In Florida, elevators must be inspected at least once a year by a certified elevator inspector (Fla. Stat. § 399.061). Elevators also need an annual Category 1 safety test, and a Category 5 test every five years (Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-5.013). A current, satisfactory inspection is required to renew the elevator's certificate of operation.
For condo boards, HOAs and property managers in South Florida, missing an inspection can mean an expired certificate, fines and an elevator that legally can't run. Here is what Florida requires and how it works in Miami-Dade and Broward.
What inspections and tests does Florida require?
| Requirement | How often | Who performs it |
|---|---|---|
| Routine examination under your maintenance contract | Varies. Contracts typically offer monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or every-6-month visits | Your licensed elevator maintenance company |
| Category 1 periodic safety testTypically abbreviated Annual CATE 1 | Every year | Certified elevator inspector, or a city or county under contract with the state |
| Category 3 periodic safety testTypically abbreviated CATE 3 | Every 3 years | Certified elevator inspector, or a city or county under contract with the state |
| Category 5 periodic safety testTypically abbreviated CATE 5 | Every 5 years | Certified elevator technician or certified elevator inspector |
Sources: Fla. Stat. Ch. 399; Fla. Admin. Code R. 61C-5.013.
Two-stop exception: An elevator that serves only two adjacent floors, and is not an escalator or dumbwaiter, does not need the annual inspection while it is covered by a service maintenance contract. The owner must verify that contract with the state (DBPR Bureau of Elevator Safety).
Who inspects elevators in Florida?
Florida's Bureau of Elevator Safety, part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), oversees elevator safety statewide. Annual inspections are performed by a Florida-licensed certified elevator inspector, or by a city or county that has a contract with the state.
In South Florida, several local governments run their own elevator programs under contract with the state, including the City of Miami, Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County and Broward County (DBPR contracted jurisdictions). If your building is in one of these areas, your certificate and inspection reports go through that local office. Elsewhere, including Palm Beach County, the state handles them directly.
What is an elevator certificate of operation in Florida?
A certificate of operation is the state's permission to run an elevator. Florida law requires it to be posted in a conspicuous place on the elevator, framed under a clear cover. Only an elevator with a current, satisfactory inspection can have its certificate renewed (Fla. Stat. § 399.07).
What happens if an elevator fails inspection in Florida?
The inspector records the violations, and the owner must have them corrected. Violations must be corrected within 90 days, followed by a call-back inspection. The City of Miami says owners who don't correct violations in time can be fined up to $1,000 per violation, per elevator (City of Miami). If your inspection turns up recurring problems, repairs or targeted upgrades may be the fastest way back to compliance.
What else are Florida elevator owners responsible for?
- Proper maintenance. Once the certificate is issued, the owner is responsible for keeping the elevator properly maintained (Fla. Stat. Ch. 399).
- A maintenance contract. The contract must include routine examinations and periodic safety tests. If it is cancelled or expires without a replacement, the owner must notify the state within 30 days (R. 61C-5.013).
- A Maintenance Control Program. Owners must have a Maintenance Control Program that meets ASME A17.1, section 8.6.1.2. The elevator company must keep a written record of inspection and test dates in the machine room.
- Accident reporting. Accidents must be reported to the state within 5 working days. Late reports can bring a fine of up to $1,000 (Broward County).
- Door position monitors. Broward County notes that existing elevators were required to have a door position monitor installed on or before August 1, 2025.
How can South Florida owners stay on schedule?
- Keep a calendar of each elevator's inspection date, Category 1 test and Category 5 test.
- Schedule the annual inspection well before the certificate is due, so there is time to fix any violations.
- Ask your maintenance company to track code deficiencies and send written reports after each visit.
- Check that the current certificate is posted in every elevator.
- Keep your maintenance contract active and make sure the state has a current verification on file.
Frequently asked questions
How often do elevators need to be inspected in Florida?
At least once a year, by a certified elevator inspector or a contracted city or county.
What is a Category 5 test?
It is a more extensive periodic safety test that Florida requires every five years, in addition to the annual Category 1 test.
Who issues elevator certificates in Miami-Dade and Broward?
In contracted areas such as the City of Miami, Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County and Broward County, the local elevator office handles certificates. Elsewhere, the state Bureau of Elevator Safety does.
Can my maintenance company inspect my elevator?
Annual inspections are done by a certified elevator inspector, while a tech from your elevator contractor is on site. Your maintenance company performs routine examinations and periodic tests and helps you prepare for inspection and fix any violations.
Stay inspection-ready with MODPROS
MODPROS maintenance programs include code compliance monitoring, so we track your inspection windows and code requirements and document every visit in writing. If you manage a building in South Florida, schedule a discovery call or call 833.MOD.PROS (833.663.7767).
Schedule a Discovery CallThis article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the Florida Bureau of Elevator Safety or your local elevator office.
