399.03  Design, installation, and alteration of conveyances.--

(1)  A conveyance covered by this chapter may not be erected, constructed, installed, or altered within buildings or structures unless a permit has been obtained from the department before the work is commenced. When any material alteration is made, the device must conform to applicable requirements of the Florida Building Code for the alteration. A permit required hereunder may not be issued except to a person, firm, or corporation holding a current elevator contractor's license issued under this chapter. A copy of the permit must be kept at the construction site at all times while the work is in progress.

(2)  The department shall provide by rule for permit application requirements and permit fees.

(3)  Permits may be revoked for the following reasons:

(a)  There are any false statements or misrepresentations as to the material facts in the application, plans, or specifications on which the permit was based.

(b)  The permit was issued in error and not in accordance with the code or rules.

(c)  The work detailed under the permit is not being performed in accordance with the provisions of the application, plans, or specifications or with the code or conditions of the permit.

(d)  The construction permitholder to whom the permit was issued fails or refuses to comply with a stop-work order.

(4)  A permit expires if:

(a)  The work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 6 months after the date of issuance, or within a shorter period of time as the department may specify at the time the permit is issued.

(b)  The work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 60 days, or such shorter period of time as the department may specify at the time the permit is issued, after the work has been started. For good cause, the department may allow a discretionary extension for the foregoing period.

(5)  All new conveyance installations must be performed by a person to whom a license to install or service a conveyance has been issued. Subsequent to installation, the licensed person, firm, or company must certify compliance with the applicable sections of this chapter and the Florida Building Code. Before any vertical conveyance is used, except those in a private residence, it must be inspected by a licensed inspector not employed or associated with the elevator construction permitholder and certified as meeting the safety provisions of the Florida Building Code. Upon successful inspection, the owner or lessee must apply to the department for a certificate of operation from the department. A fee as prescribed in this chapter must be paid for the certificate of operation. It is the responsibility of the licensed elevator construction permitholder to complete and submit a first-time registration for a new installation. Vertical conveyances, including stairway chairlifts, and inclined or vertical wheelchair lifts located in private residences are not required to obtain a certificate of operation under this chapter.

(6)  A certificate of operation expires July 31 of each year and must be renewed prior to continued use of the conveyance. A certificate of operation must be clearly displayed on or in each conveyance or in the machine room for use by and for the benefit of inspectors and code enforcement personnel. Certificates of operation may only be renewed for vertical conveyances having a current satisfactory inspection.

(7)  The permitholder shall notify the department, in writing, at least 7 days before completion of the work and shall, in the presence of a licensed elevator inspector not associated with or employed by the installing company or contractor, subject the newly installed, relocated, or altered portions of the elevator to tests required to show that the elevator meets the applicable provisions of the Florida Building Code.

(8)  Each elevator shall comply with the edition of the Florida Building Code or Elevator Safety Code that was in effect at the time of receipt of application for the construction permit for the elevator.

(9)  Each alteration to, or relocation of, an elevator shall comply with the edition of the Florida Building Code or Elevator Safety Code that was in effect at the time of receipt of the application for the construction permit for the alteration or relocation.

(10)  When any change is made in the classification of an elevator, the elevator shall comply with all of the requirements of the version of the Florida Building Code or Elevator Safety Code that were in effect at the time of receipt of the application for the construction permit for the change in classification.