Margate, FL Parking Rules: RV & Boat Parking (2026)

Chapter 26 sweeps in a long list of leisure vehicles. Section 26-1 defines a noncommercial vehicle used for recreational purposes as any vehicle that does not meet the size and structure tests of a commercial vehicle and is used only for leisure, including boats, personal watercraft, trailers, utility trailers, horse trailers, recreational vehicles, motor homes, campers, motorcycles, motor scooters, golf carts, go-carts, half track vehicles, full-track vehicles and swamp buggies. Section 26-3(a) permits parking of these vehicles in any residentially zoned district only if six conditions are met.

The vehicle must sit on the property that is the residence or place of abode of its owner. If state law requires registration or a license, it must be current. It cannot stand on any public dedicated street, sidewalk or right-of-way, and the code names swales and parkways. It goes in a backyard or side yard so that no portion protrudes past or in front of the facades of any residence, with an exception allowing any driveway or any area constructed and permitted by the building department.

It cannot display commercial lettering or show equipment, materials or devices tied to a commercial or industrial use, and if it does it is automatically a commercial vehicle under Section 26-2. And it cannot exceed 35 feet from front to back. Section 26-3(b) prohibits these vehicles in every nonresidential district unless the property holds a bona fide business involving the sales, storage or repair of such vehicles, with customer parking treated as an accessory use. Section 26-4 exempts a vehicle kept in a wholly enclosed garage or structure with no part visible or protruding, and recreational vehicles in the RVRP Recreational Vehicle Resort Park District.

Section 26-6 adds that a camping trailer, motor home or other permitted recreational vehicle in a residential district cannot be used as a permanent or temporary residence. Section 26-5 bans storing, keeping or parking tanks or military vehicles built for military purposes anywhere in the city.