City of Margate Property Improvement Grant Program

The Property Improvement Grant Program (PIP), administered by the City of Margate, Florida, is designed to encourage aesthetic and structural improvements across a variety of property types within the city limits. Through financial incentives in the form of reimbursement grants, the program aims to enhance the visual appeal of neighborhoods and commercial zones, increase property values, and support broader community revitalization efforts. The City of Margate manages this grant program directly, and funding is contingent on annual budget appropriations. The PIP offers two primary tiers of funding based on the property type. For commercial, multi-family properties, and common areas owned by condominium or homeowner associations, the program provides a 50% reimbursement of eligible improvement costs, with a maximum award of $50,000. For single-family and individually owned multi-family homesteaded properties, the reimbursement is also 50% of approved costs, but the maximum grant is capped at $10,000. The grant is strictly for fixed capital improvements to the exterior of properties, although some minor interior work may be included if it forms part of a comprehensive exterior project. Eligible improvements under the program include a range of exterior enhancements such as painting, lighting, signage, landscaping, driveway improvements (excluding asphalt), impact-resistant windows and doors, central air conditioning installations (when converting from visible window units), roof repair or replacement, structural and concrete restoration, and major systems work like electrical and plumbing. Designer fencing types like PVC and iron are allowed, while chain-link and wood fences are not eligible. The program emphasizes visibility from the public right-of-way in determining eligible improvements. Eligibility is open to commercial property owners or tenants (with owner approval), condominium and homeowner associations, and residents of homesteaded single-family or multi-family properties. Properties currently listed for sale, in foreclosure or bankruptcy, or with unresolved City or County code violations are ineligible unless corrective improvements are part of the application. Properties that have received other Margate grant funds in the past five years are also excluded. Work that has already begun, has received permits, or involves unlicensed contractors is not eligible for funding. Applications for the program open at 9 a.m. on February 9 and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Incomplete applications are deprioritized until all required documentation is submitted and deemed complete by City staff. Following review and approval, the City issues a grant award notice outlining eligible improvements and the maximum reimbursement amount. Reimbursement is contingent on the completion of all approved improvements, successful final inspections, and submission of validated receipts and payment proof. Required documentation includes government-issued ID, before photos of the property area to be improved, contractor bids and license numbers, letters of consent from property owners or association boards, and approvals from governing bodies like CDDs. For reimbursement, applicants must submit invoices, payment documentation (excluding cash), closed permits, and after-improvement photographs. The City reserves the right to cancel the program if funds become unavailable and retains promotional rights to showcase completed projects.