Ruzzano Slams Margate Code Enforcement, Calls for Department to Be Eliminated

by David Volz March 5, 2026

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Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano called for the abolition of the code enforcement department in a passionate presentation during the March 4 meeting.

He said that code enforcement personnel have come after him and his family, bothering them at his home over minor issues. Ruzzano added that code enforcement officers are often intrusive and cause problems for Margate homeowners over minor violations.

“I have seen code enforcement people peeping into people’s yards. I want to get rid of code enforcement,” said Ruzzano.

Commissioner Arlene Schwartz did not call for the end of code enforcement but said it should be less focused on minor problems at residential properties. She would like to see the city invest more effort in cleaning lots with trash piles.

During the commission comments, Ruzzano said he would like to see a four-city public service group jointly provide services to Margate, Parkland, Coral Springs, and Coconut Creek. He explained that details about managing this joint organization and selecting a chief would be decided later.

Following his statement, Ruzzano called for the heads of law enforcement and fire rescue from these cities to begin discussing how such a collaboration could work.

During public comments, a group of residents spoke out against preliminary plans to build about 1,000 apartments in the city center property. They argued instead that the property should be reserved for high-end restaurants and stores, and no housing units.

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David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.