Locked out of your Broward home or condo?

Getting back inside in Broward County

Opening a locked unit door or front door is usually the easy part. In Broward, the harder part is often getting the locksmith to it. High-rise condos in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Hallandale Beach have front desks and fob-only elevators, and much of western Broward sits behind a staffed gate. A little planning on the phone saves a lot of standing around in the lobby.

Lobby desks, fob elevators and valet stands

If you live in a tower with a concierge or security desk, tell the desk you're locked out and that a locksmith is coming, and give them the business name. Some buildings require staff to escort visitors or to call up before letting anyone onto a residential floor. If your fob is locked in the unit too, the desk can usually get you and the locksmith to your floor. Also ask whether management keeps a key on file for your unit. If it does, that may solve the problem without a locksmith at all.

Staffed gates in Weston, Coral Springs and SilverLakes

Planned neighborhoods across western Broward often have a guardhouse or a resident-only gate. Call the gatehouse or use your community's visitor system to add the locksmith to your guest list, and give us the gate you use. If you're standing outside the gate yourself, the guards can usually confirm who you are. The locksmith's job starts at your door, and the community handles its own gate.

Arriving for the season in a 55+ condo

Broward has large age-restricted condo communities, including the Century Village communities in Pembroke Pines and Deerfield Beach. Owners who come down for the winter sometimes arrive to find the key they left with a neighbor has gone missing, or that the unit lock has stiffened after months shut up in humid air. Check with the building or association office first, since many keep keys. If they can't help, a locksmith can open the door. Bring ID showing the unit address or your closing papers.

Balcony sliders and a bar that dropped

A common high-rise problem is stepping onto the balcony and having the sliding door's security bar or latch drop behind you. If you have your phone, call the front desk first, since staff can often let themselves in with the association's key. If you're on a lower floor with no way inside and no one answering, call 911 rather than trying to climb.

Need something else in Broward County?

See everything on the Broward County locksmith page, or browse Florida locksmiths.

Want the background first? Read our guide: Home Lockout.