Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Elevator News

All information on this page is current and was last reviewed by the division on April 10, 2013.

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Online Applications Now Available

The Department's Online Services has expanded to allow online application for certain elevator permits and professional credentials. You may now apply online for a permit to install or relocate an elevator, a certificate of competency, an elevator technician or elevator inspector certification, or register as an elevator company. Applicants may still apply via hard copy, but applying online will reduce the amount of time needed to process the application. Applications for a permit to alter and certificate of operation cannot be submitted online at this time. All applications are available in hard copy on our website. 

Bureau Adopts Disciplinary Guidelines

The Bureau of Elevator Safety adopted a disciplinary guidelines rule describing the normal range of administrative penalties imposed for violations of Chapter 399, Florida Statutes. The new rule provides minimum and maximum penalties for specified violations that increase in severity for repeat offenses. Penalty options include fines ranging from $250 up to $1,000, suspension, and revocation. The rule also describes aggravating factors that may result in higher than normal penalties and mitigating factors that may reduce the penalties imposed. The guidelines take effect on February 27, 2013, and apply to all elevator licensees, certificate holders, and registrants. Rule 61C-5.020, Florida Administrative Code, is available from the Department of State and our website.

Online Accident Reporting and Contract Maintenance Now Available

DBPR's new Online Services now allows elevator owners to file accident reports directly from their online account. In addition, elevator owners and registered elevator companies can maintain their service maintenance contract information using the "Maintain Relations" feature. This will be particularly useful as the Bureau of Elevator Safety updates its contract information this year as it relates to two-stop inspection exemptions. Just go to Renew/Maintain a License above to create and maintain your accounts.

New Citation Rule Now In Effect

The Bureau of Elevator Safety’s new rule on citations for unlicensed activity became effective on January 10, 2012. Rule 61C-5.023, Florida Administrative Code, allows the bureau to issue citations and stop work orders for performing work or operating an elevator without the proper permit or license, including expired certificates of operation and temporary operating permits.  Chapter 2010-110, Laws of Florida, authorized the bureau to issue citations for unlicensed activity.  A sample Disciplinary Citation and Stop Work Order is available for review.  Contact Mark Boutin at 850.922.2756 with questions about the citation process.

New Elevator Law Takes Effect on July 1, 2010

As of July 1, 2010, elevators in certain condominiums and multi-family apartment buildings will have until June 30, 2015, to comply with Fire Fighters Service Phase II requirements. More information on this exemption is available in Industry Bulletin 2010-02. The new law, Chapter 2010-110, Laws of Florida, also extends the time owners have to correct violations from 30 days to 90 days, gives the division right of entry to perform its duties, allows the division to issue citations for unlicensed activity, and creates new violations subject to penalty. Additionally, certified elevator inspectors will be required to respond to requests for information from the division regarding inspection reports.

Updated Elevator Inspection Report Form and New Distributor

The division updated the form to accommodate longer serial numbers. The three-part form now provides space for six digits for the serial number. Inspectors should use a leading zero when entering serial numbers less than six digits in length.

Elevator inspectors can now purchase DBPR Form HR 5023-003, Elevator Inspection Report, from Scantron. All elevator inspections must be completed on a form approved by the division.

Standard for Sump Pump Installation

Effective July 1, 2009, and for all serial numbers greater than 97463, a sump pump must be provided for new installations with Firefighter's Emergency Operation to comply with ASME A17.1 design criteria. The division is providing additional information with the approved Permit to Install. Contact us for more information.

New Certificate of Competency Exam Provider

Beginning July 1, 2009, Elevator World will provide the Certificate of Competency Exam. Information concerning the exam is available in the Frequently Asked Questions and from Elevator World.

Florida Building Code - Fire Alarm Requirements

Effective March 1, 2009, Section 3002.9, Florida Building Code (FBC) – Automatic fire alarm-initiating devices shall be located and installed in accordance with ASME A17.1 and NFPA 72, which removes the previous FBC exemption for open air lobbies.  Fire alarm initiating devices are required for elevator recall at unenclosed lobbies.

Plans of Corrective Action and Temporary Variances

The Plan of Corrective Action (PCA) and temporary variance procedures are hereby revised. Owners who intend to submit a variance must follow Section 120.542, Florida Statutes-Variances and Waivers. Information on applying for an elevator variance is available on our variance webpage.