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Elevator resource

My Elevator Certificate Expired. What Now?

A step-by-step recovery plan when an elevator certificate of operation has lapsed.

Short answer: If your elevator certificate has expired, schedule an inspection with a certified inspector right away, correct any violations, make sure the report is filed with the correct AHJ, and pay the renewal plus any late fees. Late fees and fines vary by jurisdiction, so acting quickly limits the cost.

Recovery plan

  1. Confirm the authority having jurisdiction for the property address.
  2. Look up the account for outstanding fees and the last inspection date.
  3. Schedule the inspection and test with your elevator company and a certified inspector.
  4. Correct cited violations and document them with a call-back inspection.
  5. Pay the renewal and late fees, then confirm the certificate has been issued.

Late fees by jurisdiction

Check your AHJ's current fee schedule for exact amounts.

  • State DBPR (Palm Beach): late fee if paid or postmarked on or after August 1
  • Broward County: late renewal fee if paid on or after August 1
  • Miami Beach: delinquent renewal fee plus a per-unit late fee
  • City of Miami: late fees after 90 days from the invoice

Frequently asked questions

How do I prevent my elevator certificate from expiring again?

Schedule the annual inspection well before the expiration date, at least 60 days ahead, and assign someone to confirm the filing and payment. IEI's Integrity Certificate Program does this for you every year.

Sources

Last reviewed November 3, 2026 by Integrity Elevator Inspections. Codes and fees change; confirm current requirements with your authority having jurisdiction.

Never chase your elevator certificate again.

Tell us where your building is. We will confirm your certificate status, plan your inspection at least 60 days ahead and handle the follow-through.