Can a Landlord Change the Locks in Florida?

Florida landlords can change locks for repairs or after recovering possession, but not to lock out a tenant. Learn the rules and when to rekey.

2026-09-07 · 9 min read · Residential

Quick answer: A Florida landlord may repair or replace locks while a rental is occupied, provided the tenant retains reasonable access. However, a landlord cannot change the locks to remove a tenant, force payment of overdue rent, or perform a self-help eviction. The locks can generally be rekeyed after the tenant surrenders or abandons the property or after possession is legally restored through an eviction.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant disputes depend on the specific facts, lease terms, and applicable law. Consult a Florida attorney when possession of the property is disputed.

Changing the locks between tenants is a normal part of managing a rental property. It prevents former tenants, roommates, contractors, cleaners, and anyone holding an old key from entering the unit.

The situation is very different when someone still legally occupies the property.

Florida landlords must follow the legal possession process before using a lock change to exclude a tenant. Whether rent is overdue or the lease has expired does not automatically authorize the landlord to lock the tenant out.

This guide explains when a Florida landlord can change the locks, when doing so may constitute an illegal lockout, and whether rekeying or replacing the hardware makes more sense for a Miami rental property.

What Does Florida Law Say About Changing a Tenant’s Locks?

Florida Statute 83.67 prohibits a landlord from preventing a tenant from gaining reasonable access to the rental unit. The statute specifically includes changing the locks or using a bootlock or similar device.

This means a landlord cannot change the locks to:

• Remove a tenant without going through the proper legal process.
• Pressure a tenant into paying overdue rent.
• Punish a tenant for violating the lease.
• Force the tenant to surrender the property.
• Avoid filing an eviction action in county court.

A landlord who violates this statute may be liable for actual and consequential damages or three months’ rent, whichever is greater. The statute also allows the recovery of costs and attorney’s fees.

Changing a lock is therefore not a substitute for an eviction.

Can a Landlord Change the Locks When the Tenant Has Not Paid Rent?

A landlord generally cannot lock a tenant out simply because the tenant owes rent.

Florida law provides a process for terminating a rental agreement and recovering possession. If the tenant does not leave after the required notices, the landlord normally must pursue an eviction through the county court.

Florida Statute 83.59 states that a landlord may recover possession through a legal action, when the tenant surrenders possession, when the unit is abandoned, or in certain circumstances involving the death of the last remaining tenant.

Miami-Dade landlord-tenant cases must be filed in the appropriate geographical district. The Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Courts provides general filing information for these disputes.

Until possession has legally returned to the landlord, replacing the lock and refusing to give the tenant a working key can create substantial liability.

When Can a Florida Landlord Legally Change the Locks?

There are several situations in which changing or rekeying the locks may be appropriate.

After the tenant returns possession

The landlord can normally rekey the property after the lease ends, the tenant removes their belongings, returns the keys, and clearly surrenders possession.

Returning a key is strong evidence, but property owners should confirm the entire situation rather than relying on one fact alone.

After the property has been abandoned

Florida law recognizes abandonment under certain circumstances. However, an empty-looking unit is not always legally abandoned.

A landlord should be cautious when:

• Personal belongings remain inside.
• Rent is current.
• The tenant reported an extended absence.
• The tenant has not clearly returned possession.
• Other occupants may still live in the unit.

If abandonment is uncertain, obtain legal guidance before changing the locks.

Following a lawful eviction

After a judgment for possession, the clerk can issue a writ directing the sheriff to restore possession to the landlord. Florida Statute 83.62 explains that the sheriff executes the writ after the required notice.

Once possession has been legally restored, the landlord can have the locks changed. The landlord may also request that the sheriff remain present while the locks are changed and personal property is removed.

For maintenance, repair, or replacement

A landlord may repair or replace a damaged or defective lock while the tenant still occupies the property. The tenant must continue to have reasonable access, which usually means receiving a working key, code, credential, or other authorized entry method.

For nonemergency repairs, Florida Statute 83.53 defines reasonable notice as at least 24 hours before entry. Repair entry should generally occur between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Different rules can apply in an emergency or when immediate action is necessary to protect the property.

Checklist Before Changing Locks on a Florida Rental

Before scheduling a locksmith, confirm the landlord has the right to control access to the unit.

Use this checklist:

• Confirm whether the unit is still occupied.
• Determine whether possession was surrendered, abandoned, or restored through the court.
• Verify whether belongings remain inside.
• Review the lease and property records.
• Keep copies of notices, returned keys, court documents, and communications.
• Count every lock and access point requiring service.
• Decide who will receive the new keys, codes, or credentials.
• Ask an attorney when abandonment or possession is disputed.

A professional locksmith may ask questions about occupancy and authorization before performing work. These questions protect the tenant, property owner, locksmith, and property management company.

Should You Rekey or Replace the Locks Between Tenants?

Rekeying and replacement both prevent an old key from operating the door, but they solve different problems.

Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration so the existing lock works with a new key. The old keys stop working, but the lock body and exterior hardware remain in place.

Replacement removes the existing hardware and installs a new lock. It costs more but may be the better investment when the lock is worn, damaged, incorrectly installed, or unsuitable for an exterior rental door.

For a more detailed comparison, see Caraballo Locksmith’s guide to rekeying versus replacing your locks.

What Lock Hardware Works Best for Miami Rentals?

Miami rental properties face frequent use, humidity, rain, and salt exposure in areas closer to the coast. Property owners should choose hardware based on durability and key control, not appearance alone.

Rekeyable residential locks

Common Schlage and Kwikset cylinders are practical for single-family rentals because compatible locks can often be rekeyed during one appointment.

Keeping the existing hardware can reduce turnover costs when the locks remain in good condition.

Restricted key systems

Restricted keyways can help multi-unit property owners control unauthorized key duplication. Brands such as Medeco and Mul-T-Lock offer systems in which duplicate keys require additional authorization.

This can be valuable for apartment buildings, maintenance areas, offices, and properties with multiple employees or vendors.

Keypad and smart locks

A keypad can simplify turnover by allowing an authorized manager to change the code instead of collecting every physical key.

However, digital locks still require:

• Correct installation and door alignment.
• A process for removing old users.
• Battery maintenance.
• Backup access procedures.
• Control over administrative credentials.

Property owners considering electronic access should review Caraballo Locksmith’s guide to digital locks for Miami rental properties.

Create a Key-Control Process for Every Rental

New locks will not solve access problems if the property has no system for managing keys.

A basic key log should record:

• Property address and unit number.
• Date the lock was rekeyed.
• Number of keys issued.
• People authorized to hold a key.
• Key or cylinder identification.
• Contractors or vendors given temporary access.
• Date each key was returned or deactivated.

For keypad systems, document who can create, change, and delete access codes. Avoid sharing one permanent code with every tenant, cleaner, contractor, and property manager.

This process creates accountability and makes the next tenant turnover easier to manage.

Can a Tenant Change the Locks on a Florida Rental?

The first place to look is the rental agreement. Many leases require written approval before a tenant changes or adds locks. The agreement may also require the tenant to provide the landlord with a working key or another method of access.

A tenant may have legitimate security reasons for requesting a lock change, including a lost key, damaged hardware, or concerns about unauthorized copies.

The safest approach is to communicate with the landlord, document the request, and confirm how the new key or access credential will be handled. A tenant should obtain legal advice when personal safety or a landlord-tenant dispute is involved.

Work With a Locksmith After Possession Is Confirmed

Once the legal right to control the property has been established, the locksmith can inspect the doors and recommend whether to repair, rekey, or replace each lock.

Caraballo Locksmith provides rental-property rekeying and lock replacement throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County. The company is bonded and insured and available 24/7.

For same-day assistance, call (786) 970-0149 or request locksmith service online. Be prepared to confirm whether the unit is occupied and whether possession has legally returned to the property owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord lock me out in Florida if I am behind on rent?

No. Owing rent does not authorize a landlord to change the locks and deny reasonable access. The landlord must use Florida’s notice and court procedures to recover possession.

Can a landlord change the locks while a tenant still lives in the unit?

A landlord can repair or replace a lock, but the work cannot be used to deny the tenant reasonable access. The tenant should receive a working key, code, or other authorized method of entry.

When should a landlord rekey a rental property?

The safest operational practice is to rekey after the prior tenant has legally surrendered possession and before the next tenant receives access. This prevents unidentified copies of the old key from continuing to work.

Does Florida require landlords to rekey between every tenant?

Florida’s residential landlord-tenant statutes do not establish a general rekeying deadline for every turnover. The lease, property type, and specific circumstances should also be reviewed.

Is rekeying cheaper than replacing a lock?

Usually. Rekeying retains serviceable hardware and changes the key that operates it. Replacement is appropriate when the lock is damaged, worn, corroded, or being upgraded.

Can a locksmith change the locks immediately after an eviction?

The locksmith can perform the work once the sheriff has executed the writ and possession has been legally restored to the landlord. A court judgment or notice alone may not mean the tenant has already been removed.