Updated Inspection Report Guidance

As of January 1, 2014, the bureau began accepting the updated Elevator Inspection Report that is based on the ASME A17.2 Checklist. The updated form provides a simpler, user-friendly code reference for violations cited and removes the complexity of the suffixes. When citing a violation, the inspector fills in the equipment type (prefix), the 3-digit code and provides written detail in the comments section for each violation and an ASME A17 code reference, as required by Requirement 2-2 of the QEI-1 Standard.

The new form includes important changes to the numeric code list on the reverse side of Page 3, or the ‘pink copy’.  Inspectors should use the following codes when filling out the inspection form:

  • Code 100 is for violations that do not fit in any other category on the form.
  • Codes 101 – 699 codes are basically unchanged.
  • Codes 700 – 799 now cover Escalators and Moving Walks (items).
  • Codes 800 – 899 now cover MRLs.
  • Codes 900 – 998 now cover Accessibility Lifts.
  • Code 999 is reserved for DBPR use only.
April 19, 2017 /  
Two-Stop Exemption Notifications

Elevator owners may now submit service maintenance contract verifications on a standardized form that includes all information necessary for the exemption from the annual inspection requirement. Although the new form, DBPR Form HR 5023-060, is optional, all written verifications must include the information collected on that form. A copy of a bill statement for a service maintenance contract does not qualify you for the exemption. Verifications may also be submitted through the department’s website.

To qualify for the exemption, you must notify the bureau of your service maintenance contract each year. Service maintenance contract holders may submit the notification upon the elevator owner’s request.

April 19, 2017 /  
Fire Fighters Service Phase II Exemption Changes

On July 1, 2013, the exemption from Fire Fighters Service Phase II in 399.02(9), Florida Statutes, for certain residential properties will be extended.  When initially created, the Fire Fighters Service Phase II exemption was set to end on July 1, 2015.  House Bill 73 eliminates the end date and allows elevators to remain exempt until the elevator is replaced or requires major modification, as defined in rule 61C-5.008, Florida Administrative Code.  Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 73 into law (Chapter 2013-188, Laws of Florida) on June 14, 2013.

The exemption only applies to Fire Fighters Service Phase II.  Elevators must still comply with all other ASME A17.3 requirements, including Fire Fighters Service Phase I.  Elevator owners may still apply for a variance from the Fire Fighters Service Phase II requirement, but a variance is not necessary as long as the exemption applies.  Please contact your certified elevator inspector or registered elevator company with questions about how the exemption applies to your elevators. Additional information is available in the Fire Fighters Service Phase II Exemption FAQ.

April 19, 2017 /  
Online Applications Now Available

The Department’s Online Services has expanded to allow online application for certain elevator permits and professional credentials. You may now apply online for a permit to install or relocate an elevator, a certificate of competency, an elevator technician or elevator inspector certification, or register as an elevator company. Applicants may still apply via hard copy, but applying online will reduce the amount of time needed to process the application. Applications for a permit to alter and certificate of operation cannot be submitted online at this time. All applications are available in hard copy on our website.

April 19, 2017 /  
Bureau Adopts Disciplinary Guidelines

The Bureau of Elevator Safety adopted a disciplinary guidelines rule describing the normal range of administrative penalties imposed for violations of Chapter 399, Florida Statutes. The new rule provides minimum and maximum penalties for specified violations that increase in severity for repeat offenses. Penalty options include fines ranging from $250 up to $1,000, suspension, and revocation. The rule also describes aggravating factors that may result in higher than normal penalties and mitigating factors that may reduce the penalties imposed. The guidelines take effect on February 27, 2013, and apply to all elevator licensees, certificate holders, and registrants. Rule 61C-5.020, Florida Administrative Code, is available from the Department of State and H&R’s Statutes and Rules page.

April 19, 2017 /