STORAGE NAME: h0299.IPA
DATE: 3/10/2025
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FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: HB 299
TITLE: Elevator Accessibility Requirements
SPONSOR(S): Woodson
COMPANION BILL: SB 960 (Bernard)
LINKED BILLS: None
RELATED BILLS: None
Committee References
Industries & Professional Activities
Commerce
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill specifies that only one interior support rail in an elevator must be continuous and at least 42 inches long,
instead of requiring all interior support rails in an elevator to meet these requirements.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
The bill may result in more interior support rails in elevators, which could reduce injuries.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
The bill specifies that only one interior support rail in an elevator must be continuous and at least 42 inches long,
instead of requiring all interior support rails in an elevator to meet these requirements. (Section 1)
Interior support rails will still have to meet the other current law requirements regardless if they are 42 inches
long and continuous.
The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2025. (Section 2)
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Elevator Regulation
The Elevator Safety Act, located in ch. 399, F.S., establishes the minimum standards for elevator personnel in order
“to provide for the safety of life and limb and to promote public safety awareness”.
1 The Elevator Safety Act broadly
defines the term “elevator” to include:
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Hoisting Mechanical Devices;
Escalators;
Dumbwaiters;
Moving Walks;
Inclined Stairway Chairlifts; and
Inclined or Vertical Wheelchair Lifts.
1
S. 399.001, F.S.
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S. 399.01(6), F.S. JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
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The Division of Hotels and Restaurants (Division) within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation
has both rulemaking and enforcement authority under ch. 399, F.S. The Division is also responsible for issuing
elevator permits and certificates of operation for companies or individuals to install, service or inspect elevators.
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The Elevator Safety Act prohibits an elevator from being “erected, constructed, installed or altered” until a permit
is issued from DBPR. The Act further requires each elevator to have a certificate of operation from the DBPR
before being operated.
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Interior Support Rails
The Elevator Safety Act requires every elevator, except elevators in private residences, to have at least one support
rail to assist persons with physical handicaps.
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Support rails must be continuous and have a minimum length of 42 inches. Support rails must also be:
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Smooth and have no sharp edges;
Not more than 1.5 inches thick or 2.5 inches in diameter;
Between 31-33 inches off the ground; and
1.5 inches from the elevator’s wall.
OTHER RESOURCES:
U.S. Access Board: Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards
BILL HISTORY
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE
STAFF
DIRECTOR/
POLICY CHIEF
ANALYSIS
PREPARED BY
Industries & Professional Activities
Subcommittee
Anstead Brackett
Commerce Committee
3
S. 399.10, F.S.
4
S. 399.03(1) and (5), F.S.
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Ss. 399.02, and 399.035, F.S.
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S. 399.035, F.S.