Elevator Safety – Applying for Professional Licensing

The Division of Hotels and Restaurants registers elevator companies and licenses elevator professionals.

This page explains the requirements for Registered Elevator Companies, Certificates of Competency, Certified Elevator Technicians, and Certified Elevator Inspectors. It also explains how to apply, application tips, and renewal requirements.

Florida law requires elevator companies and elevator professionals to obtain the appropriate license before performing elevator-related work. Florida law also requires permits for installing, altering, relocating, and operating elevators.

Applications and renewals are completed through DBPR Online Services. New applicants must create an account before applying. Existing licensees must link their license or registration to their account to renew.

Licenses are issued as digital PDF documents. Paper licenses are not issued or mailed. To receive the document by email, the license must be linked to a DBPR Online Services account. The PDF is sent to the email address listed on the account.

 

Registered Elevator Company

Registered Elevator Companies are authorized to construct, install, inspect, maintain, or repair elevators and other vertical conveyances in Florida. They must maintain the required liability insurance and employ Florida licensed elevator professionals, including Certified Elevator Technicians and Certificate of Competency holders.

How to Apply

Apply through DBPR Online Services using the Application for Registration as an Elevator Company.

1. Complete the application.
2. Upload proof of general liability insurance with coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence.
3. Identify at least one employee who holds a Certificate of Competency or Certified Elevator Technician license. Provide the employee’s name, license type, and Florida license number.
4. Upload all required supporting documents and submit the application.

If the company will sign permit applications or affidavits of code compliance, the employee responsible for those duties must hold a Certificate of Competency.

Application Tips

• Submit the application and all supporting documents together.
• An employee list may be submitted as an Excel spreadsheet, PDF, or other company document.
• Include each employee’s name, license type, and Florida license number.
• Make sure the insurance policy is current.

Renewal

A Registered Elevator Company registration expires on December 31 each year and must be renewed through DBPR Online Services.

There is no renewal fee.

Submit:

• Current proof of liability insurance showing coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence
• A list of the company’s active Certified Elevator Technicians and/or Certified Elevator Inspectors
• Each employee’s name, license type, and Florida license number

Provide all required documents when submitting the online application. Make sure the insurance policy is current.

 

Certificate of Competency and Certified Elevator Technician

A Certificate of Competency shows that you meet the qualifications to become a Certified Elevator Technician. It does not allow you to perform elevator work.

A Certified Elevator Technician license allows you to construct, install, maintain, or repair elevators and other vertical conveyances in Florida. You must maintain current liability insurance.

Our application covers both the Certificate of Competency and Certified Elevator Technician license. To receive both, you must meet the Certificate of Competency requirements and provide the required liability insurance.

How to Apply

Apply through DBPR Online Services using the Application for Certificate if Competency and Certified Elevator Technician Application

Certificate of Competency Requirements

You may qualify through education or through education and experience.

Education Only

• Provide proof of a degree in mechanical engineering.

Education and Experience

Provide proof of one of the following:

• Passing the Florida Certificate of Competency examination administered by Elevator World
• Completing an elevator mechanic apprenticeship registered with the United States Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship authority
• Holding a license or certification from another state with standards equal to or more strict than Florida’s standards

Contact the Division to determine whether an out-of-state license or certification qualifies.

You must also provide proof of at least four years of experience constructing, maintaining, servicing, or repairing elevators or other conveyances regulated by the Division.

A Registered Elevator Company must verify your experience. You may submit:

• DBPR Form HR-5023-076, Affidavit Verifying Elevator Work History
• A letter from a current or former employer on company letterhead

The letter must include your dates of employment, type of work performed, and contact information for verification.

How to Apply for a Certificate of Competency

1. Apply through DBPR Online Services.
2. The application fee is $50.
3. Upload your supporting documents with the application.

How to Apply for a Certified Elevator Technician License

Apply through DBPR Online Services using the Application for Certificate if Competency and Certified Elevator Technician Application

This is one application for both credentials. Submit:

• Proof that you meet the Certificate of Competency requirements
• Proof of current liability insurance with coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence
• The $50 application fee

If you meet the requirements for both credentials, the Certificate of Competency and Certified Elevator Technician license will be issued together.

Application Tips

• Submit the application and all supporting documents together.
• Make sure work history documents include your dates of employment, type of work performed, and contact information for verification.
• If submitting an employer letter, use company letterhead.
• Make sure your liability insurance is current if applying for a Certified Elevator Technician license.

Renewal

Certificates of Competency and Certified Elevator Technician licenses expire on December 31 each year and are renewed through one application in DBPR Online Services.

The renewal fee is $50.

Submit:

• Proof of eight hours of approved continuing education
• Continuing education certificates showing the Florida-approved course number
• Current liability insurance with coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence if renewing the Certified Elevator Technician license

If you are unemployed and do not plan to perform elevator work, you may renew your Certificate of Competency without insurance. Without current insurance, you cannot renew the Certified Elevator Technician license.

Renewal Tips

• Complete continuing education during the current calendar year.
• Do not reuse a course submitted for a previous renewal.
• Contact the course provider if the Florida course number is missing.
• Make sure your insurance policy is current.
• Submit the renewal application and supporting documents together.

 

Certified Elevator Inspector

A Certified Elevator Inspector license allows you to perform elevator inspections in Florida.

You must hold a current Qualified Elevator Inspector credential to apply for and renew this license.

Qualified Elevator Inspector Credential

For information about obtaining a Qualified Elevator Inspector credential, contact:

• National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International
• Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund

How to Apply

Apply through DBPR Online Services using the Certified Elevator Inspector application.

Submit:

1. A copy of your current QEI credential card.
2. Proof of liability insurance with coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence.
3. Any other documents requested during the application process.

Application Tips

• Submit the application and all supporting documents together.
• Make sure your QEI credential is current.
• Make sure your liability insurance is current.

Renewal

Certified Elevator Inspector licenses expire on December 31 each year and must be renewed through DBPR Online Services.

There is no renewal fee.

Submit:

• Proof of eight hours of approved continuing education
• Continuing education certificates showing the Florida-approved course number
• Current liability insurance with coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence
• A copy of your current QEI credential card

Renewal Tips

• Complete continuing education during the current calendar year.
• Do not reuse a course submitted for a previous renewal.
• Contact the course provider if the Florida course number is missing.
• Make sure your insurance and QEI credential are current.
• Submit the renewal application and supporting documents together.

 

Continuing Education

Certified Elevator Inspectors, Certificate of Competency holders, and Certified Elevator Technicians must complete eight hours of approved continuing education before renewing.

Use the Continuing Education Course Search to find approved courses.

Continuing education providers must register with the Division and obtain course approval before their courses may be used for renewal.

Providers may submit DBPR Form HR-5023-017.

 

Additional Information

For answers to common elevator safety and licensing questions, visit the Elevator Frequently Asked Questions page.