Screened enclosures, pergolas, shade structures, outdoor kitchens, patios, and backyard living upgrades for homeowners in Ocala, Marion County, Sumter County, The Villages, Wildwood, and nearby Central Florida communities.
Call (352) 356-5036 for a free outdoor living estimate.
Florida Legacy Construction builds screened enclosures, pergolas, shade structures, outdoor kitchens, patios, and backyard living upgrades throughout Marion County, Sumter County, Lake County, and Central Florida. Travis Strickland, licensed building contractor CBC1268994, leads the company’s standards, planning, and project oversight. When permits or inspections are required for outdoor living structures, our team helps coordinate the proper process based on the project scope and local requirements.
Central Florida's climate makes outdoor living possible 10 to 11 months of the year. The challenge is managing heat, rain, and insects. A screened enclosure, shade structure, or outdoor kitchen adds months of usable outdoor time. It protects furniture and guests from afternoon storms and mosquitoes.
Outdoor Living Services
Screened Enclosures
Aluminum-framed screen enclosures for pool areas, back patios, and lanais throughout Marion County. Covers new enclosure construction, screen replacement on existing frames, and pool cage repair. All enclosures are engineered for Marion County's 130 mph wind zone and permitted through the Marion County Building Department.
Screened Enclosure GuidePergolas and Shade Structures
Wood and aluminum pergolas, covered patios, and shade structures for Central Florida homes. Structural pergolas attached to the house require a building permit in Marion County. Free-standing pergolas over a certain size also require permits. Florida Legacy Construction pulls all required permits and engineers all attached structures to Florida Building Code wind load standards.
Pergola and Shade GuideOutdoor Kitchens
Built-in outdoor kitchens with gas grills, side burners, refrigerators, sinks, and countertops for Marion County homes. Outdoor kitchens with gas lines require a plumbing permit. Electrical connections require an electrical permit. Florida Legacy Construction coordinates all trade permits. We handle everything from frame construction through countertop and appliance installation.
Outdoor Kitchen GuideOutdoor Living Cost Guide
Real 2025 cost ranges for screened enclosures, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens in Marion County. Covers screen enclosure cost per square foot by size, pergola costs by material, and outdoor kitchen cost ranges by scope. Also covers Marion County permit fees for outdoor structures.
View Cost GuideWhy Permits Matter for Outdoor Structures in Marion County
Many outdoor living structures are sold and installed by unlicensed contractors without permits. This is one of the most common code violations in Marion County. Here is why it matters.
Insurance Will Not Cover Unpermitted Structures
If a hurricane damages an unpermitted screen enclosure or pergola, most homeowner's insurance policies will not pay the claim. The structure was built without a permit and inspection. This puts it outside the terms of most homeowner policies.
Wind Load Engineering Is Required
Marion County is in a 130 mph wind zone. Screened enclosures and pergolas must be engineered to resist that wind load. Structures built without permits are rarely engineered correctly. They fail in hurricane conditions and can become projectiles that damage your home or neighbors.
Unpermitted Structures Create Problems at Sale
When you sell your home, the buyer's inspector or lender will flag unpermitted structures. You may be required to either permit the structure retroactively or remove it before the sale can close. Retroactive permitting often requires demolishing and rebuilding the structure to code.
CBC License Required for Most Outdoor Builds
A screened enclosure, covered patio, or outdoor kitchen with gas and electric connections requires a CBC license to permit legally. Handymen and unlicensed contractors cannot pull these permits. Florida Legacy Construction holds CBC1268994 and pulls all required permits for every outdoor living project.
Cost Overview for Marion County 2025
| Project | Typical Cost Range | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|
| Screen enclosure (new, pool area) | $8 to $15 per sq ft | Yes |
| Screen enclosure (patio or lanai) | $10 to $18 per sq ft | Yes |
| Screen replacement only (existing frame) | $1.50 to $4 per sq ft | No |
| Pergola (wood, free-standing) | $5,000 to $14,000 | Yes (if over certain size) |
| Pergola (aluminum, free-standing) | $8,000 to $18,000 | Yes |
| Covered patio (attached to home) | $12,000 to $28,000 | Yes |
| Outdoor kitchen (basic) | $12,000 to $22,000 | Yes |
| Outdoor kitchen (full build) | $28,000 to $55,000 | Yes |
Cities We Serve
Florida Legacy Construction builds outdoor living structures throughout Marion County, Sumter County, and Lake County. Each city page covers local considerations including neighborhood aesthetics, HOA requirements, and common outdoor living projects in that market.
Outdoor Living Cost Guide
Full 2025 cost breakdown for screened enclosures, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens in Marion County. Includes permit fees and what drives cost up or down in Central Florida.
View Cost GuideHome Additions Hub
Adding a Florida room or enclosed patio? That crosses into home addition territory. See the home additions hub for enclosed living space added to your home's footprint.
Home Additions HubFrequently Asked Questions
Do outdoor living structures require permits in Marion County?
Yes. Screened enclosures, pergolas, covered patios, and outdoor kitchens with gas or electrical connections all require permits in Marion County. Free-standing pergolas over a certain size also require permits. Marion County inspects all permitted outdoor structures. Florida Legacy Construction handles all permit applications through the Civic Access portal and coordinates all inspections.
How much does a screened enclosure cost in Marion County?
A new screen enclosure for a pool area in Marion County runs $8 to $15 per square foot installed. A patio or lanai enclosure runs $10 to $18 per square foot. A 600 square foot pool enclosure costs $4,800 to $9,000. Permit fees are included in the written estimate. Screen replacement on an existing aluminum frame (no structural work) runs $1.50 to $4 per square foot. Florida Legacy Construction gives a fixed written price after visiting the property.
What is the difference between a screened enclosure and a Florida room?
A screened enclosure is an aluminum frame with screen panels. It is open to the outside air. A Florida room is an enclosed addition with walls, windows, and sometimes HVAC. A screened enclosure is an outdoor living structure. A Florida room is a home addition that adds conditioned living space to the home's footprint. Florida Legacy Construction builds both. See the Florida room guide for details on enclosed additions.
How much does a pergola cost in Central Florida?
A wood pergola in Marion County runs $5,000 to $14,000 installed. An aluminum pergola runs $8,000 to $18,000. A covered patio attached to the home runs $12,000 to $28,000 depending on size and roofing material. All attached pergolas and covered patios require a building permit. Florida Legacy Construction gives a fixed written price after visiting the property and confirming the attachment method and materials.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Marion County?
A basic outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, countertop, and storage runs $12,000 to $22,000. A full outdoor kitchen with grill, refrigerator, sink, cabinetry, and stone countertops runs $28,000 to $55,000. Outdoor kitchens with gas lines require a plumbing permit. Electrical connections require an electrical permit. Florida Legacy Construction coordinates all trade permits and handles the full build.
Can unlicensed contractors build outdoor living structures in Marion County?
No, not legally. Screened enclosures, covered patios, and outdoor kitchens with gas or electrical connections require a licensed contractor to pull permits. Handymen and unlicensed contractors cannot legally pull these permits in Marion County. Structures built without permits create insurance, resale, and safety problems. Florida Legacy Construction holds CBC1268994 and pulls all required permits for every outdoor living project.