Stair lift repair and service in Fort Lauderdale

Who this is for

For anyone whose stair lift has stopped, beeps, moves in jerks or will not charge, and for families who have inherited a lift with a house.

Who regulates stair lift repair and service in Fort Lauderdale?

No state permit is needed to service a stair lift in your own home. Lifts in shared condo stairwells fall under Broward's Elevator Section, which acts for the state in the county.

Fort Lauderdale's heavy rain events are a reminder to check outdoor lifts after storms: in April 2023 the National Weather Service recorded more than 20 inches of rain near the airport and still water just over 3 feet deep in the Edgewood neighborhood.[6][7][3]

Who uses stair lift repair and service in Broward

About 19 percent of Broward residents are 65 or older. Fort Lauderdale's older housing means many homes have steps at the entrance as well as inside.

Fort Lauderdale has some of the oldest housing in South Florida: about 64 percent of homes were built before 1980 and the median home dates from 1973. Older block homes can need extra framing, wider doorways or electrical upgrades before a lift goes in.

About 40 percent of homes in Fort Lauderdale, and 29 percent across Broward, are in buildings of 20 or more units. A lift inside your own two-level unit counts as a private residence lift under Florida law, but the association's written approval comes first.[2][4][8][6]

Help paying for stair lift service in Broward

Upkeep of a lift added for medical care can count as a medical expense under IRS Publication 502, once medical costs pass 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. For other help at home in Broward, start with the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County on (954) 745-9567.[9][5]

What is different about a home lift in Broward?

Broward and Miami-Dade are the two Florida counties in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone. That matters most for outdoor elevators and porch lifts, whose enclosures, doors and glazing must meet the stricter product rules. Waterfront and canal-side homes should also check their flood zone, because FEMA expects a float switch or equal system on any elevator that could descend below the base flood elevation.

Heavy rain floods low streets here too: on April 12 and 13, 2023, the National Weather Service measured more than 20 inches of rain near Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and found still water just over 3 feet deep in Edgewood. Any elevator pit, porch lift base or battery in a low spot needs a plan for that.[10][11][3]

Permits in Fort Lauderdale

• Broward County Building Code Division, Elevator Section: Handles elevator permits and certificates of operation in Broward under contract with the state for conveyances the law covers.
• City of Fort Lauderdale and other Broward cities: Issue local building and electrical permits for work inside homes. Your installer confirms the route for your address.

Quick checks before you call

• Is the chair parked exactly on its charging point at the top or bottom?
• Is the key switch on, and is the power socket for the charger switched on?
• Is the seat swivelled fully back to the riding position?
• Is anything touching the safety edges on the footrest or carriage?
• Is the seat belt fastened, on models that require it?

What a yearly service covers

Fixr says stair lifts should be checked over by a professional once a year, and that many companies include yearly check-ups when you buy. A service usually includes inspecting and cleaning the rail, testing the safety sensors and checking the batteries.[1]

Frequently asked questions