Tenant Lockouts in Commercial Buildings: What Landlords Should Never Do

Commercial tenant locked out?
If you're a Tampa landlord, one wrong move could cost you thousands—or even a lawsuit.
In Florida, lockouts aren't just a bad idea—they’re often illegal. Let’s break down what never to do when dealing with commercial tenant access issues.

Table of Contents

1. What Florida Law Says About Commercial Lockouts

2. Top 5 Landlord Mistakes During Tenant Lockouts

3. What You Should Do Instead

4. How Locksmiths Can Help (Legally)

5. Emergency Support in Tampa

1. What Florida Law Says About Commercial Lockouts

Unlike residential leases, commercial leases are governed more by contract law than by landlord-tenant statutes.
BUT—you still can’t:

• Change the locks without proper notice or legal process

• Physically block access without going through court

• Seize property without following formal eviction and lien procedures

In Florida, “constructive eviction” or wrongful lockouts can open landlords to legal liability—even in commercial spaces.

2. Top 5 Landlord Mistakes During Commercial Lockouts

Mistake Why It’s Dangerous

Locking out without court order Can lead to lawsuits or police intervention

Posting “Locked for Nonpayment” signs May be seen as public shaming or coercion

Taking tenant belongings Illegal without lien enforcement

Refusing emergency access Could violate life/safety obligations

Blocking only some access points Still counts as an illegal lockout

3. What You Should Do Instead

If your tenant isn’t paying rent or breaking the lease:

• Serve legal notice per the lease agreement

• File a formal eviction with the court if necessary

• Document all communication

• Allow tenant access until legally authorized to lock out

And when it’s finally time to change locks?

→ Make sure it’s done by a licensed locksmith with documentation and proper timing.

4. How Locksmiths Can Help (Legally)

At Pro On The Go Locksmith, we work with commercial landlords, not against them.

We’ll help you:

• Change locks after court approval or proper notice

• Rekey locks when tenants vacate

• Provide neutral documentation to avoid disputes

• Secure multiple doors, keypads, or fob systems professionally

Need help fast? We offer discreet, same-day lock changes that protect both your business and legal standing.

5. Emergency Lockout Support in Tampa

If you’re a landlord in a legal gray area—or just want to handle this the right way:

• Call us for a free consultation on commercial lockouts

• Get legal-reinforced service documentation

• Available 24/7 for secure access support

Don’t risk your property, your lease, or your reputation.
Tampa’s business landlords trust Pro On The Go to protect them and their tenants—by the book.

Tampa Commercial Lockout Experts

We serve:

• Downtown Tampa

• Ybor City

• Brandon

• Carrollwood

• Westshore & More

Call 813-534-2911 Now or Book in 30 Seconds

(813) 534-2911
Book Online >
Or DM us on Instagram: @ProOnTheGoLocksmith

FAQ – Landlord Lockout Questions

Can I change the locks if a tenant doesn’t pay rent?
Not without court approval or lease-compliant notice.

Can a locksmith help me regain control of a space?
Yes, but only once legal authority is established. We’ll guide you through it.

Do commercial leases protect tenants the same way residential ones do?
Not always—but improper lockouts are still risky and potentially illegal.

Final Word:

Handle lockouts the smart way.
Call Pro On The Go Locksmith for expert, legal lock changes that protect your business.