Just Bought a New Home in Orlando? The First Thing You Should Do
Call Now: +1 (407) 272-6040Why Rekeying Your New Orlando Home Is the First Priority
Rekeying a lock reconfigures the internal pin stack to match a new key, rendering all previously cut keys permanently inactive. According to the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), an average newly purchased home has between 4 and 6 unknown key copies in circulation among former owners, real estate agents, maintenance personnel, and construction contractors.
Orlando’s real estate market recorded over 42,000 home sales in 2025, according to the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association. Each of those transactions created a security gap the moment keys changed hands. Florida law does not require sellers to collect all key copies before closing, which means the responsibility for key control falls entirely on the new homeowner.
Rekeying vs. Lock Replacement: Which One Does a New Orlando Homeowner Need?
Rekeying is the correct solution for new homeowners in the majority of cases, because the existing hardware is functional and only key control is the issue. Lock replacement is appropriate when the existing lock is damaged, outdated, or lacks the security grade needed for the property.
| Factor | Rekeying | Lock Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost (per lock) | $15 – $25 | $80 – $300+ |
| Time Required | 10 – 15 min per lock | 20 – 40 min per lock |
| Existing Hardware | Preserved | Removed & replaced |
| Key Control Problem | Fully resolved | Fully resolved |
| Damaged Lock | Not applicable | Best solution |
| Security Upgrade Needed | Limited upgrade | Full upgrade possible |
For a standard 3-bedroom Orlando home with 4 entry points — front door, back door, garage side door, and sliding door — a full rekeying service costs between $85 and $120 USD, compared to $320 to $1,200 USD for full lock replacement on the same entry points.
5 Locks Every New Orlando Homeowner Must Rekey Immediately
There are 5 lock types in a newly purchased Orlando home that require rekeying before the first night of occupancy: front door deadbolts, rear entry deadbolts, garage door entry locks, sliding door keyed locks, and any detached structure locks such as pool houses or garages.
- Front door deadbolt — the primary entry point and the highest-priority rekey target in every home
- Rear entry deadbolt — frequently overlooked but equally vulnerable since contractors and maintenance staff typically use rear access
- Garage-to-house entry door — directly connects the garage to the living space; a compromised key here bypasses all other security
- Keyed sliding door or patio lock — commonly found on Orlando homes with pool or patio access; often equipped with secondary pin tumbler cylinders
- Detached structure locks — pool houses, workshops, and detached garages hold tools and valuables and share key copies with the main residence
How to Rekey a Lock: 6-Step Process Performed by a Licensed Locksmith
A licensed locksmith rekeying a residential lock completes 6 steps that reconfigure the pin stack to match a newly cut key, permanently deactivating all previously issued key copies.
The locksmith removes the lock body using a screwdriver, exposing the cylinder for access.
A plug follower tool pushes the plug out while retaining the driver pins and springs in the housing.
The current key pins are emptied into a pinning tray and discarded, as they correspond to the old key’s cut pattern.
Replacement pins are selected from a pinning kit to match the depth specifications of the newly cut key.
The locksmith inserts the plug, verifies smooth rotation with the new key, and confirms the old key no longer operates the lock.
The cylinder is reinserted into the lock body, the hardware is secured, and the homeowner receives the new keys.
3 Additional Security Upgrades Orlando New Homeowners Consider After Rekeying
There are 3 high-value security upgrades that complement rekeying for newly purchased Orlando homes: high-security lock installation, smart lock integration, and door reinforcement hardware.
High-Security Lock Installation
High-security locks, including models from Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Abloy, provide 3 protective advantages over standard residential locks: restricted key duplication, pick-resistant cylinder designs, and drill-resistant steel inserts. These locks are recommended for front doors and garage entry points in Orlando neighborhoods with above-average property crime rates.
Smart Lock Integration
Smart locks eliminate physical key copies entirely by replacing the key cylinder with a keypad, fingerprint reader, or smartphone-controlled deadbolt. Brands including Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, and Kwikset Halo provide remote access management, entry logs, and temporary code generation — features particularly relevant for Orlando vacation rental properties and homes with frequent service visits.
Door Reinforcement Hardware
Door reinforcement hardware strengthens 3 vulnerable points on a residential entry door: the strike plate, the door frame, and the hinge side. A Grade 1 steel strike plate with 3-inch screws extending into the wall stud increases kick-in resistance by up to 300%, according to the Door and Hardware Federation.
Safety and Legal Considerations for New Orlando Homeowners
Florida Statute 83.53 and local Orlando municipal codes govern tenant and homeowner security responsibilities. New homeowners bear full legal responsibility for the security of their property from the moment of closing, regardless of the seller’s prior key management practices.
All American Locksmith holds a current Florida locksmith license and carries full general liability insurance. Every technician dispatched to an Orlando service call carries verified identification and ALOA membership credentials.
