BroussElevators
Owning a building with an elevator in Florida comes with significant regulatory responsibilities. The state enforces strict safety codes designed to protect passengers, and building owners who fail to comply face fines, shutdowns, and potential legal liability.
At BROUSS Elevators, we help building owners across South Florida stay compliant. Here's what you need to know about Florida's elevator safety codes.
The Bureau of Elevator Safety, part of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), oversees all elevators, escalators, and related conveyances in the state. This includes:
Florida follows the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, along with state-specific amendments outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 399.
Every elevator in Florida must pass an annual safety inspection conducted by a state-certified inspector. The inspection covers:
If your elevator fails inspection, you'll receive a notice of violations with a deadline for corrections—typically 30 to 90 days depending on the severity. During this period:
Every passenger elevator must have a functioning two-way communication system that connects to a 24/7 monitoring service. This is not optional—it's a life safety requirement.
Elevators in buildings with fire alarm systems must have fire service operation. Phase I recalls the elevator to a designated floor when the fire alarm activates. Phase II allows firefighters to take manual control. Both phases must be tested regularly.
All public-use elevators must comply with ADA requirements, including proper cab dimensions, Braille signage, audible signals, and accessible controls. Buildings that don't meet ADA standards face federal penalties in addition to state code issues.
Elevator machine rooms must maintain proper temperature (not exceeding manufacturer specifications), adequate lighting, and restricted access. In South Florida's climate, air conditioning in machine rooms is virtually essential to protect electronic components.
Florida law requires that all elevator installation, repair, and maintenance work be performed by licensed elevator contractors and certified elevator technicians. Hiring unlicensed workers is a violation that can void your insurance and expose you to significant liability.
Always verify that your service provider holds a valid Florida elevator contractor license.
After years of servicing buildings across South Florida, these are the most common violations we encounter:
The best way to avoid code violations is to maintain a proactive maintenance program with a licensed elevator contractor who understands Florida's specific requirements. Regular maintenance catches issues before inspectors do.
Need a compliance review? BROUSS Elevators offers code compliance assessments for buildings throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Call 786.308.9128 to schedule yours today.
