Elevator inspections are a fact of life for Florida building owners. Required annually by state code, these inspections ensure your equipment operates safely and legally. Here is everything you need to know to prepare and pass with confidence.
When Inspections Happen
In Florida, elevators must be inspected:
- Annually – Every elevator requires a yearly safety inspection
- After major repairs – Significant work triggers a follow-up inspection
- Following accidents – Any incident requires immediate inspection
- New installations – Before an elevator can operate publicly
What Inspectors Examine
A thorough elevator inspection covers multiple systems. Expect the inspector to check:
Safety Systems
- Emergency brakes and overspeed governors
- Door interlocks and safety edges
- Emergency lighting and communication devices
- Firefighter service operation
- Buffer springs or hydraulic buffers in the pit
Mechanical Components
- Cables, sheaves, and suspension systems
- Hydraulic cylinders, lines, and fluid levels
- Motor and controller condition
- Guide rails and roller guides
Electrical Systems
- Wiring condition and connections
- Control panel functionality
- Safety circuit operation
- Proper grounding
How to Prepare Your Elevator
Give your elevator the best chance of passing:
- Schedule maintenance before the inspection – Address known issues in advance
- Clean the machine room – Remove clutter and ensure good lighting
- Ensure pit access – The pit must be accessible, dry, and free of debris
- Test emergency systems – Verify the phone works and batteries are fresh
- Gather documentation – Have maintenance logs and previous inspection reports ready
What Happens If You Fail?
A failed inspection is not the end of the world, but it requires prompt action:
- You will receive a list of violations that must be corrected
- Critical safety issues may require immediate shutdown until repaired
- You will need to schedule a re-inspection after corrections
- Continued operation with violations can result in fines and liability exposure
Partner With Professionals
The best way to pass inspections consistently is maintaining your elevator properly year-round. At Brouss Elevators, we keep detailed maintenance records, address issues proactively, and can even be present during inspections to answer technical questions.
Inspection coming up? Call Brouss at 786.308.9128 for a pre-inspection tune-up. We will make sure you are ready.
