How often do elevators in Florida require inspections and by whom? 

Florida adopted changes to Senate bill 399.061 during the 2002 Session, which significantly affects all elevator inspections. These changes became effective June 5, 2002 and require all elevator inspections to be performed by a Certified Elevator Inspector annually.

FL s. 399.061(1)(a) (Florida Statutes)  All elevators or other conveyances subject to this chapter must be annually inspected by a certified elevator inspector or by a municipality or county under contract with the division pursuant to s. 399.13. If the elevator is not an escalator or a dumbwaiter, serves only two adjacent floors, and is covered by a service maintenance contract, an inspection is not required so long as the service contract remains in effect.

(b)  A statement verifying the existence and performance of each service maintenance contract must be filed at least annually with the division and as prescribed by rule. Cancellation of a service maintenance contract must be reported to the division as prescribed by rule.

The State of Florida Bureau of Elevator Safety must receive a zero violation report from a Certified Inspector in addition to the required fees from the owner by July 31 of each year for a renewal certificate.  Renewal certificates are typically mailed to the building owner by the middle of August and must be posted in the elevator.  If you have questions about your State listed status, please contact us and we will research and provide you with the most current information available.  [**Please read below for information about other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)]

FL s. 399.03(5) (Florida Statutes) All new conveyance installations must be performed by a registered elevator company. Before any vertical conveyance is used, except those in a private residence, it must be inspected by a certified elevator inspector not employed, associated, or having a conflict of interest with the elevator construction permit holder or elevator owner and certified as meeting the safety provisions of the Florida Building Code, including the performance of all required safety tests. The certified elevator inspector shall provide the original copy of the inspection report to the department within 5 days after the inspection. A certificate of operation may not be issued until the permit holder provides an affidavit signed by the construction supervisor attesting that the supervisor directly supervised the construction or installation of the elevator. Vertical conveyances, including stairway chairlifts, and inclined or vertical wheelchair lifts located in private residences are not required to obtain a certificate of operation under this chapter.  [**Please read below for information about other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)]

In accordance with the Florida Statute above, our company does not maintain contracts or agreements with elevator contractors.  We do not have special "arrangements" which would promote our company being placed on an elevator company list of "recommended inspectors".  We are completely impartial to elevator products and maintenance contractors, assuring the property owner a professional inspection which serves his or her best interest.  Our inspections are performed with regard to code compliance, public safety, and advocating for the building owner.  Our inspectors are NAESA-QEI Certified with a minimum of 25 years experience within the elevator industry.  Our insurance far exceeds the State required limits of liability.  Certificates of insurance are available upon request.

How do I coordinate my inspection with my service company?

Florida Certified Elevator Inspections, Inc. coordinates inspections with all of the licensed elevator contractors in Florida.  This is included as part of your inspection service.  Our rates are very competitive and our service is unsurpassed.  If required, we also include a follow-up inspection to document that any violations have been corrected and to ensure proper compliance with required paperwork to the State Bureau of Elevator Safety or the appropriate Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).  We are always available to our customers to discuss any concerns regarding their elevator both prior to and after the inspection.

Should my elevator service company charge me for required testing?

FL s. 399.01(10) (Florida Statutes) defines an elevator service contract:

 399.01(10)  "Service maintenance contract" means a contract that provides for routine examination, lubrication, cleaning, adjustment, replacement of parts, and performance of applicable code-required safety tests such as on a traction elevator and annual relief pressure test on a hydraulic elevator and any other service, repair, and maintenance sufficient to ensure the safe operation of the elevator. A service maintenance contract shall be made available upon request of the department for purposes of oversight and monitoring.

Additionally, as per ASME A17.1, your service contractor is to perform the tests on the elevator equipment two times per year as a minimum.  One test is to be performed by the service contractor while the other is to be demonstrated for the elevator inspector.  Some elevator companies are charging their customers separately for this service.  It is our position that charging for these services while a service contract is in effect is not in compliance with FL s. 399.01(10).  We have found many of these so-called "administrative fees" often far exceed the actual cost of a full inspection.  Many customers have been told that these additional fees cover the cost of scheduling the inspection, coordinating with the inspector and filing the necessary papers with the State or appropriate Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).  Our company contacts, schedules, and coordinates the elevator inspection directly with the service contractor as an all inclusive part of our inspection service.  Additionally, the elevator inspector is the party responsible for filing the inspection report with the State or AHJ.  

Another somewhat questionable practice is that some elevator companies are demanding a "fee" if the customer hires a private elevator inspector who is independent (and unbiased) of the maintenance contractor's recommended list of inspectors (you might want to question and consider the motives for this type of practice).  Some of these "fees" can far exceed the actual cost of a full private inspection.  Professional third-party inspections protect both the maintenance contractor and the building owner.  If you question the practices of your service contractor you should address them directly, as there are many quality companies competing for your business.  Our office can offer guidance if you have concerns with these matters.

**Does my county or city perform my elevator inspections?

Fl. 399.13 (Florida Statutes) allows the State of Florida to enter into contracts with counties or municipalities for elevator inspection services.  This provision allows the county or municipality to also allow private certified elevator inspectors to inspect the elevators within their jurisdiction.  Below is a list of the jurisdictions which have contracted with the State Bureau of Elevator Safety and how inspection services are provided.  Further inquiries should be made directly to the appropriate jurisdiction.

Broward County is providing inspection services with County employed inspectors only, within the limits of Broward County.

Miami-Dade County inspects County owned buildings with County employed inspectors.  Other properties are inspected by private certified elevator inspectors who are monitored by Miami-Dade County.  This includes all municipalities within the County except for the cities noted below.  (Our company provides private third-party inspection services throughout Miami-Dade County.)

City of Miami is performing inspection by City employed inspectors only, on all elevators within the City limits.  All tests (annual and/or five year testing) of hydraulic and traction elevators is to be performed by the elevator maintenance contractor and witnessed by a certified elevator inspector.  A special form is required to be returned to the City of Miami certifying satisfactory test completion.  (Our company provides professional witnessing services within the City of Miami.)

City of Miami Beach is performing inspections by City employed inspectors only, on all elevators within the City limits.

Reedy Creek Improvement District is performing inspections with Reedy Creek employed inspectors within the Reedy Creek jurisdiction.

All other jurisdictions in the State of Florida require private elevator inspections reporting directly to the State Bureau of Elevator Safety.  The State of Florida Bureau of Elevator Safety monitors all inspection services either by county, municipality or private inspectors.  (Our company provides private third-party inspection services throughout many Florida jurisdictions.)

How do I schedule to have my elevator inspected by Florida Certified Elevator Inspections, Inc?