Locked out in St. Augustine or elsewhere in St. Johns County?

Getting back inside, wherever you live in the county

Most home lockouts end quickly: the locksmith picks or bypasses the lock you have, the door opens and nothing needs replacing. What changes from one part of St. Johns County to another is the door itself and who has the right to open it — an owner in a historic house, a renter near downtown, a guest in someone else's beach condo.

Old-city doors and mortise locks

Some older homes in and around downtown St. Augustine still have mortise locks set deep in thick wooden doors, sometimes paired with a newer deadbolt added later. These open differently from a standard knob lock, and forcing them can damage a door that is hard to replace. Tell us if your house is in the historic area so the locksmith arrives expecting older hardware.

Guests in beach rentals

If you are renting a house or condo in St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach or Vilano Beach and the code or key has failed, call the host or management company first. A locksmith cannot open a property for someone who isn't on the deed or lease without the owner's or manager's go-ahead. Once the manager confirms, getting you inside is usually straightforward.

New homes with keypads and garage entries

In Nocatee, St. Johns and World Golf Village, many lockouts come from electronics: a keypad deadbolt with flat batteries, or a garage door that closed behind you with the house door locked. Check whether any other entry — a garage keypad, a sliding door, a family member's phone app — gets you in before you call. If not, a locksmith can open the entry door and help you get the lock working again.

Showing it's your address after a recent move

Expect to be asked for ID showing the address, or a lease, utility bill or closing paperwork if your license still lists a previous home. Many people moving into northern St. Johns haven't updated their license yet; a document on your phone usually settles it. Students renting off campus near Flagler College can show a lease — campus housing goes through the college.

Need something else in St. Johns County?

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

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