Sarasota sits along Florida's Gulf Coast, with Sarasota Bay, barrier islands, downtown neighborhoods and residential communities extending inland. The city has a strong arts and cultural presence, a downtown and bayfront, and neighborhoods that range from historic bungalows to modern waterfront homes. For people who live here, the outdoors isn't a weekend activity. It's part of everyday life.
Sarasota's climate and outdoor-oriented lifestyle are among the reasons screened outdoor spaces are common throughout the area. Below, we look at some local considerations and what Sarasota homeowners should consider when planning a pool cage, lanai or patio enclosure.
Sarasota's climate and your outdoor space
Sarasota has a humid subtropical climate with long, warm summers and mild winters. That means outdoor spaces can be used for much of the year, but it also means dealing with conditions that can make an unprotected backyard less comfortable.
Sun and heat
Strong, direct sun is a constant. West-facing pool decks and lanais can become uncomfortable in the late afternoon, and UV exposure fades furniture and screen over time. Solar screen and motorized screens are options worth discussing for spaces that take strong afternoon sun.
Summer storms
Summer thunderstorms and seasonal weather are part of life on Florida's Gulf Coast, and applicable building requirements vary with the project and location.
Insects and humidity
With bays, canals, ponds and preserves throughout the area, mosquitoes and small biting insects are a fact of life, especially at dawn and dusk. No-see-um screen can help reduce small biting insects while maintaining a screened outdoor space.
Sarasota homes and enclosure design
Sarasota's housing is remarkably varied. Mid-century homes, including those influenced by the well-known Sarasota School of Architecture, emphasize clean lines, flat or low-slope roofs and a strong connection to the outdoors. Older neighborhoods closer to downtown include bungalows and cottages with front porches. Newer communities east of I-75 often feature tile roofs, tall ceilings and large covered lanais designed to open onto a pool.
Enclosure proportions, frame appearance and layout can be considered in relation to the home's existing architecture, rooflines and sightlines. Front porch enclosures on older homes, for example, can be planned with the original proportions of the porch in mind.
Outdoor living, Sarasota style
Sarasota residents spend a lot of time outdoors: on the water, at the beaches of the barrier islands, in parks along the bayfront, and at home. A screened pool and lanai is often the center of family life, a place for morning swims, weekend gatherings and quiet evenings. Many homeowners add outdoor kitchens, dining areas and lounge seating, turning the enclosure into the most-used room of the house.
Outdoor dining and gathering spaces are part of local business life as well. Commercial motorized screens are also available for appropriate restaurant, hospitality and other business applications.
Planning tips for Sarasota homeowners
A few local considerations are worth thinking about when planning a screened space in Sarasota:
- Orientation matters. Note which side of your pool or lanai takes the late-afternoon sun. Solar screen or motorized screens may be worth discussing for that side.
- Think about water views. Many Sarasota homes back onto canals, ponds, golf courses or preserves. Visibility can be a factor when considering layout and screen choices.
- Plan for pets and play. Pet-resistant screen is an option for households with pets.
- Consider insects near water. Homes close to mangroves, marshes or retention ponds may want to consider no-see-um screen.
- Match the architecture. Enclosure proportions and frame appearance can be considered alongside the home's existing style.
Properties nearer the coast may experience more salt-air exposure than homes farther inland, which is worth keeping in mind when discussing available frame finishes and screening choices.
Permits and local requirements
Screen enclosure projects within the City of Sarasota and unincorporated Sarasota County are subject to local building requirements, and many projects require a permit. Requirements vary by project type and location. For general information about city services, you can visit the City of Sarasota website. Applicable requirements can be discussed as part of the project conversation.
Our services in Sarasota
Residential services
- New pool enclosures and pool cages
- Full pool cage replacement
- Full pool cage and lanai rescreening
- Lanai, porch and patio enclosures
- Residential, custom and SUNPRO motorized screens
Commercial
- Motorized screens
For an overview of everything we offer, visit the Sarasota Screen Enclosures home page. You can also find Sarasota Screen Enclosures on Google Maps.