Screened Enclosures in Central Florida
Pool and patio screen enclosures for Marion County and Sumter County. Engineered for the 130 mph wind zone, permitted, and inspected.
Call (352) 356-5036 for a free estimate.
Florida Legacy Construction builds new screened enclosures and repairs existing screened outdoor spaces throughout Marion County, Sumter County, and Central Florida. We help homeowners plan enclosure projects based on the property, design goals, wind-load requirements, permitting needs, and project scope. Travis Strickland, licensed building contractor CBC1268994, leads the company’s standards, planning, and project oversight. When engineering, permits, or inspections are required, our team helps coordinate the proper process through the appropriate local building department.
Screened Enclosure Types
Pool Screen Enclosure
$8 to $15 per sq ftAluminum frame around the pool deck and pool. Also satisfies Florida pool barrier code requirements. Most popular outdoor living project in Central Florida. Keeps debris out of pool and mosquitoes off the deck.
Patio or Lanai Enclosure
$10 to $18 per sq ftScreen enclosure attached to the back of the home covering an existing patio or lanai slab. Higher per-square-foot cost than pool cages because of the roof framing required at the house connection point.
Screen Room Addition
$14 to $22 per sq ftLarger screen room built off the back of the house. Often includes a solid insulated roof panel rather than screen roof panels. Provides shade in addition to insect protection.
Screen Rescreening
$1.50 to $4 per sq ftReplacement of screen panels in an existing aluminum frame. No structural work. Does not require a permit. Can update screen mesh type (standard to no-see-um, or to phifer stormscreen).
Screen Mesh Options for Central Florida
| Mesh Type | Weave | Best For | Cost Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard fiberglass screen | 18x14 | General insect screening; good airflow | Base cost |
| No-see-um screen | 20x20 | Keeps tiny biting midges out; reduces airflow slightly | +$0.50 to $1.00 per sq ft |
| Super screen | 18x14 (heavy) | Higher tear resistance; good for active pool areas | +$0.75 to $1.50 per sq ft |
| Phifer Stormscreen | Heavy coated | High impact resistance; resists hurricane-driven debris | +$2 to $4 per sq ft |
| Pool screen (bottom panels) | 20x20 coated | Ground level panels; resist foot and pet traffic | +$1 to $2 per sq ft (bottom panels only) |
Florida Legacy Construction discusses mesh options at the estimate visit. Most Marion County homeowners choose no-see-um mesh. Central Florida's biting midges pass right through standard 18x14 screen.
Wind Load Engineering in Marion County
Marion County is in a 130 mph basic wind speed zone per ASCE 7. Every permitted screen enclosure must be engineered to resist this wind load. The engineering affects the post size, spacing, and connection hardware used in the frame. Marion County Building Safety reviews the engineering drawings before issuing the permit.
Unlicensed contractors and screen companies that do not pull permits often skip the engineering. These enclosures fail in strong storms. Post connections pull out of the slab, roof panels buckle, and screen panels tear free. A properly engineered and permitted enclosure holds together in the same storm conditions.
Pool Barrier Code and Screen Enclosures
Florida Statute 515 requires all residential pools to have a barrier that prevents unsupervised child access. A properly permitted and built screen enclosure satisfies this requirement. The enclosure door must be self-closing and self-latching. The latch must be on the pool side, at least 54 inches above the ground.
Once the new screen enclosure passes its final inspection, an existing pool fence barrier may be removed. Florida Legacy Construction advises on pool barrier compliance at the estimate visit.
The Screen Enclosure Build Process
Site Measurement and Estimate
Travis measures the area to be enclosed and discusses mesh type, roof style, and door placement. A fixed written estimate is provided.
Engineering and Permit
Engineering drawings are prepared for the enclosure. Florida Legacy Construction submits the permit application to Marion County via Civic Access. Permit processing runs 2 to 4 weeks.
Foundation Anchors
Post anchor holes are core-drilled into the existing slab at engineered spacing. Anchor hardware is set in epoxy per the engineer's specifications.
Frame Erection
Aluminum posts, beams, and roof framing are assembled and attached to the anchors. All connections use stainless steel hardware for corrosion resistance in Florida's climate.
Screen Installation
Screen panels are cut, tensioned, and installed in the aluminum frame. Door hardware is installed and adjusted for self-close and self-latch function.
County Inspection
Marion County Building Safety inspects the completed enclosure. After the inspection passes, the permit is closed and the pool barrier requirement is satisfied.
Screened Enclosure Cost Guide: Marion County 2025
| Project | Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pool screen enclosure (new) | 400 to 600 sq ft | $3,200 to $9,000 |
| Pool screen enclosure (new) | 600 to 1,000 sq ft | $5,400 to $15,000 |
| Pool screen enclosure (new) | 1,000+ sq ft | $8,000 to $18,000+ |
| Patio or lanai enclosure | 200 to 400 sq ft | $3,500 to $7,200 |
| Screen rescreening only | Any size | $1.50 to $4 per sq ft |
| Screen door replacement | Single door | $350 to $800 |
All prices include engineering drawings and permit fees. Florida Legacy Construction includes permit fees in every written estimate. Veterans may use a VA renovation loan to fund screened enclosure work as part of a home purchase.
Outdoor Living Cost Guide
See full cost ranges for screened enclosures, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens in Marion County in 2025.
View Cost GuidePergolas and Shade Structures
Covered patios and pergolas can be combined with a screen enclosure for a shaded, screened outdoor living area.
Pergola and Shade GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Do screened enclosures require permits in Marion County?
Yes. Every new screen enclosure in Marion County requires a building permit and a structural inspection. The only exception is screen rescreening on an existing frame with no structural changes. Marion County Building Safety inspects the foundation anchors, frame connections, and door hardware before the permit is closed. Florida Legacy Construction handles all permit applications through the Civic Access portal.
How much does a screen enclosure cost in Marion County?
A new pool screen enclosure in Marion County runs $8 to $15 per square foot installed. A 600 square foot enclosure costs $4,800 to $9,000. Patio and lanai enclosures run $10 to $18 per square foot. Screen rescreening on an existing frame runs $1.50 to $4 per square foot. All prices include engineering drawings and permit fees.
What screen mesh is best for Central Florida?
No-see-um mesh (20x20 weave) is the most popular choice for Central Florida. Standard 18x14 screen lets through the tiny biting midges that are common in Marion County from spring through fall. No-see-um mesh blocks them while still allowing good airflow. Super screen is a good upgrade for active pool areas because it resists tearing from pool toys and pets. Phifer Stormscreen offers the best impact resistance for enclosures on exposed lots.
Does a screen enclosure satisfy Florida pool barrier requirements?
Yes. A properly permitted and built screen enclosure satisfies Florida Statute 515 pool barrier requirements. The enclosure door must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground. Once the enclosure passes its final inspection, an existing pool fence barrier may be removed. Florida Legacy Construction advises on pool barrier compliance at the estimate visit.
How long does it take to build a screen enclosure in Marion County?
Marion County permit processing takes 2 to 4 weeks for screen enclosure permits. Physical construction takes 3 to 7 days depending on enclosure size. Total project time from permit submission to final inspection runs 4 to 7 weeks for most projects.
Can my existing screen enclosure be rescreened without a permit?
Yes. Replacing screen panels in an existing aluminum frame without any structural changes does not require a permit in Marion County. Florida Legacy Construction handles both rescreening and full enclosure builds. If the frame has corrosion damage or failed anchors, we advise on repairs needed before rescreening.