Margate Lowers Property Tax Rate as Commission Sets 2027 Budget

by David Volz July 16, 2026

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Margate homeowners will see a decrease in their millage rate.

During the July 15 budget hearing, the commission set a not-to-exceed millage rate of 7.5185, a decrease from last year’s 7.5378 rate.

In Margate, the average single-family home has a taxable value of $214,885, and an average homeowner with the homestead exemption will pay $1,510 in property taxes. The city has the third lowest property taxes in Broward County, according to the city’s budget book.

City taxes are about one-third of the property taxes homeowners pay. City operating taxes are $1,510, school operating taxes are $1,499, county operating taxes are $1,202, and other operating taxes are $413, according to the budget book.

The total fiscal year 2027 budget is $250,489,444, and the general fund is $90,041,962. Major expenses include stormwater infrastructure improvements ($1.28 million) and a lift station ($21.6 million). Capital improvements include the building department expansion project ($2,163,250); $638,371 at Oriole Park; and $439,959 for improvements to the city commission chambers in the first-floor City Hall.

The fire department will receive a new quint truck for $482,444, according to the budget book.

If Florida voters approve the property tax amendment in November, Margate will face a significant revenue cut. For fiscal year 2028, the city will lose $7.8 million, or 9 percent of the general fund; in fiscal year 2029, $12.1 million, or 14 percent of the general fund, according to City Manager Cale Curtis.

This could mean cuts to recreational services, a reduction in CRA events, and encouraging some employees to take early retirement, according to Curtis.

The first public hearing will take place Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 5:01 p.m. in the commission chambers.

The second public hearing will take place Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the commission chambers.

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Author Profile

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.