Amazon Selects Tampa, Sarasota For New Service

TAMPA, FL - Do you want your Amazon packages so much that you'd let a delivery person into your house when you aren’t there just to ensure you get them as soon as possible? Amazon is banking on it. Tampa and Sarasota are among 37 metro areas where the retailer's new service "Amazon Key" will be available beginning Nov. 8.

The offering will be available to Amazon Prime members who have purchased a special camera and lock, to guarantee only authorized access and safety for residents.

Here's how it works, according to Amazon:

• Buy an Amazon cloud camera and compatible smart lock ($249.99) to become eligible for Amazon Key.
• Authorize free indoor delivery at checkout when purchasing other items.
• Receive an “arriving now” notification from Amazon so you can watch the delivery live. The courier will request to unlock the door with a handheld scanner. Amazon verifies the package is meant for that address, turns on the cloud cam and unlocks the door. The driver will place the delivery just inside the door and request to re-lock it.
• Get a final notification and watch a video clip of the delivery once the dropoff is complete and the door is re-locked.

Amazon says the service will enable people to schedule permanent access for family members or give temporary access to people such as house cleaners or out-of-town friends or family members. The homeowner will be notified any time the door is unlocked or locked.

Watch: Amazon Wants To Enter Your Home When You're Not There

In announcing that Amazon Key is coming, the company said it will be available in these 37 metro areas, including Tampa and Sarasota:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Austin, Texas
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Chicago, Illinois
• Cincinnati, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Dallas, Texas
• Denver, Colorado
• Detroit, Michigan
• Houston, Texas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Kansas City, Kansas
• Los Angeles and Orange County, California
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Miami, Florida
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Newark, New Jersey
• Orlando, Florida
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Portland, Oregon
• Richmond, Virginia
• Sacramento, California
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• San Antonio, Texas
• San Diego, California
• San Francisco Bay area, California
• Sarasota, Florida
• Seattle and Eastside, Washington
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Tampa, Florida
• Washington, DC metro area

To check whether an area is eligible for Amazon Key, enter a ZIP code on this page.

– By Patch editors Jeff Stacklin and Elizabeth Janney

Photo by Getty Images