FAQ-Florida
Florida Elevator Inspections Frequently Asked Questions
- I already have my new certificate that expires August 1st of next year; why do I need an inspection?
- I have already had an inspection but still do not have my certificate; why?
- Once I have fully complied with all requirements; how long will it take before I receive my new certificate?
- Someone came to my building today saying he was a state inspector; what do I do with the report he left me?
- There is a new "orange" sticker in my elevator and the residents are up-set; why do I have the orange sticker and can I take it down?
- Can I get in trouble for not correcting the violations within the 90 day period?
- What is a variance?
- For which violations can I possibly get a variance from?
- I have a maintenance contract with an elevator company; won't they correct all the violations for me?
- What is an Evacuation Procedure and how do I obtain one?
- Is there a website I can visit to explain the laws and statues pertaining to elevators in.
- Where can I find out what a violation code means?
- How can I prepare for my inspection?
- I already have my new certificate that expires August 1st of next year; why do I need an inspection?
In Florida, inspections are required every twelve months by Florida Statute 399. The Certificate of Operation expiration date (August 1st) is not directly related to the actual inspection date. Owners with inspections not conducted annually may be subject to administrative fines/penalties as provided by law. - I have already had an inspection but still do not have my certificate; why?
The two (2) most likely causes are one or more of the following:
1. Violations remain outstanding from a previous inspection report. Any violations noted on an inspection report require a "call-back" inspection to clear those items after correction.
2. The prescribed renewal application and/or fees have not been received by the Jurisdictional Authority (State/County/City). - Once I have fully complied with all requirements; how long will it take before I receive my new certificate?
All certificates in the State of Florida expire on the same date (August 1st). During this time the State is inundated with renewal requests and verification of compliance. Due to this process, delays may occur. - Someone came to my building today saying he was a state inspector; what do I do with the report he left me?
Re-actions depend on the type of inspection conducted.
1. For reports where no violations are identified action by the owner/others may not be required.
2. For industry oversight inspections: if violations are noted, a copy should be forwarded to your maintenance provider and your elevator inspection company for assessment and/or correction.
3. For Accident/Compliant inspections: if violations are noted, a copy should be forwarded to the service maintenance provider. We recommend discontinuing operation of equipment until compliance is verified. - There is a new "orange" sticker in my elevator and the residents are up-set; why do I have the orange sticker and can I take it down?
The orange sticker is an indication that the database maintained by the State of Florida currently shows that you are not in compliance with Statutory requirements for Certificate of Operation. Usually this means having satisfactorily (no violations or corrected violations) completed an annual inspection and/or remittal of annual fees to the Jurisdictional Authority (State/County/City) for renewal. - Can I get in trouble for not correcting the violations within the 90 day period?
When one or more violations are noted, the elevator inspection report form becomes an "Order to Correct" and the building owner is subject to fines and/or penalties for failure to comply within the time frame indicated (90 days). - What is a variance?
A variance is the Enforcing Authority accepting an alternative to the specific requirements of Code due to a hardship with meeting the actual code requirements. The hardship can be due to existing conditions, financial feasibility, or newer alternatives. Requests for Variances to code shall meet the requirements of ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators Section 1.2. - For which violations can I possibly get a variance from?
Variances for some conditions may be considered by the enforcing authority, either temporary or permanent. There must be a documented hardship with compliance; and alternative means of achieving equal or greater safety, reliability, etc. must be provided. Florida has been granting temporary variances for retroactive requirements of ASME A17.3 (Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators) for up to three years. VAA has been assisting building owners with variance requests, and would be glad to provide guidance for specific situations. - I have a maintenance contract with an elevator company; won't they correct all the violations for me?
Not necessarily, some items not covered by your agreement with the elevator maintenance firm will be the responsibility of the building owner or others. Check your maintenance contract or contact your maintenance provider. - What is an Evacuation Procedure and how do I obtain one?
This is a written procedure required by code. We recommend ASME A17.4 (Guide for the Evacuation of Personnel), which can be obtained from ASME.org or by calling 1-800-the-asme (843-2763). - Is there a website I can visit to explain the laws and statues pertaining to elevators in:
Yes. In Florida, visit this site(link will open a new window). - Where can I find out what a violation code means?
In Florida visit this page. - What are the things an owner/manager can do to be ready for an up-coming inspection?
Inform the elevator maintenance firm to perform required safety tests for the elevator inspector to witness, and that coordination with the inspection firm is required. Keys for access to the elevator machine room and other spaces are required to be readily available onsite. Some logs and documentation are required to be onsite and available for the inspector:
1. Monthly Firefighter's Operation log (unless performed by elevator maintenance firm)
2. Written elevator emergency evacuation procedures
3. Log of building personnel trained to assist Emergency Personnel in event of an elevator emergency.
4. Log of building personnel trained to follow escalator startup procedures.
Check to see that the:
Key for the elevator machine room is available on site
No storage in machine room (elevator components only)
Telephone in elevator operational
Alarm bell in elevator operational
Light bulbs in elevator car have guarding to retain glass in event of breakage
There is no water in the elevator pit
Machine room fire extinguisher up-to-date
Machine room door self-closing & self-locking
Fire alarm test up-to-date