Rob Reiner

Margate, Florida, is a city located in Broward County, approximately 12 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles north of Miami. Established in the 1950s by Jack Marquese, the city’s name combines his surname with “gate,” symbolizing its role as the “gateway” to western Broward County. Margate became a town in 1955 and was incorporated as a city in 1961.

The city operates under a Commission-Manager form of government. The legislative body, known as the City Commission, consists of five members elected “at large” by Margate voters, meaning they represent the entire city rather than specific districts. Commissioners serve four-year terms, with elections held in November alongside Broward County elections. Each November, the Commission selects a Mayor and Vice Mayor from among its members to serve one-year terms. The Mayor acts as the ceremonial head and chairs Commission meetings, while both the Mayor and Vice Mayor retain full voting rights.