Hurricane season in Florida 2025: what homeowners need to know about screen enclosures

Living in Florida means enjoying sunshine, warm weather, and beautiful outdoor spaces—but it also means preparing for hurricane season. For homeowners with screen enclosures (also known as pool cages or patio enclosures), this time of year brings an important question: is my enclosure ready to handle a storm?

In this article, we’ll explore how hurricanes affect screen enclosures, what materials perform best under pressure, and how to prepare your outdoor structure for the season. Whether you live in Naples, Cape Coral, Sarasota, or Tampa, these insights will help you protect your investment.

How hurricanes affect screen enclosures

Florida hurricanes bring:

  • High winds (100+ mph)
  • Flying debris
  • Heavy rainfall and flooding

For enclosures, that means:

  • Torn or stretched mesh
  • Detached fasteners
  • Bent or broken aluminum frames
  • Uplift pressure on roof panels

If an enclosure isn’t properly designed, anchored, and maintained, these weather events can cause severe damage.

Better hurricane protection for your screen enclosure

There’s no such thing as “hurricane-proof,” but there are ways to make your screen enclosure more resistant to damage.

  • Choose reinforced fasteners

Stainless steel fasteners and chemical anchors resist rust and offer stronger structural connections. Avoid standard screws, especially in coastal areas.

  • Remove screens ahead of a storm

If a major hurricane is forecasted, removing screen panels can reduce wind resistance and save your frame from collapse.

  • Inspect and maintain regularly

Check your enclosure before hurricane season begins. Look for loose screws, sagging or torn mesh, corrosion on fasteners, and weakened joints. Early maintenance helps prevent minor issues from turning into storm-related failures.

What Florida building code says

Modern screen enclosures must comply with local wind-load requirements, often up to 160 mph in South Florida. Any new construction or major replacement should follow current codes. At Screen Factory Florida, we always ensure that permit plans meet local standards and include engineer-certified drawings.

Tips for Homeowners Before Hurricane Season

  • Trim nearby trees to prevent branches from falling on the structure.
  • Store loose patio furniture during storm watches.
  • Ask your installer whether your structure meets current wind-load ratings.

Need help upgrading or replacing your enclosure with hurricane-resistant features? Contact Screen Factory Florida for a free consultation and 3D design. We serve Tampa, Cape Coral, Naples, Sarasota, and surrounding areas and we build with Florida’s toughest weather in mind.

Contact us today to learn more or request your Free Estimate. 

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