Margate, FL Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Article V of chapter 9 of the Margate Code creates the program. Section 9-36 says its purpose is to build a database of current owner contact information for health or safety violations, minimum housing code complaints or emergencies at long-term and vacation rentals, and to inspect long-term rentals to address substandard maintenance and preserve neighborhoods. Section 9-38 requires all rental units to be inspected at least once within a twelve-month period by the building department, using application forms obtained from that department. Section 9-40(b) sets the scope: the city checks compliance with city Code for landscape and exterior maintenance, expired building permits, and unpermitted work.

Section 9-41 is the procedure. On the first application the owner completes the form and tenders the prescribed fee. No certificate of inspection issues until the property is inspected and found without violations, receiving a satisfactory rating, and the initial certificate runs from issue to the anniversary of the application date. The certificate must be displayed; failure to hang it is a violation. To renew, the owner files a completed application and pays the fee, which lets the owner keep operating under the existing certificate until the city conducts the annual inspection. Section 9-39 adds that a unit that fails inspection is not granted a certificate, and failing does not excuse the owner from registering; no certificate issues until the rental coordinator sees satisfactory evidence of reinspection and compliance.

Section 9-42 says the fee covers an initial inspection plus one follow-up after a failed first inspection; further inspections cost extra. Section 9-43(e) adds a self-inspection checklist covering health and safety items such as swimming pools, lawn mowing, trash and house address, and property maintenance items such as discolored roofs, exterior storage and inoperable vehicles. Items out of compliance get ten business days to correct, extendable in writing by the building official, before a special magistrate appearance is possible. Section 9-48 sends disputes to the building official, with appeal to the city manager.