Short answer: Fort Lauderdale elevators are certified by Broward County's Building Code Division, not the city. Each elevator needs an annual inspection and Category 1 test, filed in the County's POSSE system within 5 calendar days, and certificates expire July 31. IEI's Fort Lauderdale team handles the inspection, filing and renewal.
Who certifies elevators in Fort Lauderdale?
| Authority having jurisdiction | Broward County Building Code Division, Elevator Section |
|---|---|
| Coverage | All of Broward County. The County is the regional elevator authority for every municipality. |
| Certificate cycle | Certificates expire July 31 each year; pay before August 1 to avoid a late fee. Owners can renew online. |
| How reports are filed | Registered third-party inspectors file only through the County's POSSE system within 5 calendar days of the inspection, and must record the technician's Certificate of Competency number. |
What to know in Fort Lauderdale
- A Category 1 test and periodic inspection are required every year, and a Category 5 test every five years.
- A signed Record of Visit is required after each maintenance visit.
- A Temporary Petition for Variance is available for corrections that take longer than 90 days, such as door lock monitoring.
Source: Broward County Building Code Division. Reviewed 2026-11-03; confirm fees and current requirements with the AHJ.
Our services in Fort Lauderdale
- Annual Elevator Inspections (Category 1)
- Category 5 (Five-Year) Test Witnessing
- Category 3 Hydraulic Elevator Tests
- Escalator and Moving Walk Inspections
- Wheelchair Lift and Platform Lift Inspections
- Re-Inspections and Violation Call-Backs
- Certificate of Operation Renewal and AHJ Coordination
- Maintenance, modernization and compliance consulting
Frequently asked questions
Does the City of Fort Lauderdale issue elevator certificates?
No. Broward County's Building Code Division is the elevator authority for Fort Lauderdale and every other city in Broward County.
Can IEI handle inspections across all of our Fort Lauderdale buildings?
Yes. We keep one certificate calendar per property and per unit, schedule each inspection at least 60 days before expiration, and handle the AHJ filing for every building.
