Eviction Locksmith Service in Port St. Lucie

Why Landlords Call Us After Evictions

Evictions are brutal. Emotionally draining. Legally complex. Expensive.

You spent months chasing rent. Filed court papers. Went to hearings. Finally got the writ of possession. The sheriff posted the notice. The tenant's out.

Now you need to secure your property before someone breaks back in. Or before the former tenant uses keys they shouldn't have anymore.

That's where we come in.

We're Doctor Lockout. We've been changing locks for Port St. Lucie landlords and property managers since 2009. We understand the process, the urgency, and the legal requirements.

You show us your court order. We change your locks. Your property's secure. You can move on.

What We Need Before We Change Your Locks

We're serious about doing this legally. Florida has strict landlord-tenant laws, and we follow them.

You Must Provide Legal Documentation

We need to see one of these:

• Final judgment of eviction from the court
• Writ of possession (showing sheriff executed it)
• Lease agreement + proof of ownership/management authority
• Sheriff's report confirming tenant was removed

No exceptions. We won't change locks based on your word alone.

Why We're So Strict About This

Because illegal lockouts are a crime in Florida. If you change locks before the legal eviction is complete, you're liable for damages, attorney fees, and potentially criminal charges.

We protect you by refusing to participate in illegal lockouts. We protect ourselves the same way.

If you've got the paperwork, we'll change your locks immediately. If you don't, we can't help until you do.

How the Florida Eviction Process Works (Quick Overview)

This isn't legal advice. We're locksmiths, not lawyers. But here's the general flow:

Step 1: Notice to vacate. Three days for non-payment. Seven days for lease violations. Thirty days for month-to-month tenancies ending.

Step 2: File eviction lawsuit. If they don't leave, you file with the county court.

Step 3: Court hearing. Judge hears both sides and issues a ruling.

Step 4: Writ of possession. If you win, the court issues a writ. You take it to the sheriff.

Step 5: Sheriff posts notice. Sheriff goes to the property and posts a 24-hour notice on the door.

Step 6: Physical removal. After 24 hours, sheriff returns and removes the tenant if they haven't left.

Step 7: You can now change locks. This is where we come in.

The whole process takes 3-8 weeks depending on court backlogs and whether the tenant fights it.

What We Do When You Call

Step 1: You call (772) 284-5142. Tell us you need an eviction lockout. Give us the address.

Step 2: We verify legal authority. You text or email a photo of your court order or writ of possession. We confirm it's legitimate.

Step 3: We schedule service. Usually same-day or next-day. We understand you want this done fast.

Step 4: We arrive and change all locks. Front door, back door, garage, gates, storage units, mailbox. Everything.

Step 5: You get all the new keys. Usually 3-5 sets per lock. You decide who gets copies.

Step 6: We provide documentation. Detailed invoice with date, time, and services performed. Useful for your records and potential court documentation.

What We Secure During Eviction Lockouts

How Much Does Eviction Lockout Service Cost?

Transparent pricing. No surprises.

• Single-family home (2-4 doors): $150-300
• Duplex or townhome: $200-400
• Apartment unit (1-2 doors): $100-200
• Multi-unit property: Bulk pricing available

Included: All labor, new keys (3-5 sets), old lock removal, testing

Add-ons: Mailbox lock ($25-50), garage lock change ($40-75), gate locks ($30-60)

Why Our Prices Are Fair

We don't price-gouge landlords in a tough situation. This is standard lock change pricing, not emergency markup.

You've already spent enough on the eviction. We're not here to pile on.

Real Eviction Lockout Stories

The Tenant Who Came Back

Landlord in St. Lucie West won his eviction. Tenant moved out (sort of). Left half their stuff.

Landlord didn't change the locks right away. Two days later, former tenant came back with a moving truck. Loaded up everything worth anything, including the refrigerator and ceiling fans.

Called us after that. We changed all the locks that afternoon. Tenant tried coming back again. Couldn't get in. Problem solved.

The Property Manager's Nightmare

Property manager handled 50+ units in Fort Pierce. Had an eviction. Changed locks themselves with hardware store deadbolts.

Former tenant kicked in the door a week later. Cheap locks failed immediately.

We installed Grade 1 commercial deadbolts with reinforced strike plates. Three-inch screws into the studs. Former tenant tried again. Didn't work this time. Cops arrested him.

The Bulk Eviction Situation

Investor bought a distressed property with five occupied units. Four tenants weren't paying rent. All had to be evicted legally.

Court process took four months. Sheriff executed all four writs on the same day.

We changed locks on all four units in one afternoon. Bulk pricing saved them over $300. Property was secure and ready for renovation.

Services for Property Managers

Ongoing Service Contracts

Manage multiple properties? We offer preferred pricing and priority service for property management companies with regular needs.

Master Key Systems

Install a master key system so you have one key that opens all your rental units. Tenants get keys that only work on their unit.

Makes property management way easier. Especially during evictions and turnovers.

Tenant Turnover Lock Changes

Not every vacancy is an eviction. We also handle routine lock changes between tenants when leases end normally.

Always change locks between tenants. Always. You have no idea if they made copies or who they gave keys to.

Can You Change Locks Before the Eviction Is Final?

No. And you shouldn't either.

Florida law is crystal clear: you cannot lock a tenant out before completing the legal eviction process. Doing so is an illegal "self-help eviction."

What Happens If You Do an Illegal Lockout

Tenant can sue you for:

• Actual damages (hotel costs, lost wages, moving expenses)
• Three months' rent or actual damages, whichever is greater
• Attorney fees and court costs
• Potentially criminal charges

Plus you'll probably lose the eviction case and have to let them back in.

Just follow the legal process. It takes longer, but it's the only way that doesn't end with you getting sued or arrested.

What About Abandoned Property?

After you change the locks, the tenant's stuff is still inside. What do you do with it?

Florida law requires you to store abandoned property and notify the former tenant. Usually 10-15 days depending on the situation.

We don't handle property removal. That's your responsibility (or hire a junk removal company).

But we can secure the property so nobody gets back in while you're dealing with the abandoned stuff.

Common Questions from Landlords

Can you change locks before the sheriff removes the tenant?

No. We need proof the sheriff executed the writ of possession. Until that happens, the tenant has legal possession of the property.

How fast can you respond?

Usually same-day or next-day once you provide legal documentation. We understand vacancies cost money.

Do you remove the tenant's belongings?

No. We're locksmiths, not movers. We only change locks. You're responsible for handling abandoned property according to Florida law.

Can you provide proof of service for court?

Yes. Our invoices include date, time, address, and detailed services performed. Some landlords use these as documentation that the property was secured post-eviction.

What if the tenant damaged the locks during the eviction?

We'll assess the damage and replace whatever's necessary to secure the property. Broken locks get replaced, not repaired.

Do you work with property management companies?

Absolutely. We offer bulk pricing and ongoing service agreements for property managers with multiple units.

Service Areas for Eviction Locksmith Services

We provide eviction lockout service throughout Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast:

• Port St. Lucie
• Saint Lucie West
• Tradition
• Fort Pierce
• Jensen Beach
• Stuart
• Palm City

Secure Your Property After Eviction

You've been through enough with this eviction. Let us handle the lockout so you can move on.

Professional. Discreet. Legal. Fast.

Related Services for Property Owners

• Commercial Locksmith Services - Multi-unit properties and offices
• Master Key Systems - One key for all your rental units
• Lock Rekeying - Tenant turnover lock changes
• Lock Change Service - Complete lock replacement