What the annual inspection covers
The annual inspection is a full routine inspection of the car, hoistway, pit, machine room and safety devices, combined with the Category 1 periodic tests required by ASME A17.1. A licensed technician from your elevator company performs the tests while the inspector witnesses and records the results.
- Car, doors, door restrictors and door protective devices
- Hoistway, pit, buffers and machine room or machine space
- Firefighters' emergency operation (Phase I recall and Phase II)
- Emergency communication and car lighting
- Brakes, governors and safeties (as required by the test category)
- Emergency or standby power operation, where the building has a generator
How IEI handles it
- We confirm your authority having jurisdiction and current certificate expiration from public records.
- Optional pre-inspection survey so your elevator company can correct likely violations ahead of time.
- We coordinate one date with your elevator company and, when needed, your fire alarm and generator vendors.
- We inspect and witness the tests at least 60 days before your certificate expires.
- You receive a clear report with photos within 24 to 72 hours.
- We file with the AHJ, confirm any outstanding fees and track your certificate until it is issued.
Why use an independent inspector
Many inspection companies are brought onto a property by the elevator contractor they are inspecting. The building pays for the inspection either way. IEI has no ties to any elevator contractor, so our findings are never shaped by who brought us in.
Frequently asked questions
How often do elevators need to be inspected in Florida?
Every year. Florida requires a routine inspection and Category 1 periodic test annually for each elevator, plus a Category 5 test every five years for traction elevators. Your local authority having jurisdiction issues or renews the certificate of operation after a passing inspection and payment of fees.
Who performs the tests during an annual inspection?
A licensed technician from your registered elevator company performs the tests. The Certified Elevator Inspector inspects the equipment, witnesses the tests, records the results and files the report with the authority having jurisdiction.
How long does an annual elevator inspection take?
It depends on the number and type of units. A single hydraulic elevator can often be completed in under an hour; larger traction groups, fire service and emergency power tests take longer. We give you a time estimate when we schedule.
What happens if the elevator has violations?
Florida generally gives owners 90 days to correct cited violations. A call-back (re-inspection) then documents the corrections. Our pre-inspection survey is designed to catch those items before inspection day.