Martin County, FL Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Sec. 123 sets the County's minimum security-hardware standard for rented housing. Doors providing access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let must be equipped with a deadbolt lock, operated only by turning a knob or key, with a lock throw of not less than one inch; a sliding bolt does not qualify as an acceptable deadbolt under the section. The deadbolt must be installed to the manufacturer's specifications, kept in good working order, and designed so an occupant can open it from inside the unit without the use of a key, tool, combination thereof or any other special knowledge or effort, so a landlord cannot install a double-cylinder deadbolt that traps residents needing a key to exit.

Sec. 2 extends the requirement to windows: any operable window within six feet of ground level or a walking surface below, that provides access to a rented unit, must carry a window sash locking device. The rule sits alongside Sec. 122, which separately requires that all exterior doors, door assemblies and hardware be maintained in good condition, that egress-door locks meet the Florida Building Code, and that entrance locks on dwelling, rooming and guestrooms tightly secure the door. Both sections apply chapter-wide to existing structures under the Property Maintenance Code, meaning code enforcement can cite a landlord during a routine property-maintenance inspection even without a tenant complaint.