Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Industry Information

WHAT EVERY ELEVATOR OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW...

Technical Advisory Newsletters

All information on this page is current and was last reviewed by the division on March 3, 2008.

New Certificate of Operation Fees Take Effect

Effective March 1, 2008, certificate of operation fees for conveyances issued by the Bureau of Elevator Safety are no longer based on the existence of a service maintenance contract or the number of landings. The annual certificate of operation fee is now $75 for each type of installation and class. Fees for elevators in delinquent status have been adjusted to the new fee also.

Emergency Communications in Elevators

The Bureau of Elevator Safety has recently had numerous inquires regarding ASME and ADA emergency communication requirements. Industry Bulletin 2007-04 provides information on this subject.

Elevator Permit and Certificate of Operation Rule Changes

The Bureau of Elevator Safety announces amendments to Rule 61C-5.006, Florida Administrative Code, that affect statewide elevator operations, effective September 17, 2007. The most significant change replaces the current multi-tier fee schedule for a Certificate of Operation with a flat fee of $75 per certificate, beginning March 1, 2008. Additional changes include:

• Reduction of the time allowed for beginning work on a permit to install or relocate from 1 year to 6 months;
• Reduction of the time allowed for suspension of work authorized by a permit from 1 year to 60 days;
• Requirement for an affidavit of elevator code compliance to be signed by a Certificate of Competency holder and submitted with all permit applications; and
• Requirement for a new elevaotr owner or lessee to notify the division in writing within 30 days after a transfer of ownership or lease assignment.

For the complete text of the rule changes, please see the rule filing.

Updated Inspection Sheet

As previously announced, effective July 1, 2007, all inspections submitted to the Bureau of Elevator Safety must be completed on DBPR Form HR 5023-003 revised September 27, 2006. Any inspections submitted to the Bureau on any other version of the Form after June 30, 2007 or are found to be in-complete; will be returned to the inspector. Inspectors shall note that all portions of the form must be completed.

Updated Accident Report

All accidents must be reported on the revised Elevator Owners Accident Report which can be accessed on our forms page. Failure to report accidents to the Bureau within 5 days is a violation of Chapter 399.125, Florida Statutes, and is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine.

Elevator Professional License Expiration Date Changes

The Bureau of Elevator Safety has changed the annual expiration date for all Certificate of Competency (CC), Certified Elevator Inspector (CEI), and Registered Elevator Company licenses. Industry Bulletin 2007-02 contains more information about this move.

Florida Building Code

Effective December 8, 2006, the 2006 Supplement to the 2004 Edition of the Florida Building Code was adopted. Elevator applications for permits submitted on or after that date should demonstrate compliance with the 2006 Supplement to the 2004 Florida Building Code. You may find the 2006 Supplement at the Florida Department of Community Affairs website.

Definitions and Continuing Education Rules Adopted

Rules 61C-5.008 and 61C-5.0085, Florida Administrative Code, took effect November 9, 2006. The newly adopted definitions relate to direct supervision, current satisfactory inspections, and continuing education terms. The newly adopted continuing education rules specify the continuing education requirements for certified elevator personnel, course provider approval, and course reporting requirements.

Inspector and Technician Rule Changes

Effective August 21, 2006, a change to Rule 61C-5.007, Florida Administrative Code, requires independent certified elevator inspectors and certified elevator technicians to file proof of liability insurance to the Bureau of Elevator Safety. For more information, see the administrative rule.

Order to Correct Compliance Alternative Implemented August 2006

The Bureau of Elevator Safety has implemented a compliance alternative to the standard 30-day compliance requirement under Florida Statutes. The new alternative allows vertical conveyance owners to correct costly and/or complex violations within a reasonable time-frame, upon approval from the bureau. Please see Industry Bulletin 2006-04, Frequently Asked Questions and the bureau's suggested format for additional information and guidance on the Order to Correct compliance alternative. Inspectors should read the letter to Certified Elevator Inspectors.

Elevator Emergency Power Requirements Become Law

On June 1, 2006, Governor Jeb Bush signed House Bill 7121, relating to disaster preparedness response, into law. The relevant portion of this law amends Section 553.509, Florida Statutes, and requires emergency power generation for public elevators located in new and existing residential multifamily dwellings. Please see Industry Bulletin 2006-03 and Frequently Asked Questions. Inspectors should read the letter to Certified Elevator Inspectors issued by the Bureau of Elevator Safety.

Elevator Inspection Standards Update

Industry Bulletin 2006-01 outlines adoption of Chapter 30 of the Florida Building Code, a discussion of section 399.03(7), Florida Statutes associated with ASME A17.1 and A17.3, the need for proof of correction of violations, and the requirements for exemption of two-stop elevators with a service maintenance agreement.