Cost of Screen Enclosures in Florida: 2026 Market Analysis
An engineering perspective on pricing variables, construction codes, and material standards.
Prepared for Florida Homeowners
The 2026 Market Snapshot
$12-$25
per sq.ft.
The realistic market corridor for professionally installed projects.
$20,000 – $25,000
Typical Project Average
Standard mid-sized pool cage (~1,500 sq.ft) built to current code. Market average centers around $23,000.
$8,000- $90,000+
Market Range
From small patio enclosures to massive custom estate structures.
Note: This variance is driven by engineering physics, not arbitrary pricing.
Why There Is No Fixed “Sticker Price”
A screen enclosure is a structural system, not a static product.
1. Scale and complexity drive labor.
2. Florida Building Code compliance.
3. Aluminum thickness and fastener grades.
4. Foundation condition and edge distance.
5. Legal compliance and inspections.
Deciphering the Cost per Square Foot ($12-$25)
$12-$15 Range
- Basic geometries and standard spans.
- Favorable site conditions.
- Standard wind zones.
$18-$25 Range
- High wind zones (Coastal).
- Complex roof lines.
- Concrete remediation required.
- Heavy-duty structural profiles.
Note: Cost variations are driven by structural requirements, site specifics, and material grades, not arbitrary pricing.
Factor 1: The Impact of Scale and Geometry
Complexity is a multiplier. Higher roofs and custom angles increase labor hours and material waste.
Factor 2: Engineering & Wind Load Requirements
The Florida Building Code Reality
1. Requirement: The structure must withstand specific wind speeds based on your precise location.
2. Cost Driver: Higher wind zones require:
- Thicker aluminum profiles
- Additional bracing members (K-bracing)
- Denser fastening patterns
You are paying for the engineering assurance that the cage remains standing during a hurricane.
Factor 3: Materials – The Hidden Quality Variables
Aluminum Profiles
Appearance is identical, but structural capacity differs. Thicker profiles cost more but handle longer spans and higher winds.
Fasteners & Anchors
Florida’s salt air destroys standard steel. Proper quotes include corrosion-resistant fasteners to prevent failure.
Factor 4: Concrete & Foundation Integrity
Cost Impacts:
- Insufficient Edge Distance: Anchors will crack the concrete. Requires footer extension.
- Thin/Cracked Slab: Cannot hold structural loads. Requires concrete thickening.
- Economic Impact: Concrete remediation can shift a project from $14/sq.ft to $22/sq.ft.
Summary: The Price Equation
1.A Legal Safeguard: Confirms the project meets safety codes and engineering standards.
2. Risk Management: Unpermitted projects transfer liability to the homeowner (insurance cancellation, resale issues).
3. Cost Reality: Permits are not an “extra fee”-they are included in professional quotes to ensure the structure is legal and insurable.
“A permit confirms that the engineering plan matches the built reality.”
Factor 5: Permits & Inspections
Market Average: ~$23,000 (Standard Code-Compliant Project)
Market Range: $12 – $25 per sq.ft.
A lower price is often achieved by removing structural capacity. A correct price includes the engineering required for Florida’s specific climate and codes.
Professional Standards
Screen Factory Florida executes projects exclusively with certified engineering plans, full permitting, and strict adherence to Florida Building Codes.
We do not compromise on structural integrity or material grades.
