Tenant Lockouts: Legal vs Illegal Access — What Tampa Landlords Should Know

Locked Out… or Locked Out Illegally?

If you're a landlord in Tampa, handling a tenant lockout the wrong way could land you in court.

Florida law is clear: unauthorized lockouts are illegal, and even one mistake could lead to fines, lawsuits, or criminal charges.

This guide breaks down what’s legal, what’s not—and how Pro On The Go Locksmith™ helps landlords stay compliant, fast.

Table of Contents

1. Florida Lockout Laws: Landlords, Read This First

2. What Counts as an Illegal Lockout in Tampa?

3. Legal Situations for Lock Changes: 3 Examples

4. What to Do If a Tenant Abandons the Unit

5. How Pro On The Go Helps Landlords Stay Protected

6. Tampa Case Study: Lockout Gone Wrong

7. Tenant-Landlord Lockout FAQs

8. Book Legal, Fast Lock Services in Tampa

1. Florida Lockout Laws: Landlords, Read This First

Under Florida Statute 83.67, it’s illegal for a landlord to:

• Change the locks without a court order

• Shut off utilities to force a tenant out

• Block access to the property without due process

Violation Penalty?
- The tenant can sue for 3 months' rent + legal fees
- Possible criminal charges for harassment

Even if rent is unpaid. Even if they’re late.
Landlords must go through the formal eviction process before any lockout action.

2. What Counts as an Illegal Lockout in Tampa?

Here’s what NOT to do, even if a tenant is behind on rent:

• Hiring a locksmith to rekey without court approval

• Locking doors and leaving a note

• Changing garage or gate codes

• Removing the front door

• Telling your handyman to “just lock it”

All of these are illegal in Tampa unless you’ve received a court-ordered writ of possession.

3. Legal Situations for Lock Changes: 3 Examples

Court-Approved Eviction:
You’ve obtained a writ of possession and scheduled with the sheriff. After they execute it, you can legally change the locks.

Abandonment (Confirmed):
Tenant has been gone for 15+ days without payment or contact, and the unit appears vacated. You must still send proper notice.

Emergency Repairs or Safety:
Lock replacement due to break-in, storm damage, or building safety—as long as tenant receives a new key or access.

When in doubt, consult a local landlord-tenant attorney before changing locks.

4. What to Do If a Tenant Abandons the Unit

Florida law allows landlords to enter and secure the property after 15 days of unexplained absence and non-payment.

Steps:

1. Post an abandonment notice at the unit.

2. Wait the required legal period.

3. Document the condition of the property.

4. Hire a licensed locksmith (like us) to rekey and provide legal invoice documentation.

5. How Pro On The Go Locksmith Helps Landlords Stay Protected

We’ve worked with hundreds of Tampa landlords and property managers to:

• Change locks legally after evictions

• Rekey units between tenants

• Handle emergency lock situations (break-ins, abandoned units)

• Provide written documentation for legal protection

• Offer same-day service across Hillsborough County

We never touch tenant-occupied units without proof of legal authorization. That’s how we protect you and your property.

6. Tampa Case Study: Lockout Gone Wrong

In early 2025, a landlord in Seminole Heights hired an unlicensed handyman to rekey an occupied unit due to non-payment. The tenant returned, called the police, and the landlord was fined $3,600 in damages and legal fees.

We were later hired to legally rekey the unit—this time with full court documentation and a sheriff’s writ.

Lesson? Always do it the right way.

7. Tenant-Landlord Lockout FAQs

Q: Can I change the locks if a tenant is 30 days behind on rent?
No. You must first complete the eviction process and get a court writ.

Q: What if I think the tenant moved out without telling me?
You must follow Florida abandonment procedures and document all steps. Never assume.

Q: Can a locksmith legally change locks on an occupied unit without court papers?
No. A licensed locksmith like us will only proceed with proof of legal authorization.

Q: Can I call Pro On The Go Locksmith after the sheriff performs the eviction?
Yes! That’s the best time to secure the property and avoid re-entry or retaliation.

Book Legal Lock Services in Tampa Now

Need a legal, fast, and reliable lock change?
- We serve property managers, landlords, and real estate pros
- Same-day legal rekeying, documentation included
- Available 24/7 across Tampa, Ybor, Westchase, Brandon, and more

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