Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division regulates over 9,500 lift devices countywide. The program provides:
conformance to the Florida Building Code and the Florida State Statutes through the thorough review of all construction plans for new and remodeled lift devices - safety for lift devices through the mandated enforcement by Qualified Elevator Inspectors, per Chapter 399 of the Florida State Statutes
- comprehensive and consistent inspections associated with Certificate of Operation issuances for all lift devices in Broward County
- timely coordination with fire, police, paramedics and other emergency personnel on accidents involving lift devices
Elevator Permits
The Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division issues permits for new installations of lift devices, or any alterations of existing lift devices. These devices include:
- elevators
- wheelchair lifts
- stairway lifts
- escalators
- moving walks
- dumbwaiters
- limited use, limited access devices
There are specific permit fees for each different type of new lift installation, as well as for alterations.
Only an elevator company which is licensed with the State of Florida can install or repair a lift device. To check on the status of an elevator contractor's license, call the Florida Bureau of Elevator Safety at 850-487-1395.
New Lift Devices
To obtain a permit for the installation of a new lift device, an installer must submit a permit application (PDF), pay the appropriate fees, and provide three copies of the design plans to the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division's Elevator Section. The installer may choose to receive real-time updates on the progress of the review process by e-mail, fax or telephone by signing up to participate in our Automated Customer Response Program.To sign up for this program, email the Elevator Section of the Broward County permitting, Licensing and Consumer protection Division.
Once the installation is complete, the installer must contact the Elevator Section to schedule an inspection. Upon approval, a Certificate of Operation will be issued.
Temporary permits are issued only for construction use during a new installation and must be renewed monthly.
Alterations of Existing Lift Devices
To obtain a permit for the alteration of an existing lift device, an installer must submit a permit application (PDF), pay the appropriate fees, and provide copies of the shop drawings to the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division's Elevator Section. The installer may choose to receive real-time updates on the progress of the review process by e-mail, fax or telephone by signing up to participate in our Automated Customer Response Program.
Once the alteration is complete, the installer must contact the Elevator Section to schedule an inspection. To sign up for this program, email the Elevator Section of the Broward County permitting, Licensing and Consumer protection Division. Upon approval, a Certificate of Operation will be issued.
For questions, contact Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division, Elevator Section at 954-765-4508.
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Certificate of Operation Renewals
A current Certificate of Operation is required for all existing lift devices in Broward County. Certificates of Operation are issued by the Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division's Elevator Section, and expire annually on August 1. Renewal notices are mailed approximately 90 days prior to that date, to the mailing address on record with Broward County.
To remain in compliance with Florida Statute 399.061(b), it is vital that corrected and/or missing information be sent to the Division's Elevator Section. This includes such things as when the building with the lift device has changed owners and/or has a new mailing address, the elevator maintenance company has changed, or the elevator maintenance contract has expired. This will enable us to adjust your records prior to the annual tests being approved for scheduling. It is the responsibility of the owner or other legally or financially responsible person to notify Broward County by fax to 954-765-4574, or by mail to:
Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division, Elevator Section
1 N. University Drive, Box #302
Plantation, FL 33324
If you have lost or misplaced your Certificate of Operation, you can request a duplicate by calling Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division at 954-765-4400 and select Option 6.
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Inspection
Before the annual renewal is issued for the elevator's Certificate of Operation, section 399.061(1)(a) of the Florida Statutes requires that it be tested for safety compliance by a qualified elevator technician, and that the test be witnessed by a certified Broward County inspector. It is the responsibility of the property owner to have the required tests performed by a qualified elevator maintenance company. To arrange for certified Broward County inspectors to witness the required tests, click here.
Enforcement
Any violation that is noted on your annual inspection report must be corrected within 30 days. The report must then be signed by the building owner or a representative of the property management or maintenance company to verify that all of the corrections have been made and that the lift device complies with Florida Statute 399. The signed report must then be forwarded to the Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division, Elevator Section.
A temporary elevator variance is available for certain repairs.
NOTE: If you allow your Certificate of Operation to expire, Florida Statute 399 authorizes Broward County to assess an administrative fine of $1,000.
It is extremely important to note: As defined in Section 399.105 of the Florida Statutes, failure to schedule the annual safety inspection as required within thirty (30) days from the date the Division sends you notice that your Certificate of Operation has expired may subject you to additional penalties and/or fines. Under extreme or unsafe circumstances it could be necessary for our agency to shut down an elevating device. Please avoid formal enforcement action by ensuring the elevating devices you are responsible for are properly inspected and are being maintained in safe working condition.
Information for Residents and Management of a Building Containing an Elevator/Escalator:
If there is an accident involving passengers who are injured on an elevator or who are trapped inside an elevator in your building, call 911 immediately. Management must then notify the elevator maintenance company. If the accident occurs during business hours, please also call Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division at 954-765-4508. Mail a copy of the accident report within five days to:
Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division, Elevator Section
1 N. University Drive, Box #302
Plantation, FL 33324
Broward County will forward a copy of the accident report to the Florida Bureau of Elevator Safety.
If you have a complaint about your elevator or service, or if your elevator is not functioning properly, contact your building owner or property management company. An elevator technician will document your complaint, investigate it and propose a proper solution. If you do not receive a response to your complaint, contact Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division at 954-765-4508. We will do our best to assist with any problems.
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