Elevator safety rules for Miami building owners are strict because they protect riders, property, and staff. Miami has its own rules, as well as county and state laws that every owner must follow. These rules help ensure elevators are safe, operational, and compliant with legal requirements.
Understanding how inspections, permits, and safety features work makes daily building management much easier.
If you need help with codes and inspections, we can support your Miami building with expert elevator service.
Who Controls The Elevator Rules
Miami’s elevator laws can be confusing because different agencies oversee different areas. Each one has its own rules and inspection process. Building owners must comply with the regulations for their specific location.
City of Miami
The City of Miami requires:
- Annual elevator inspections
- A Certificate of Operation posted in or near the elevator
- Follow-up corrections for any violations
The city reviews inspection reports and confirms that each elevator is safe before renewing the certificate.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County manages elevator safety across most of the county. But it does not control elevators inside the City of Miami or Miami Beach. This rule is based on Florida Statute Chapter 399 and the Florida Building Code Chapter 30.
For buildings under county rules, owners must follow the county’s inspection schedule and repair deadlines.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach has its own elevator division. The Public Works Elevator Safety Division handles all inspections and Certificates of Operation. Owners in Miami Beach follow a separate system from the rest of the county.
For general details on Miami elevator services and local rules, visit Miami elevator support.
Important Elevator Codes Owners Must Follow
Several major codes outline how elevators must be built, installed, inspected, and maintained. Following these codes is not optional. They are required for public safety and legal operation.
These include:
These rules cover:
- Design and installation
- Operation and maintenance
- Inspection and testing
- Safety features
- Emergency planning
- Repairs and alterations
Any new installation, major repair, or change to an elevator requires the correct permits and paperwork.
Permit Rules Every Building Owner Should Know
If you want to install, alter, or relocate an elevator, you must follow strict permit steps. This prevents unsafe work practices and ensures the elevator complies with the latest code.
Permit applications must include:
- Construction plans
- Shop drawings signed by a professional engineer
- Affidavits showing the work meets state and local codes
No elevator can go into service until it passes inspection and receives a Certificate of Operation.
Safety Features Required in Miami
Buildings in Miami must include specific safety tools in every elevator. These protect riders during daily use and during emergencies.
Required Safety Features
Every elevator must include:
- Strong emergency brakes
- Fire-rated doors
- Emergency phones or communication systems
- Support rails inside the car
These features help riders stay safe when the elevator stops, loses power, or is exposed to smoke or fire.
New Rules and Deadlines
Florida has added new safety deadlines that Miami building owners must follow:
- Door lock monitoring required by August 2025
- Ascending car overspeed protection for traction elevators is required by August 2027
These upgrades help prevent uncontrolled movement and door-related accidents.
Inspections and Certificates of Operation
Inspections are among the most important components of elevator safety. A trained inspector checks the system each year to confirm it operates properly and complies with the latest regulations.
Steps in the inspection process include:
- Checking brakes, doors, and emergency systems
- Testing communication devices
- Reviewing clearances and machine room conditions
- Confirming that previous violations are corrected
Once the elevator passes inspection, the city or county issues a Certificate of Operation. This certificate must stay posted for riders to see. If an elevator fails inspection, it must be repaired before the certificate can be renewed.
Emergency Coordination and Response
Building owners must be ready for storms, fires, and power failures. Emergency plans must include clear steps for shutting down elevators and keeping riders safe.
Key parts of a good emergency plan include:
- Parking cars at a safe floor
- Securing machine room access
- Keeping staff ready to report problems
- Working with local fire and rescue teams when needed
Clear steps help prevent injuries and reduce property damage during emergencies.
Elevator Safety Rules for Building Owners
Elevator safety rules for building owners in Miami cover inspections, permits, emergency planning, and required safety features. These rules protect everyone who uses the elevator and help buildings stay in compliance with city, county, and state laws.
By following the codes, maintaining annual inspections, and preparing for upcoming safety deadlines, building owners can keep their elevators safe, compliant, and ready for daily use.