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​Key Lockboxes

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Our primary mission at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue is to protect YOU – the people we serve and all property throughout our community. In an emergency when time is of the essence, quick access is critical for emergency responders to do their jobs effectively. It would be impossible for any fire rescue agency to hold the key to every single home and business we serve. However, there is a solution – a universal Knox eLock key system for commercial (required) and residential properties (optional) and a generic brand key lock box that uses a PIN code (ONLY for residential properties) as a more feasible option.

Here at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, we only use Knox eLock products for (required) commercial and multi-family properties. The Knox eLock system uses an electronic key core that specifically matches the key used only by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel. All PBCFR emergency response units are assigned an electronic key core that matches Knox eLock.​


Palm Beach County Fire Rescue – Key Lock Box Program

Key Lock Box Program — Click a section to expand

Residential Properties▼

Residential key lock boxes allow emergency responders the ability to unlock and enter residences when occupants are unable to do so themselves. The key lock box options available are the Knox eLock with electronic key core or a generic brand key lockbox that uses a PIN code.

Knox eLock▼

Knox has two (2) residential eLock box products to choose from, both designed for single family homes, condos, and multi-tenant buildings.

These products can only be purchased through Knox's website – www.knoxbox.com

Details to Consider
  • Available with both door and wall-mounting options
  • Weather-resistant
  • Minimizes property damage by reducing the need for forced entry
  • The Knox HomeBox holds one (1) key; the Knox Residential Box holds up to two (2) keys
  • Only accessible to Fire Rescue personnel
⚠ IMPORTANT: The Knox arrives in the OPEN position. The customer is responsible for installation. After installation, contact the Knox Coordinator at (561) 616-7009 or Fire-Marshal@pbc.gov to schedule key loading.
Mounting Placement
  • Door hanger method: Secure on the front door of the residence.
  • Wall-mounting option: Install near the front door at a height between 4 and 5 feet from the ground in a highly visible location.
Knox Residential Lock Box
Generic Brand Lock Box▼
  • Purchase a lock box of your choice online or from any major home improvement retailer.
  • Install in a visible, accessible area near the front door. Secure the main key inside and select a unique PIN code.
  • Call Planning Division at (561) 616-7012 or email FIRE-GISCAD@pbc.gov and provide:
    • Address (including unit # if applicable)
    • Lock PIN box code
    • Lock box location (if not readily visible)
    • Last Name
    • Contact telephone number

The information is placed in the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system linked to your address. The PIN code is only visible to 911 Dispatchers and responding unit computers — never shared over the radio.

⚠ IMPORTANT: The PIN code stays active for one (1) year only. Residents must call (561) 616-7012 EVERY YEAR before their original inception date. Contact FIRE-GISCAD@pbc.gov any time information changes (move, code change, lock box removal, etc.).
Commercial & Multi-Family Properties▼

Access to commercial structures, multi-family properties, or other areas is required in accordance with Palm Beach County Local Amendment 18.2.2.

Access Box(es)

All buildings equipped with a fire alarm, fire suppression system, or elevators shall be provided with a Knox Rapid Entry System (Knox Box). Required keys include, but are not limited to:

  • Main entrance
  • Electrical and mechanical rooms
  • Elevator machine rooms & elevator emergency operation keys
  • Rooms containing fire protection systems (alarm control panels, sprinkler control valves)

Permitted access devices (remote openers, card keys, key codes, or traditional keys) are subject to AHJ approval. The Fire Marshal's Office must be contacted to program and load keys.

Access Box(es) Installation

Installation height: 48" to 60" from finished grade to the center of the Knox Box. Contact the PBCFR Fire Marshal's Office for proper location and placement.

Access Box(es) Requirements

Access Boxes are required per building with a fire alarm, suppression system, or elevators. All Knox Boxes must be compatible with the Knox eLock System.

Commercial Knox eLock Products

Knox has two (2) commercial eLock products designed for commercial, industrial, and multi-tenant buildings:

Commercial Knox Lock Box
⚠ IMPORTANT: The Knox arrives in the OPEN position. The customer is responsible for installation. After installation, contact the Knox Coordinator at (561) 616-7009 or Fire-Marshal@pbc.gov to schedule key loading.
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