Because Florida's elevator law does not cover lifts in private homes, the questions you ask are your main protection. Ask every installer for its state elevator company registration if it has one, proof of insurance, the local permit plan, how the design meets Florida's door gap rules for elevators, the warranty and who services the lift afterwards.
Why do these questions matter in Florida?
Florida's Elevator Safety Act does not cover elevators, stairway chairlifts or wheelchair lifts in private residences, and the state does not permit or inspect them.[1][4] That leaves the checks to you.
Credentials and paperwork
- Is your company a Florida Registered Elevator Company? The state registers elevator companies and issues certified elevator technician licences.[2] You can look a company up on the DBPR licensee search.[3]
- Can you send proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation cover?
- Who will be on site, and are they your staff or subcontractors?
Permits and safety
- Which permits does my city or county need, and who will apply?
- For an elevator: how does the design meet the Max Grablin Act door gap rules (3/4 inch or 2 1/4 inch sill gap, 4 inch sphere test)?[1]
- If my home is in a flood zone, where will the float switch and controls go?
- What happens in a power cut, and how many trips does the battery give?
Price and contract
- Is the price fixed, and what is included: building work, electrical, permits, finishing?
- What deposit do you need, and when are the other payments due?
- How long is the warranty, and what does it cover? Fixr suggests at least five years on a home elevator.[5]
- For stair lifts: what will it cost to remove later? Fixr says some companies remove lifts at no cost, others charge $100 to $300.[6]
After the install
- Who services the lift, how often, and what does a service contract cost? Fixr puts home elevator contracts at about $350 a year and stair lift maintenance at $100 to $200 a year.[5][6]
- How quickly do you respond if the lift stops with someone on the wrong floor?
- Will you show the rider and family how to use every safety feature?
What this means for you
Ask the same questions of every installer and get the answers in writing. A good installer will be glad you asked.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Florida elevator company registration?
Use the Florida DBPR licensee search and look up the company or technician name.
Should the installer pull the permit?
Usually yes. Ask which permits your city or county needs and who will apply for them.
What warranty is reasonable?
Fixr suggests looking for at least five years of coverage on a home elevator. Get the terms in writing.
Sources
- Florida Statutes Chapter 399, Elevator Safety, Florida Legislature. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Elevator Safety: Professional Licenses, Florida DBPR, Bureau of Elevator Safety. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Licensee search, Florida DBPR. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Elevator Safety: Applying for Elevator Permits, Florida DBPR, Bureau of Elevator Safety. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Home Elevator Cost (national cost guide, updated 31 Jan 2025), Fixr. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Stairlift Installation Cost (national cost guide, updated 31 Jan 2025), Fixr. Accessed October 28, 2026.
