Margate water, storm and fire damage help

The city takes its name from founder Jack Marqusee, combining part of his surname with the word gateway, since it was meant to open the way into western Broward. It was established in 1955 and incorporated in 1961, which means a good share of the housing here has been standing for decades. The Atlantic is roughly 7.5 miles to the east.

Dial (866) 937-3230 if you need help after a leak, storm or fire. Fire & Water Energy is a referral connection, not a restoration company: we try to match Margate callers with an independent contractor nearby, but whether someone is free, and what the job will cost, is up to that provider. The how it works page and disclosure describe the arrangement.

Tropical climate, former wetland and a busy hurricane record

Wikipedia places Margate in the Köppen tropical rainforest category, right at the edge of tropical monsoon, a classification shared only by this corner of the lower 48 states. In practice that means warm temperatures year-round, a long wet season and humidity that seldom lets up. Land that was Everglades or farmland in the 1950s also tends to be flat and low, so heavy downpours can take time to drain.

Broward County's FEMA major disaster declarations since 2000 cover Charley, Frances and Jeanne (2004), Katrina and Wilma (2005), Matthew (2016), Irma (2017), Dorian (2019), Ian and Nicole (2022), and Milton (2024), along with a 2023 declaration for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

Plumbing, AC and roof leaks in Margate homes built since the 1950s

Homes from the city's first decades may still carry aging pipes, older water heaters or roofs nearing replacement. Across all ages of housing, the year-round air conditioning load makes condensate overflows and leaking air handlers a steady source of ceiling stains and wet closets. Slab leaks, washing machine hoses and toilet supply lines round out the list.

If you need water damage restoration in Margate, a reputable contractor will usually find the source, remove standing water, cut out unsalvageable drywall or flooring, and dry the rest while recording moisture levels. See water damage restoration and emergency water removal.

Federal disaster declarations that included Broward County

FEMA records show Broward County was included in 13 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (11 hurricane, 1 flood, 1 severe storm, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Margate was affected. The most recent:

• 2024 – Hurricane Milton (DR-4834)
• 2023 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (DR-4709)
• 2022 – Hurricane Nicole (DR-4680)
• 2022 – Hurricane Ian (DR-4673)
• 2019 – Hurricane Dorian (DR-4468)
• 2017 – Hurricane Irma (DR-4337)

Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.

After a fire: soot, odor and water from firefighting

A fire leaves three problems at once: burned materials, soot that spreads through the house, and water from hoses or sprinklers. In attached homes and condominiums, smoke can also drift into neighboring units.

Contractors commonly board up openings, remove debris, clean soot with methods matched to the residue, and use air scrubbers and deodorization for odor. Learn more on the fire damage restoration and smoke odor removal pages.

Storm runoff and flood cleanup west of the coast

Margate is inland enough that rainfall, not ocean surge, is the more typical flood source, though hurricanes bring both wind and rain. When water stands in streets and yards, it can creep under doors and into garages and low rooms. The 2023 FEMA declaration for severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward is a reminder that it doesn't take a named hurricane.

Floodwater is treated as contaminated. Flood cleanup and storm water damage restoration generally involve removing soaked materials, disinfecting and thorough drying.

Why mold is a constant concern in tropical Broward

With warmth and moisture all year, any material that stays wet after a leak is at risk of mold within a day or two. Get carpet, pads and wet boxes out quickly and keep the air conditioning running when it is safe.

For mold spread across more than about 10 square feet, EPA guidance points to professional help. A mold remediation contractor should use containment and fix the moisture problem first.

Steps to take before a contractor arrives

• For fire, injuries, gas smells or wires down, call 911 and get everyone out.
• Do not step into water where outlets, cords or appliances are submerged.
• Register for ALERT Broward and review evacuation and shelter information from Broward County Emergency Management.
• Sign up for city updates through the City of Margate website.
• Document the damage with photos and video and keep receipts; check with your insurer, since coverage depends on your policy and flood is usually separate.

Neighborhoods and nearby communities

Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Margate):

• Coconut Creek · 2 mi
• North Lauderdale · 2 mi
• Tamarac · 3 mi
• Coral Springs · 4 mi
• Parkland · 5 mi
• Pompano Beach · 5 mi

Restoration guides

• Water Damage Restoration
• Emergency Water Removal
• Flood Cleanup
• Storm Water Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Fire Damage Restoration

Local resources for Margate residents

• Broward County Emergency Management
• City of Margate

Sources

• Wikipedia: Margate, Florida
• Broward County Emergency Management
• City of Margate

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