Margate, FL Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)

Section 9-42 of the Margate Code governs fees in the residential rental unit inspection program, which covers vacation rentals as well as long-term rentals. Subsection (a) says fees for the program, including any applicable late fees, additional inspection fees, and application form amendments, are set by resolution of the city commission. The code does not print dollar amounts, so the current figures live in the commission's fee resolution. Subsection (b) says fees are due at the time of filing the rental inspection application form and are not prorated based upon the date of application. Subsection (c) says the required fees cover an initial inspection plus one follow-up inspection in the event of failure of the first; any additional inspection costs an additional fee set by resolution.

Related timing rules add fee exposure. Under section 9-43(d) and section 9-41(d), a completed renewal application not received within thirty days of the required date is subject to a late fee set by commission resolution. Section 9-41(e) requires an amended application within thirty calendar days of a sale to keep the certificate transferable; otherwise a new application, and a new fee, is required.

There is an exemption. Under section 9-42(d) and section 9-38, an owner subject to the registration and fee requirements for abandoned real property who has paid those fees is exempt from the rental registration and inspection fees, upon proof of payment.

For vacation rentals the tax side sits in section 9-43(a)(13). The owner or designated manager must file with the city rental coordinator proof of registration with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax collection and with Broward County for Tourist Development Tax. Those taxes are collected under state and county rules; the city code read here asks for proof of registration rather than stating a tax rate.