Elevator FAQs

Why is there a Certificate of Operation in the Elevator?
The Certificate of Operation is a license that allows operation of your elevating device. It is issued after your device passes a safety inspection.

​What is the difference between an Elevator Certificate of Operation and an Elevator Permit?
A permit is required to install a new elevating device or for repairs and/or changes to an existing one. A Certificate of Operation is a license to operate the device. Only a licensed elevator contractor can apply for a permit.

​​When does the Certificate of Operation expire?
The expiration date on the certificate will be generated from the last inspection and test performed and will continue to be the same date every year. See the Miami Beach Elevator Certificate of Operation New Policy and Procedure  form for more information.

Is a payment required to receive the Certificate of Operation?

Yes, a payment is required every year for each unit. We will send you an invoice with a renewal form every year. Please include the renewal form (including any changes in ownership, management or Maintenance Company) with your payment and mail it back to us.

​​​​What if the Certificate of Operation has expired?
This is a violation. Immediately contact us to find out how to receive a current certificate. Failure to do so will result in late fees and possible fines.

​​Which elevating devices require a Certificate of Operation?
All commercial elevators, wheelchair/stairway lifts, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters and limited use, limited access devices (LULA) in the City of Miami Beach require a Certificate of Operation.

​​Do elevating devices require an annual inspection?
Yes, elevating devices must be tested for safety compliance annually. It is your responsibility to hire a licensed elevator maintenance company to perform these tests within one year of your last inspection. All elevating devices must pass an annual inspection, with any violations corrected, before a Certificate of Operation is issued.

​​What happens if the annual inspection is not performed?
Failure to have your device inspected may subject you to penalties and fines and, if necessary, it may be shut down.

​​What happens if violations are found during an annual inspection?
All violations are noted on the inspection report. You must correct all violations and be re-inspected within 90 days of the inspection. You must correct all violations before a current Certificate of Operation is issued.

​​What if the violations are not corrected within 90 days or at all?
Failure to comply within 90-days may subject you to penalties and fines and, if necessary, your device may be shut down.

​Who is responsible for correcting the violations?
You are responsible for correcting all violations; however, your elevator maintenance contract may cover repair of some or all violations. You should contact your elevator company to determine who is responsible: you, the elevator company or both.

​​What happens after all the violations are corrected?
Once all violations are corrected, you or your building manager must sign and date the bottom of the yellow copy of the inspection report guaranteeing that all violations were corrected and then return the report within 90 days of the inspection to us. If your device has an expired Certificate of Operation, we will issue a new certificate once the renewal fee is paid and any other applicable issues have been resolved.

​​What if correcting certain violations requires more time than 90 days?
We can assist in seeking a Temporary Variance, which may extend your time to comply beyond 90 days.

​​What is a Variance?
It is an official permission from us extending the 90-day period mandated by Florida law, in which you can make all necessary repairs and corrections to your elevating device.

​​Is it necessary to keep all owner contact information current with the Elevator Section?
Yes it is. We should be able to contact you to determine and ensure the safe operation of your device. Failure to keep your information and elevator maintenance company information current may subject you to administrative fines and any other penalty provided by law.

Please feel free to email questions regarding elevators to:
Joey Gan, Chief Elevator Inspector
Joeygan@miamibeachfl.gov