What is an elevator certificate of operation?
Under Chapter 399, Florida Statutes, every regulated conveyance (elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and wheelchair and platform lifts in non-residential and multifamily buildings) needs a current certificate of operation. The certificate must be posted in plain view, typically inside the elevator car.
Who issues it in South Florida?
| Location | Authority having jurisdiction | Certificate cycle |
|---|---|---|
| City of Miami | City of Miami Building Dept., Elevator Division | Annual; invoice mailed, pay within 90 days |
| City of Miami Beach | Miami Beach Public Works, Elevator Division | Annual anniversary date set by last inspection |
| Rest of Miami-Dade County | Miami-Dade County Office of Elevator Safety | Annual; renewal notices mailed end of May |
| Broward County (all cities) | Broward County Building Code Division | Expires July 31 each year |
| Palm Beach County | Florida DBPR Bureau of Elevator Safety | Expires July 31 each year |
How do you renew it?
- Have a certified elevator inspector perform the annual routine inspection and witness the Category 1 test (plus Category 3 or 5 tests when due).
- Correct any cited violations, generally within 90 days, and have a call-back inspection document the corrections.
- Make sure the inspector files the report in the AHJ's required format, usually within 5 days of the inspection.
- Pay the annual certificate fee to the AHJ, and any late or outstanding fees on the account.
- Receive the certificate and post it in the conveyance.
Why certificates get delayed
- The inspection happens too close to the expiration date
- Violations are cited and not cleared within 90 days
- The report is filed late or rejected by the AHJ's system
- Fees go unpaid because notices are mailed to an old address
- The owner contacts the wrong AHJ (city versus county)
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to operate an elevator with an expired certificate in Florida?
Operating a regulated conveyance without a current certificate of operation can lead to fines and administrative action. Some local AHJs, such as Broward County, can fine up to $1,000 per occurrence. Renew before expiration to avoid penalties.
Where should the elevator certificate be posted?
In plain view in or on the conveyance, typically inside the elevator car, so passengers and inspectors can see it is current.
Sources
Last reviewed November 3, 2026 by Integrity Elevator Inspections. Codes and fees change; confirm current requirements with your authority having jurisdiction.