Florida’s elevator safety laws are changing, and if you manage or own a property with elevators in Miami, this is not a deadline you can afford to miss. The state has set August 1, 2025 as the final date for all elevators to be equipped with Door-Lock Monitoring (DLM) systems. Ignore this rule, and you risk failed Miami elevator inspections, shutdowns, fines, and serious inconvenience for your building’s residents. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how the best elevator companies in Miami FL can keep you compliant.
What is Door-Lock Monitoring? Why the Law Changed
Door-Lock Monitoring (DLM) technology ensures an elevator car will not move unless both its hoistway (shaft) and car doors are fully closed and locked. This is not just a box-checking requirement: DLM directly addresses the root cause of many elevator accidents, preventing doors from opening between floors or elevators moving with the doors ajar.
Florida is adopting the ASME A17.3-2020 Section 3.10.12 code, making DLM mandatory for all automatic passenger elevators. If your system doesn’t comply, it will not pass inspection after August 1, 2025. For official information on this regulation and its updates, see the Bureau of Elevator Safety’s newsroom from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
The law originally set a December 2023 deadline, but after industry feedback and widespread supply chain delays, it was pushed back to August 1, 2025. However, experts say this extension is not an excuse to wait—retrofitting or upgrading could take months, especially for older elevators.
Who Needs to Upgrade for Miami Elevator Inspections?
The answer: almost everyone. Whether your elevator was installed in a 1980s condo or a new downtown Miami high-rise, Miami elevator inspections will now require DLM as a pass/fail item.
- Pre-2000 elevators: Nearly all will require new hardware, sometimes a full controller upgrade. The process can be costly and requires detailed planning.
- Post-2000 elevators: Many have the basic components for DLM but may need a software upgrade or minor wiring changes. Even if your system is “DLM-ready,” you must prove it works as required by code.
Don’t assume you’re compliant, have your elevator company check for you.
Why Procrastinating Will Cost You
It’s tempting to put off upgrades, especially with another year left on the clock. But delaying could create serious problems for property managers, HOAs, and business owners:
- Backlog and Delays
As the deadline approaches, demand for upgrades and parts will surge. According to TK Elevator’s code update guide, elevator companies across Florida are already warning of possible delays in both scheduling and supply chains. Waiting until spring or summer 2025 could mean you don’t get the work done in time. - Failed Inspections = Shutdowns
After August 1, 2025, any elevator without a functional DLM system will fail inspection. The state may immediately shut down non-compliant elevators. This is more than an inconvenience. Imagine every resident in a Miami condo walking up fifteen flights of stairs, or a commercial property losing access for tenants and deliveries. - Increased Costs
Last-minute upgrades often come at a premium. Elevator repair in Miami is much less expensive when planned in advance. Full controller retrofits may cost tens of thousands of dollars, while simple software activations can be as low as $1,000–$5,000. An early assessment is recommended to avoid being stuck with the most expensive option.
How Elevator Companies in Miami, FL Are Helping
The best elevator companies in Miami FL are offering complete DLM upgrade packages—starting with code-compliance inspections and clear, honest assessments.
Here’s what a good process looks like:
- Code Compliance Review: Your service provider inspects all elevator equipment and documentation to determine whether your system meets the new DLM rules. They will explain exactly what your system needs and what it doesn’t.
- Options and Transparent Quotes: For some elevators, a simple software activation is enough. For others, new relays, wiring, or even an entire control panel replacement is required. Reputable companies will give you every option, including “overlay” solutions that can modernize old hardware without breaking the bank.
- Project Management: Your elevator company handles all scheduling, permitting, and coordination with Miami elevator inspections and the DBPR, ensuring you pass the state’s requirements on the first try.
- Ongoing Support: Once upgraded, the new DLM system is tested and certified, and your records are updated for future inspections. Ongoing service contracts can also cover software updates and troubleshooting.
The Official Process and What You Should Do Now
The Florida Bureau of Elevator Safety provides ongoing updates and FAQs on the process. They recommend that all property owners:
- Contact your elevator maintenance provider immediately for a DLM assessment.
- Review your most recent inspection reports and maintenance contracts.
- Ask specifically whether your elevator is DLM-compliant under ASME A17.3-2020.
- Schedule upgrades as soon as possible to avoid last-minute compliance issues.
Timeline and Cost: What to Expect
For most property owners in Miami, the timeline looks like this:
- Now–Fall 2024: Assessment and planning
- Late 2024–Early 2025: Installation and upgrades
- Spring/Summer 2025: Final inspections, last adjustments, record updates
- By August 1, 2025: 100% compliance required
As for cost, plan for the following:
- Software activation/minor upgrades: $1,000–$5,000 per elevator
- Full hardware retrofits: $10,000–$60,000+ (older elevators, or those needing new controllers)
Being proactive not only protects your budget but also protects your reputation with residents and tenants, ensuring uninterrupted elevator service.
Don’t Wait—Comply on the New Door-Lock Monitoring Requirements ASAP
Elevator safety is everyone’s responsibility. With the August 1, 2025 Door-Lock Monitoring deadline approaching, Miami property owners must act quickly to avoid costly disruptions. For full details on compliance, always check the official Bureau of Elevator Safety newsroom and industry guides from trusted elevator companies in Miami FL.
Need an inspection or upgrade plan? Contact Clark Elevator Company today to schedule your compliance check and ensure your elevators pass every inspection—on time and on budget.