Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Emergency Power Requirements FAQ

All information on this page is current and was last reviewed by the division on March 28, 2012.

1. Q: Do the emergency alternate power requirements in Section 553.509(2), Florida Statutes, apply to all buildings with a public elevator?

A: No. The specific emergency alternate power requirements in Section 553.509(2), Florida Statutes, only apply to buildings that are multi-family dwellings, including condominiums, which are at least 75 feet high.

2. Q: I manage a multi-family building that is at least 75 feet high. Am I responsible for making sure a building complies with Section 553.509(2), Florida Statutes?

A: The law places the responsibility on “any person, firm, or corporation that owns, manages, or operates” the specified type of building. As the manager of the building, you will need to make sure you comply with this law. However, the building owner or company you work for, if any, will also be responsible.

3. Q: Who determines if my building is required to provide emergency alternate power to my elevator?

A: Your local building inspection agency will determine if your building needs to comply with the emergency alternate power requirements in Section 553.509(2), Florida Statutes.

4. Q: If my building requires emergency alternate power, do I have to purchase and install a generator?

A: No. However, you must, at a minimum, pre-wire your elevator to accept a generator and enter into a contract with a service provider to supply a generator and fuel source to your building.

5. Q: When is the deadline to install a generator or pre-wire my building?

A: Section 553.509(2), Florida Statutes, requires you to submit engineering plans to your local building inspection agency by December 31, 2006. Once that agency verifies that you are in full compliance with the law, you will have until December 31, 2007, to notify your local emergency management agency of compliance.

6. Q: Who notifies the local emergency management agency that my building complies with this law?

A: Contact your local building inspection agency to find out who notifies your local emergency management agency.

7. Q: Who can pre-wire my elevator or install my generator?

A: All electrical connections and generator installations must be performed by a licensed electrician or other authorized and properly licensed person.

8. Q: Where can I get a contract for a generator and fuel source?

A: Private businesses are able to provide these services. Your local building inspection or emergency management agency may be able to provide you with a list of these types of businesses.

9. Q: How long does the service provider have to deliver the generator and fuel once I submit a request?

A: Section 553.509(2), Florida Statutes, requires your contract to guarantee the generator and fuel source will be supplied within 24 hours of your request. Contact your local government or emergency management agency for further guidance.

10. Q: Will compliance with Section 553.509(2), Florida Statutes, be verified annually?

A: Yes, a certified elevator inspector will verify compliance with this law as part of your required annual inspection.

Specifically, the annual inspection will include ensuring installed generators are in working order; current inspection records are being properly posted; generator keys are present; pre-wiring and switching capabilities are present; and a current contract with a generator and fuel source provider is in place.

11. Q: How do I verify if my current generator meets the requirements of Section 553.509(2), Florida Statutes?

A: Please contact your local building inspection agency for assistance in determining your specific needs.

12. Q: Who enforces the requirements in Section 553.509(2), Florida Statutes?

A: Local building inspection and emergency management agencies will be responsible for ensuring that buildings comply with the requirements of this law and building owners, managers, or operators supply the required documentation. Certified elevator inspectors and the Bureau of Elevator Safety will gather compliance information during annual elevator inspections for use by the local authorities.