How to Ensure Proper Accessibility in Your Building
Accessibility is no longer optional. Whether you’re managing a condo in Sarasota, a shopping center in Tampa, or a medical office in Naples, tenants and visitors need to move freely, safely, and without barriers. And if your elevator is outdated, unreliable, or nonexistent, you’re leaving people behind. At Southwest Elevator, we help Florida property owners modernize, maintain, and install elevator systems that make buildings more accessible and compliant. Learn more about accessibility below or reach out to our team to partner with an experienced elevator company in Florida.
Why Accessibility Should Be a Top Priority
Florida’s population is both aging and growing. With a high percentage of retirees and a constant influx of new residents and tourists, buildings that aren’t accessible are at a serious disadvantage. Elevators help individuals with mobility impairments, the elderly, and parents with strollers move throughout a space without barriers.
Additionally, accessible vertical transportation is often required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local building codes. Properties that fail to comply could face fines, lawsuits, or other consequences.
About the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
According to the official ADA website, “The ADA Standards for Accessible Design — along with Title II and Title III regulations — say what is required for a building or facility to be physically accessible to people with disabilities.” The act was first adopted in 1991, then later updated in 2010. Therefore, some buildings may adhere to the 1991 version, while others may follow 2010 guidelines.
Every building will be different, but there are certain elements that are required to ensure accessibility when it comes to elevators. They include:
- Elevator landing: Hall signals must provide audible signals that the car is arriving and in what direction it’s traveling. Additionally, hall call buttons must be accessible and visible.
- Elevator door: Doors must be open for an adequate amount of time to allow for movement in and out of the car. This is typically a minimum of three seconds.
- Elevator car: The car must have compliant floor surfaces, a self-leveling feature, and adequate lighting.
- Emergency communication: There must be two-way message displays available in the elevator cab to ensure communication for hearing and/or speech-impaired passengers.
- Car controls: It’s important for all controls to be accessible with raised characters and Braille. Additionally, emergency buttons must be grouped together and positioned at an accessible height.
- Car position indicators: The elevator car must give an audible cue of which floor it has passed and what floor it’s stopping on.
It’s important to note that all elevators will be different, and regulations may change depending on your location or the age of your building. That’s why you should always check with an experienced elevator company before making final decisions about your ADA compliance.
What to Look for in an Elevator Company in Florida
Looking for an elevator company in Florida that can help you with your ADA compliance? Don’t trust just anyone with your investment. You need a partner who understands the unique challenges of Florida buildings and provides solutions designed for long-term reliability. Here’s what to prioritize when choosing an elevator company:
- Local expertise and licensing: Florida regulations are strict. Your provider should be licensed, insured, and experienced with state-specific compliance issues.
- Custom solutions: Every building is different. Look for a company that offers tailored plans instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Responsive service: Downtime is disruptive. You need a partner who offers fast response times and proactive maintenance.
- Safety-first mindset: Safety isn’t negotiable. A reliable elevator partner will prioritize regular inspections, code compliance, and user training.
Work with Southwest Elevator for Tailored Service
You need a partner who can ensure your elevators operate safely for years to come. At Southwest Elevator, we offer decades of experience to provide leading elevator repair, maintenance, modernization, and construction services. We’ll keep your elevators running properly so you can focus on what matters — growing your business.
When you work with us, you get access to IUEC-certified technicians who believe in service above all else. Our team will tailor every project to your budget, project details, and preferences.
Let’s Get Started
Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team for an initial consultation.