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When it comes to enjoying Florida’s sunshine without the bugs, heat, or unpredictable showers, nothing compares to the comfort and charm of a custom sunroom. In Jacksonville, where outdoor living is part of everyday life, sunrooms offer a beautiful and functional way to expand your home while staying connected to the natural world.
Living in Florida means enjoying an endless summer, but that also comes with the intense heat and humidity that can make outdoor living spaces unbearable. From backyard barbecues to morning coffee on the patio, Floridians love spending time outdoors, but without protection from the scorching sun, it can be difficult to stay comfortable. That’s where patio covers come into play. A well-designed patio cover can provide the perfect solution for beating the heat while still enjoying the beauty of your outdoor spaces.
Living in Florida comes with sunshine, parks, warm breezes, and the chance to enjoy your patio almost year-round. But for many homeowners, that dream space ends up getting used far less than expected. The sun gets intense, rain shows up out of nowhere, and the bugs and mosquitoes? Always around.
If you’ve ever browsed real estate listings or home renovation blogs, you’ve probably seen the terms patio and lanai. Both describe outdoor spaces, and to the untrained eye, they might look similar — but they’re not the same.
Let’s clear it up from the start: every lanai is a patio, but not every patio is a lanai. A lanai is a very specific type of outdoor space, and depending on your Florida lifestyle, climate, and home design, one might be a better fit than the other.
Whether you’re planning a remodel or building from scratch, here’s a complete breakdown from the experts at Lifetime Enclosures to help you choose what’s best for your home.
The term lanai originates from Hawaii, but in Florida, it refers to a covered and often enclosed outdoor area that connects directly to the home. Think of it as a hybrid between a patio and a sunroom.
Key features of a Florida lanai include:
Lanais are ideal for hot, humid, or buggy climates like Jacksonville. Want a deeper dive? Check out our full post on what is a lanai and how to use one.
A patio is a ground-level outdoor space made of concrete, stone, pavers, or tile. It can be attached to your home or free-standing.
Unlike lanais, patios are usually open-air — though you can add features like a pergola, awning, or screen enclosure for shade and protection.
Patios are perfect for:
Interested in covering your patio? Explore our Jacksonville patio enclosures and shade options.
Lanais have a permanent roof and are often screened in or enclosed with glass. Patios are typically open to the sky, unless you add a secondary structure like a pergola or retractable awning.
Lanais are integrated into the home’s original design and feel like an extension of indoor living. Patios may be attached or detached and typically don’t offer as much weather protection or temperature control.
Lanais offer year-round usability. You can dine, relax, work, or entertain with ease — even during rain or high humidity. Patios are more weather-dependent, making them best for casual or seasonal use.
In Florida’s climate, a screened-in lanai is a major selling point. Real estate listings often highlight them as bonus rooms or “all-season outdoor living.” Patios also offer ROI — but typically need shade or enclosure upgrades to match a lanai’s comfort level.
Related: See our top patio screen enclosure designs for Florida homes.
Here in Florida, there’s a lot of overlap in terminology. Here’s a quick breakdown:
The more protection and integration you add, the more livable the space becomes. That’s why so many Florida homeowners upgrade their patios with enclosures.
Learn more: The benefits of patio screen enclosures.
When it comes to lanais vs. patios, the right choice depends on how you live and what matters most in your space. Here’s what to consider:
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a lanai conversion or patio upgrade, choose durable, Florida-ready flooring like:
Our partners at Lifetime Flooring can help you choose the perfect surface for comfort, climate, and aesthetics.
Both patios and lanais offer great ways to enjoy outdoor living — the difference lies in coverage, comfort, and year-round use.
If you’re not sure where to start, begin with a simple patio. Then, when you’re ready to upgrade, a screened or glass-enclosed lanai adds value, comfort, and functionality to your Florida home.
At Lifetime Enclosures, we help Jacksonville-area homeowners design and build beautiful outdoor spaces that last. Whether it’s a patio enclosure, a full lanai, or a custom sunroom, we’ll tailor it to your home, your needs, and your lifestyle.
Contact us today for a free estimate — and let’s bring your outdoor vision to life.
Take a drive through any Florida neighborhood, and you’ll see big, screened-in cages covering backyard pools. Around here, it’s rare to see a pool without one.
If you’re visiting from out of state, you may wonder why swimming pools are covered in Florida.
At first glance, it could seem like a design trend or just a quirky regional preference. But there’s a lot more to it. Pool enclosures are incredibly common in Florida for several practical, climate-related, and legal reasons.
Lifetime Enclosures has installed thousands of custom pool cages across the region. If you’ve ever wondered why pools are covered in Florida, or whether one makes sense for your home, here’s what you need to know.
In Florida, the terms pool cage, pool screen enclosure, and screened lanai all refer to the same general structure: a screened-in frame that surrounds your pool area, typically attached to the back of the home. You’ll see them in nearly every neighborhood, especially in places where the pool is part of a larger outdoor living space.
A Florida pool cage is usually built from aluminum framing and fine mesh screen panels. These materials are designed to hold up against heat, humidity, and strong winds. The structure covers the entire pool area (sometimes even a patio or outdoor kitchen) to create a protected environment without blocking airflow or natural light.
Locals call them “cages” because of the framed look, but don’t let the word fool you. Modern Florida swimming pool cages are sleek, open, and fully customizable. You’ll find everything from low-profile flat roof styles to dramatic gable and mansard designs. No matter your space or layout, there’s a pool screen enclosure Florida homeowners can use to match their lifestyle and home design.
The answer to this question comes down to comfort, safety, and long-term savings. Here’s a closer look at the reasons why homeowners across the state choose to cover their pools.
Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies, and no-see-ums. Add in frogs, snakes, and the occasional raccoon, and it’s easy to see why open-air pools can become a magnet for pests.
A pool screen enclosure gives you a physical barrier between your pool and the insects and critters that want to invade it. You can swim, relax, and entertain without constantly swatting bugs or scooping frogs out of the deep end. It also means fewer bites, fewer bug repellents, and a much better outdoor experience overall.
Want a closer look at the benefits of pool enclosures? Read more here.
Florida ranks high on the UV index for most of the year. There’s a greater risk of sunburn during midday hours. While sunscreen helps, it doesn’t cover everything, and reapplying constantly isn’t ideal when you’re trying to relax poolside.
Pool cages add a light screen between you and the sun. The mesh filters UV rays, giving you extra protection for your skin and your poolside furniture. It also helps prevent fading, cracking, or early damage to your pool liner and outdoor materials.
Florida’s lush landscape means leaf drop is constant. With regular thunderstorms and sudden gusts of wind, your pool can easily turn into a debris trap.
Florida swimming pool enclosures block leaves, branches, dirt, and even wind-blown trash from ending up in your water. For many homeowners, that alone makes pool cages in Florida a worthwhile investment.
Interestingly, enclosures can help you save money over time.
Less sun exposure means you won’t need to cool or heat the water as often. You’ll also use fewer pool chemicals, and your pump system won’t have to work as hard. Over time, these small savings can add up to lower energy bills and fewer maintenance headaches.
For many homeowners, Florida swimming pool cages are just as much about style as they are about function.
A screened enclosure gives your pool area structure and definition. It turns a basic backyard into a clean, modern outdoor space that looks finished, like a luxury retreat. With the right design, your enclosure can blend with your home’s roofline, patio, and landscaping. Some also include lighting, fans, or privacy screens.
Furthermore, adding a pool enclosure can raise your home’s resale value. Buyers in Florida expect pools to be covered, and many are willing to pay more for a home that already has a professionally installed Florida swimming pool enclosure.
Want ideas on how to take your outdoor space to the next level? Check out how to enhance your swimming experience with pool enclosures in our ultimate guide.
A common question homeowners ask is whether pool enclosures in Florida are legally required. The short answer is, not exactly. However, the law does require a safety barrier around residential pools, and a screened enclosure is one of the most effective ways to meet that requirement.
Under Florida law, all residential pools must have a safety feature that prevents unsupervised access. It could be a fence, self-closing gate, pool alarm, or a full enclosure. Many homeowners choose a screened enclosure because it checks the legal box and offers a long list of lifestyle benefits.
Not all swimming pool screen enclosures look the same, and that’s a good thing. Whether your style is modern, coastal, or classic Florida ranch, there’s a design that can match your home’s personality while still delivering the function you need.
Most Florida swimming pool enclosures are built using a combination of aluminum framing and mesh screening. Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and built to handle Florida’s hot, humid, and storm-prone climate. It also holds up well over time with minimal maintenance.
For the screen itself, fiberglass mesh is the most common, though some homeowners opt for polyester mesh for added durability. Upgrades like UV-blocking screens, no-see-um mesh, or privacy screens can give you more control over light, airflow, and visibility.
You’re not limited to a one-size-fits-all structure. Enclosures can be customized in size, shape, and roof style. Some of the most popular designs include:
If your pool area includes custom decking, tile, or pavers, your enclosure can be built around it.
Many homeowners choose colors and finishes that match their roof or trim. You can also add ceiling fans, lighting, or even outdoor speakers inside the enclosure to make it feel more like a complete living space.
A pool enclosure is just one piece of a bigger picture. At our local screen enclosure company, we believe indoor and outdoor upgrades should work together to make your space more beautiful and usable.
That’s why we don’t just install screen enclosures. We also help homeowners enhance their interiors with high-quality flooring, bathroom remodels, and custom outdoor features that bring everything together.
When your indoor flooring complements your patio finishes, and your pool screen enclosure in Florida matches the look and layout of your home, the result feels intentional. It’s easier to entertain, more comfortable to live in, and adds lasting value to your property.
Discover how to transform your pool for winter and keep it cozy and protected in our guide.
A pool enclosure helps reduce upkeep, shields you from the sun, and turns your backyard into a space you can use every season. In a state where outdoor living is a part of daily life, it makes perfect sense.
At Lifetime Enclosures, we design and build custom pool enclosures that make Florida living easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Our team is here to help you make the most of your backyard.
Schedule your free consultation today and find out how we can help enhance your home.
Living in Florida comes with its fair share of advantages – beautiful beaches, warm weather, and a laid-back lifestyle. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges. For homeowners, one of the most persistent challenges is maintaining the home’s exterior and outdoor spaces. From cleaning the pool to dealing with constant pest problems, Florida homeowners often find themselves dedicating a significant amount of time and money to outdoor upkeep.
An outdoor kitchen is more than just a cooking space; it’s an extension of your home and a gathering hub for family, friends, and guests. Whether you’re grilling steaks, entertaining, or preparing a family meal, your outdoor kitchen should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. One of the most critical factors in creating an outdoor kitchen that enhances your lifestyle is choosing the right layout that works with the unique characteristics of your space.
If you’ve recently had your lanai converted by Lifetime Enclosures, you now have an amazing opportunity to reimagine how you use your newly transformed space. A lanai—traditionally a screened-in porch or balcony—is a wonderful way to extend your living area and take full advantage of the beauty of the outdoors. With your lanai now fully enclosed and made more functional, you have endless possibilities to create a space that fits your unique lifestyle.
Florida’s perfect for outdoor living. But if you step outside for more than a few minutes, you might be swatting at mosquitoes, brushing off pollen, or trying to escape the relentless heat. It’s part of the deal when you live in the Sunshine State.
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up. If you’ve got a pool or patio you’d like to use more often—minus the constant bug-swatting or never-ending cleanup—a screen enclosure could be the perfect solution.
A sunroom is one of the most versatile and rewarding home additions, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside while providing a comfortable, climate-controlled space. If you’re looking to maximize natural light and enhance your living area, a sunroom is the perfect solution. Here’s how a sunroom can transform your home and lifestyle.
