Broward County Considers Locksmith Regulations

Bernd Klutsch
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A big problem in the locksmith industry is how to keep scam locksmiths out so legitimate locksmiths can earn business and continue to build the public trust in the industry. Another big problem is licensing and regulation. Oftentimes, they go together.

Broward County, Florida, is the latest government entity that says it’s considering the use of the latter to take care of the former. A story in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel says the county is considering an ordinance that would require locksmiths to be licensed to work in the county. To qualify for a license, a candidate would have to have a background check.

The purpose, according to county board Commissioner Mark Bogen, is to prevent people who have criminal records from having access to homes. Specifically, his proposed background check would be aimed at eliminating those who have a history of property crimes, as well as violent offenders, from becoming locksmiths, although the ordinance would allow a license if the candidate can show that the crimes happened long enough ago and that they’ve been rehabilitated.

In addition, the proposed ordinance would require a locksmith to have apprenticed for at least a year and keep a minimum of $50,000 in liability insurance.

Finally, the ordinance would prohibit locksmiths from keeping copies of people’s keys.

Two locksmiths contacted by the newspaper say they support the ordinance.

Florida doesn’t regulate locksmiths, but Miami-Dade County, Florida, has a license and registration program in place.

See the full story here.