The Best Retractable Awning for Florida and Coastal Homes
We're based in Tampa, so we see what Florida does to outdoor products. Intense sun, salt air, daily summer storms and hurricane season all punish cheap awnings. Here's what to look for, and why we recommend Eastern Awning Systems' Sunflexx® and SunScape® for coastal homes.
1. Stainless steel hardware, everywhere
Near salt water, zinc-plated bolts and steel cables rust within a season or two, and the rust streaks run down your wall and fabric. Both Eastern models use stainless steel nuts, bolts and arm cables. Eastern specifically points to this for coastal environments. Ask any other brand exactly which parts are stainless, because "stainless accents" often means only some.
2. Powder-coated aluminum
Powder coating holds up far better to UV and salt than paint. Both Sunflexx and SunScape use powder-coated castings and components. Lighter frame colors (white, ivory, beige) also stay cooler in direct sun.
3. A frame built for sudden gusts
Florida afternoon storms can go from calm to gusty in minutes. The Sunflexx's patented urethane compression shoulder joint flexes with gusts instead of fighting them, and it has certified wind load ratings. More in how the Sunflexx handles wind and rain.
For any coastal home, we strongly recommend:
- A motor with a wind sensor, so the awning retracts itself when you're not watching
- A protective hood to shield the rolled fabric from sun and salt spray
- Retracting fully before storms and whenever you leave home
4. Fade-resistant fabric
Solution-dyed acrylic has the color locked into the fiber rather than printed on the surface, so it resists fading in strong sun. Both Eastern models come with hundreds of solution-dyed colors and stripes. In full Florida sun, mid-tone colors and stripes hide fading and dirt better than very dark or very bright solids.
5. Pitch for rain runoff
Pooled water is one of the main causes of awning damage. Set enough pitch that rain runs off the front, and retract during heavy downpours. Both models adjust up to 45°.
6. Hurricane season
A retractable awning is not a hurricane shutter and must be fully retracted before tropical storms. Its advantage over a fixed fabric awning is exactly that: you can roll it away. If you want storm protection for openings, look at our motorized retractable screens and Bahama shutters.
Sunflexx or SunScape for the coast?
- Waterfront, open or elevated lot: Sunflexx, with motor, wind sensor and hood
- Sheltered patio a few blocks inland: SunScape is often enough, and its stainless hardware still handles humidity and salt air
Read the full Sunflexx vs SunScape comparison.
Buying in Florida
1800Awnings.com is at 4608 N Hale Ave, Tampa, and is the National Master Dealer of Eastern Awning Systems. We serve Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Orlando and Miami, and ship free to all 48 contiguous states.
Call 1-800-AWNINGS to talk through your home.
Written by Corey Courtright
Second-Generation Awning Manufacturer & Industry Expert
Corey Courtright is a second-generation awning manufacturer and a recognized innovator in aluminum TIG-welded structures within the awning industry. With over 38 years of hands-on experience, he has worked across every facet of the business—from fabrication and sewing to welding, installation, sales, and service—giving him a rare, comprehensive understanding of the craft. Starting his career as a pipe threader, Corey went on to build and lead multiple successful awning companies. Now based in Florida since 2016, he brings deep technical expertise, proven leadership, and a legacy of innovation to every project and insight he shares.