Margate, FL Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Section 17-10(2) of the Margate Code establishes the basic minimum elevations for all areas of the City of Margate, and Section 11-3 of the drainage chapter simply points back to it. For single-family and duplex structures, the lowest floor must sit at or above the SFWMD-permitted minimum finished floor elevation and at least 18 inches above the highest crown of the street or road abutting the structure, or meet the Florida Building Code. Whichever measurement produces the higher elevation controls.

For every other structure the code splits by road height. Where the abutting road crown is at or above the SFWMD elevation, the lowest floor must be no lower than the SFWMD or Florida Building Code elevation, and a positive drainage system approved by the city engineer must be built. Where the crown is below the SFWMD elevation, the lowest floor must be at least 6 inches above the highest crown of the abutting road. A lot that touches several roads uses the highest elevation of any abutting road, and roads with an inverted crown are measured the same way. Every subdivision plat and site development plan reviewed by the development review committee must arrive with the minimum finished floor elevation.

Accessory structures are allowed below the base flood elevation only for parking or storage, and only if they are one story, no larger than 600 square feet, fitted with flood openings under Section R322.2 of the Florida Building Code, Residential, anchored against flotation, collapse and lateral movement, built with flood damage-resistant materials below the base flood elevation plus 1 foot, and equipped with mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems at or above that same height. Where a flood map shows no base flood elevation, Section 17-5(2)(c)2 gives the floodplain administrator the option to set it at 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade. The director of Environmental and Engineering Services is the floodplain administrator, and a floodplain development permit lapses if work does not start within 180 days of issuance.