational skills necessary to hit the ground running.

Locksmith diploma and certificate courses are available via locksmith trade associations, vocational schools, and community colleges, including the following:

Florida Keymasters Locksmith

The Associated Locksmiths of America endorses the Florida Keymasters Locksmith program.

The program offers over 100 conventions, seminars, and classes, so you can choose the focus.

This program allows graduates to become certified locksmiths through courses that cover types of locks, detention locking systems, and automotive and residential locksmithing.

Passing the certification exam allows graduates to become a certified professional locksmith, certified master locksmith, certified automotive locksmith, certified registered locksmith, or registered locksmith.

Penn Foster

Penn Foster is an online vocational school offering numerous certificates and diplomas, including a Locksmith and Home Security Diploma.

The program takes around two months to complete and covers topics like Detection Systems, CCTV, Recording, home security wiring, and locks and key mastering.

Given its online format, the school has expanded to offer mobile-friendly locksmith coursework, so you can truly complete the program anywhere.

Additionally, Penn Foster offers flexible payment programs with monthly payments starting at $55/month.

UHS Locksmith Academy

UHS Locksmith Academy offers a locksmithing course that covers topics like sliding doors, smart doors, and door and window locks.

The tuition provides all resources including, guides for earning the license, online courses, online tutorials, and locksmith toolkits.

To learn more about the program, budding locksmiths are urged to call 1-800-878-6604 or visit their location at 3301 North 29th Ave. Hollywood, Florida 33020.

Salary

A locksmith’s salary varies across Florida, with pay ranging from $41,770 annually ($20.08 hourly) in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area to $47,050 ($22.62) in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area.

The Tampa area, which is in Hillsborough County, falls in the middle, with an annual salary of $44,360 ($21.33).