Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Elevator Licensing FAQ

Q: How much does an elevator certificate of operation cost?

A: The license fee for an elevator is $75. Contact the Bureau of Elevator Safety at 850.487.1395 for further information.

Q: How do I renew my certificate of operation for my elevator?

A: All certificates of operation are renewable annually by the first of August. Reminder notices are sent approximately 60-90 days prior to the expiration date of the certificate. Contact the Bureau of Elevator Safety at 850.487.1395 for further information.

Q: How can I get a duplicate certificate of operation for my elevator?

A: Mail or fax a request for a duplicate to the Bureau of Elevator Safety at 1940 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1015, fax 850.922.8846. Be sure to include the serial number and location address of the elevator on your request.

Q: How can I correct the business or mailing information on my certificate of operation?

A: If you are currently renewing a certificate of operation, you may indicate changes or corrections on your renewal application. Otherwise, mail or fax your corrections to the Bureau of Elevator Safety, 1940 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1015, fax 850.922.6208, e-mail dhr.elevators@dbpr.state.fl.us.. Be sure to include the serial number and location address of the elevator on your request. Go to MyFloridaLicense.com to correct or change the business address, or call the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395 for assistance with a change to a business name or owner information.

Q: How can I change my license location address?

Our system does not allow you to change your license location address.

Q: Where do I send payment for my elevator certificate of operation?

A: Send your payment to Division of Hotels & Restaurants, Bureau of Elevator Safety, 1940 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0783. Be sure to include the serial number on the check or money order.

Q: How do I report that the Certificate of Operation is out dated in my building's elevator?

A: Contact the building owner or manager. The certificate frame is often "vandal resistant" and requires special tools to install the updated certificate.

Q: How do I report that the elevator has problems or has broken down?

A: Contact the building owner or manger. If there is a maintenance or repair problem contact the building owner or manager. If there is a safety concern that is not being attended to by the elevator maintenance company, call the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.

Q: How can I get my elevator inspected?

A: Elevators are inspected on a time schedule dictated by Statute. Additional inspections for valid safety concerns may be requested by calling the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395. You may hire an elevator consultant for maintenance review inspections. The Bureau of Elevator Safety maintains a list of registered elevator consultants.

Q: How do I get an answer to my questions about the Elevator Codes?

A: If you have an elevator company, contact them first. If not, or if you need further clarification, call the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.

Q: What are the fire safety requirements for Elevators?

A: Nearly 400 pages of the Fire Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators deal with this subject. The Life Safety, National Electrical Code and National Fire Alarm Code all contain requirements regarding elevators and fire safety. Call your elevator contractor or the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.

Q: What are the requirements for two-way communication in an elevator?

A: All elevators permitted after October 1, 1978 and elevators having the controllers replaced require a means of two-way communication to a point outside the elevator.

Q: How can I get information for the Certificate of Competency Card?

A: Make a request to the Bureau of Elevator Safety at 850.487.1395.

Q: Can I get a report that lists the elevators in an area?

A: A report of all elevators licensed by the State of Florida is available on the Internet. Other information may be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Elevator Safety or the Office of Compliance and Licensure at 850.487.1395.