Best Retractable Awnings in Florida: 2026 Buyer's Guide to Eastern Awning Systems & Shademaker Models
By Corey Courtright, second-generation awning manufacturer · 1800Awnings, Tampa FL
Florida is the hardest place in the country to own a retractable awning. You get UV that fades cheap fabric in a single summer, salt air that rusts plated steel from Pensacola to Key West, humidity that grows mildew in rolled-up fabric, afternoon thunderstorms that go from calm to 40 mph gusts in minutes, and a hurricane season that runs June through November.
We build and sell awnings out of 4608 N Hale Ave in Tampa, and we ship and support retractable awnings across the whole state: Tampa Bay, Orlando and Central Florida, Southwest Florida, South Florida, the First Coast and the Panhandle. 1800Awnings is the National Master Dealer for Eastern Awning Systems (Sunflexx® and SunScape®), and we build the Shademaker™ series (Helios™, Apollo™, Zeus™ and Hercules™) in our Tampa facility.
This guide compares all six models for Florida conditions. It covers wind, salt, the Florida Building Code, costs and which model fits your home, whether you're on the Gulf, the Atlantic, a lake in Orlando or a pool deck in The Villages. Find your city →
Quick picks: the best retractable awning for your Florida home
| Your situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfront or open lot, frequent gusts (Gulf beaches, Intracoastal, lakefront) | Eastern Sunflexx® | Patented shock-absorbing shoulder joint, certified engineered wind-load ratings, stainless cables, 15-year frame warranty |
| Sheltered patio or lanai, best value | Eastern SunScape® | American-made frame with stainless hardware from about $3,064 |
| West-facing patio with low afternoon sun | Shademaker Helios™ | Front bar pitch adjusts after the awning extends to block low sun and shed light rain |
| Coastal home that wants a clean, modern look | Shademaker Apollo™ Full Cassette | Fabric, arms and roller close completely inside an aluminum box, shielded from salt and sun |
| Wide lanai or pool deck, up to 40 ft | Shademaker Zeus™ | Full cassette from 9 to 40 ft wide, LED arm lights |
| Restaurants, clubhouses, very large patios | Shademaker Hercules™ | Up to 40 ft wide and 16'-6" projection, heavy-duty arm system |
The 6 retractable awnings we recommend for Florida
1. Eastern Awning Systems Sunflexx®: best for wind-exposed Florida homes
The Sunflexx® is Eastern Awning Systems' top model and the one we recommend most for Florida's coasts. Its patented urethane compression shoulder joint gives under a gust, raising the pitch by at least 2 inches per foot of projection, then returns the awning to its set position. Rigid arms fight the wind; the Sunflexx flexes with it.
Eastern says the Sunflexx is the only nationally sold retractable awning with certified engineered wind loads. Ratings vary by width and projection, so call 1-800-AWNINGS for the rating on your size. More in how the Sunflexx handles wind and rain.
- Sizes: 8 to 24 ft wide online (larger by quote); 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 ft projection
- Frame: A356-T6 aluminum arm castings (38,000 PSI); 304 stainless steel arm cables (2,400 lb breaking strength); stainless steel hardware
- Pitch: adjustable up to 45° for rain runoff
- Operation: manual crank or Somfy® motor with optional wind, sun and motion sensors
- Wind & Rain Package: protective hood, end covers and drop-valance shade screen
- Warranty: 15-year frame warranty including arm breakage and twisting; 10-year shoulder-joint warranty
- Price: from about $3,473 (8 × 6 ft)
Best for: Gulf and Atlantic beachfront, Intracoastal and bay homes, lakefront lots in Central Florida, second-story decks and anywhere open to wind.
2. Eastern Awning Systems SunScape®: best value for sheltered patios
The SunScape® is Eastern's American-made workhorse for homeowners who want solid construction without paying for the Sunflexx's wind engineering. It uses stainless steel nuts, bolts and arm cables throughout, which matters in Florida's salt and humidity even a few miles inland.
- Sizes: 8 to 24 ft wide online (larger by quote); 6, 8, 10 or 11'-6" projection
- Pitch: up to 45°
- Operation: manual crank or Somfy® motor
- Mounting: wall, roof or soffit brackets
- Warranty: 10-year limited frame warranty
- Price: from about $3,064 (8 × 6 ft)
Best for: screened-lanai neighborhoods, courtyard homes, patios shielded by the house or trees in Orlando, Tampa, Brandon, Lakeland, Ocala and Gainesville.
3. Shademaker Helios™: best for west-facing patios and low sun
Florida's worst heat comes from the west in late afternoon, when the sun is too low for a normal awning to block. The Shademaker Helios™ has an adjustable front bar: once the awning is out, you tilt the front bar to cut low-angle sun and glare or to guide light rain off the sides.
- Sizes: 12 to 29 ft wide; 10'-6" or 12'-0" projection
- Operation: motorized, Somfy® (Altus RTS or 4-wire, manual override available)
- Fabric: 150+ Sunbrella® solution-dyed acrylics
- Options: LED lighting kit ($682); Somfy sensors: sun ($263), Eolis 3D wind ($308), Ondeis rain/sun ($407); hood and end covers
- Built in: Tampa, Florida
- Price: $4,655 (12 ft × 10'-6") to $9,757 (29 × 12 ft)
Best for: Gulf-coast sunset patios (Clearwater, St. Pete Beach, Sarasota, Naples), west-facing pool decks and restaurant patios.
4. Shademaker Apollo™ (Semi-Cassette & Full Cassette): best coastal protection
In Florida, an awning spends most of its life closed. The Apollo™ addresses that. The full cassette closes the fabric, arms and roller completely inside an aluminum box, sealing them off from salt spray, pollen, rain and UV. The semi-cassette has a hood over the rolled fabric at a lower price.
- Sizes: 11 to 23 ft wide; 8'-2", 10'-6", 11'-6" or 13'-0" projection
- Operation: Somfy® motor (5-year warranty); optional wind and sun sensors, smart-home control
- Fabric: 150+ Sunbrella® fabrics (10-year warranty)
- Apollo Night Series™: LED arm lights (2-arm $789, 3-arm $1,091) plus optional LED front bar
- Finishes: Alpine (white), Onyx (black), Walnut (dark bronze), Sierra (neutral bronze)
- Price: semi-cassette from $5,639; full cassette from $6,450, up to about $11,200 for 23 × 13 ft
Best for: beachfront and bayfront homes, modern coastal architecture and anyone who wants the longest service life. Semi- vs. full-cassette explained →
5. Shademaker Zeus™: best full cassette for wide lanais and pool decks
The Zeus™ brings a slim, low-profile full cassette to much wider spans: 9 to 40 ft. That makes it the natural choice for the long pool decks and lanais common in Florida homes.
- Sizes: 9 to 40 ft wide; 6'-7", 8'-2", 10'-6", 11'-6" or 13'-0" projection
- Operation: Somfy® motor (5-year warranty), remote and smart-home control
- Fabric: Sunbrella® (10-year warranty)
- Zeus Night Series™ LED arm lights: 2-arm $753, 3-arm $1,055, 4-arm $1,506
- Built in: Tampa, Florida
- Price: $4,322 to $14,965
Best for: pool decks in Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton and Palm Beach; long rear elevations; homes that want one awning instead of two.
6. Shademaker Hercules™: best for the biggest spaces and commercial patios
The Hercules™ is our heavy-duty system for coverage other retractables can't reach: 17 to 40 ft wide with 14'-9" or 16'-6" projection, and multiple units can be linked.
- Frame: reinforced aluminum, heavy-duty torsion bar, Hercules Arm System™
- Operation: high-torque Somfy® motor (5-year warranty) with wind and sun sensors
- Fabric: Sunbrella® (10-year warranty)
- Options: protective hood and end covers; LED arm and front-bar lighting
- Built in: Tampa, Florida
- Price: $9,477 (17 ft × 14'-9") to $23,225
Best for: restaurants, bars, clubhouses, HOA amenity centers, marinas and estate-size patios anywhere in Florida.
Side-by-side: Florida retractable awning comparison
| Sunflexx® | SunScape® | Helios™ | Apollo™ | Zeus™ | Hercules™ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Eastern Awning Systems | Eastern Awning Systems | Shademaker | Shademaker | Shademaker | Shademaker |
| Housing | Open (hood optional) | Open | Open (hood optional) | Semi or full cassette | Full cassette | Heavy-duty, hood & end covers |
| Width | 8–24 ft+ | 8–24 ft+ | 12–29 ft | 11–23 ft | 9–40 ft | 17–40 ft |
| Max projection | 14 ft | 11'-6" | 12 ft | 13 ft | 13 ft | 16'-6" |
| Manual option | Yes | Yes | Override only | No | No | No |
| Wind design | Shock-absorbing shoulder joint, certified wind loads | Standard | Dual-cable tension arms | Sealed bearings, torsion bar | Sealed bearings | Reinforced arms, torsion bar |
| Stainless hardware | Yes | Yes | — | — | — | — |
| LED lighting | — | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key warranty | 15-yr frame | 10-yr frame | Sunbrella fabric | 5-yr motor, 10-yr fabric | 5-yr motor, 10-yr fabric | 5-yr motor, 10-yr fabric |
| Starting price | ~$3,473 | ~$3,064 | $4,655 | $5,639 | $4,322 | $9,477 |
Prices are 1800Awnings online starting prices as of September 2026 and include free shipping to the 48 contiguous states; installation is not included.
Florida wind ratings, building code and permits, explained
No retractable awning is a hurricane product
Florida's design wind speeds for buildings run from roughly 130–140 mph in Orlando and Jacksonville, 140–160 mph around Tampa Bay, 160–170 mph in Naples/Collier and 170–175 mph in Broward and Miami-Dade, up to about 180 mph in the Keys. No fabric retractable awning is built to stay open in those winds. Anyone who calls a retractable awning "hurricane-proof" is selling you something.
For comparison, the European standard for retractable awnings (EN 13561) rates wind resistance by class. Even the highest, Class 3, is roughly 25–31 mph (Beaufort 6, a "strong breeze"). The rule is the same for every brand: retract before storms, when you leave home and overnight. See also our guide to the best retractable awnings for wind.
What actually matters in Florida wind
- A wind sensor. A Somfy Eolis 3D or similar sensor retracts the awning automatically when it detects the shaking that comes before a gust front, whether you're home or not. For Florida, we consider it essential on every motorized awning.
- An arm that flexes. Sudden summer thunderstorm gusts break arms before anyone can react. The Sunflexx's shoulder joint is designed for exactly that moment.
- Protection when closed. A hood, semi-cassette or full cassette protects the fabric and mechanism during the months the awning is rolled up.
- Correct mounting. Most failures we see in Florida are fastener or wall failures, not arm failures. Lag into solid framing or use through-bolts and blocking; on block homes, use the right masonry anchors.
Florida Building Code and permits
Awnings fall under Chapter 31 (Section 3105) of the Florida Building Code, which requires them to resist wind and live loads per Chapter 16. Local building departments apply it differently:
- City of Tampa issues awning permits as a "Building Miscellaneous" permit, with product approval documents and inspections.
- Miami-Dade County (unincorporated) requires a Zoning Improvement Permit for a new awning installation.
- Miami-Dade and Broward are the state's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), with stricter wind-load rules (FBC Section 1620) and Miami-Dade NOA product control.
- Motorized awnings may also need an electrical permit.
- Rules vary by city and county, so check with your local building department or call us before you order. We'll help you get the documents your jurisdiction asks for.
For a deeper dive, read our guide to hurricane-rated retractable awnings in Florida.
HOAs
Since July 1, 2024, Florida Statute §720.3035(6) requires HOAs to adopt hurricane-protection specifications and not deny conforming applications. That list covers shutters, impact windows and similar products; it doesn't name awnings. Plan on normal architectural review for a retractable awning, and bring the fabric color, frame finish and a photo or rendering to the application. Neutral Sunbrella colors and a cassette housing get approved fastest in our experience.
Retractable awnings across Florida, region by region
Tampa Bay: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Wesley Chapel
This is our home market. Bayfront and Gulf-beach homes (St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Apollo Beach, Davis Islands) get the Sunflexx with motor, wind sensor and hood or the Apollo Full Cassette. Inland suburbs with screened lanais often do well with the SunScape or Zeus. West-facing Gulf patios are the classic fit for the Helios adjustable front bar.
Sarasota, Bradenton & Venice
Salt air on Longboat Key, Anna Maria and Siesta Key calls for a cassette housing and stainless hardware. The Apollo Full Cassette and Sunflexx are the top choices; the Helios handles low sunset glare over the Gulf.
Southwest Florida: Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Punta Gorda
Canal homes and big pool decks are the norm, and after Hurricanes Ian and Milton homeowners want shade they can put away. The Zeus (up to 40 ft) covers long pool decks with one unit; the Apollo Full Cassette suits Naples' modern coastal homes.
Orlando & Central Florida: Orlando, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Lake Nona, The Villages, Lakeland
Central Florida is less about salt and more about heat, pop-up thunderstorms and lightning. A wind sensor is the must-have. The SunScape is a strong value for sheltered patios; the Sunflexx is our pick for lakefront homes on the Butler Chain, Lake Nona or Lake Minneola where wind comes across open water.
South Florida: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Beach
Miami-Dade and Broward are the HVHZ, with the state's strictest permitting. Plan for a permit, retract before every storm, and choose a cassette housing for condo balconies and oceanfront homes. The Apollo and Zeus full cassettes fit the modern architecture, and the Hercules covers restaurant and club patios.
Space Coast & Treasure Coast: Melbourne, Vero Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie
Constant Atlantic onshore breeze makes the Sunflexx shoulder joint and a wind sensor especially valuable. Oceanfront homes should add a hood or choose a full cassette.
Northeast Florida: Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Amelia Island
Lower design wind speeds than South Florida but plenty of salt air and nor'easters. The Sunflexx or Apollo for beach and Intracoastal homes; the SunScape for inland Jacksonville suburbs.
Panhandle & North Central: Pensacola, Destin, Panama City Beach, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Ocala
The Emerald Coast gets strong Gulf storms and bright white-sand glare; the Sunflexx, Apollo and Helios all do well. Inland Tallahassee, Gainesville and Ocala homes usually get the best value from the SunScape or Zeus. Every model ships free to the Panhandle.
Retractable awnings by Florida city
Tampa Bay:Apollo Beach · Brandon · Clearwater · Dunedin · Lakeland · Land O' Lakes · Largo · New Port Richey · Palm Harbor · Plant City · Riverview · Spring Hill · St. Pete Beach · St. Petersburg · Tampa · Tarpon Springs · Wesley Chapel · Winter Haven
Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte:Anna Maria Island · Bradenton · Lakewood Ranch · North Port · Port Charlotte · Punta Gorda · Sarasota · Siesta Key · Venice
Southwest Florida:Bonita Springs · Cape Coral · Estero · Fort Myers · Fort Myers Beach · Marco Island · Naples · Sanibel
Orlando & Central Florida:Altamonte Springs · Celebration · Clermont · Kissimmee · Lake Mary · Mount Dora · Ocala · Orlando · Oviedo · Sanford · The Villages · Windermere · Winter Garden · Winter Park
Space Coast & Treasure Coast:Cocoa Beach · Melbourne · Palm Bay · Port St. Lucie · Stuart · Titusville · Vero Beach
Palm Beach County:Boca Raton · Boynton Beach · Delray Beach · Jupiter · Palm Beach Gardens · Wellington · West Palm Beach
Miami-Dade & Broward:Coral Gables · Coral Springs · Fort Lauderdale · Hialeah · Hollywood · Homestead · Key Biscayne · Miami · Miami Beach · Pembroke Pines · Plantation · Pompano Beach · Weston
Florida Keys:Key Largo · Key West
Northeast Florida:Daytona Beach · Fernandina Beach · Jacksonville · Jacksonville Beach · New Smyrna Beach · Ormond Beach · Palm Coast · Ponte Vedra Beach · St. Augustine
North Central Florida:Gainesville · Tallahassee
Panhandle & Emerald Coast:Destin · Fort Walton Beach · Navarre · Panama City Beach · Pensacola · Santa Rosa Beach
Florida retractable awning buying checklist
- Stainless hardware everywhere salt can reach, not just "stainless accents"
- Solution-dyed acrylic fabric (Sunbrella® or equivalent) with a real fabric warranty
- Powder-coated aluminum frame; lighter finishes run cooler in full sun
- Somfy® motor with a wind sensor, so it retracts on its own
- Hood, semi-cassette or full cassette if you're within a few miles of salt water
- Pitch set for runoff, so rain doesn't pool (both Eastern models adjust up to 45°)
- Mounting surface checked: block, frame or soffit, and the right anchors for it
- Permit and HOA requirements confirmed before you order
- A hurricane plan: retracted, power off, and remote in the storm kit
What does a retractable awning cost in Florida?
At 1800Awnings, starting prices (with free shipping) are about $3,064 for a SunScape, $3,473 for a Sunflexx, $4,322 for a Zeus, $4,655 for a Helios, $5,639 for an Apollo semi-cassette ($6,450 full cassette) and $9,477 for a Hercules. A typical Florida patio (16–20 ft wide, 10–12 ft projection, motorized with a wind sensor) usually lands in the mid-four to low-five figures before installation, depending on model and options. Financing from 0% APR is available at checkout. See our retractable awning cost guide and how to measure.
Florida retractable awning FAQ
What is the best retractable awning for Florida?
For wind-exposed and waterfront homes, the Eastern Awning Systems Sunflexx®, thanks to its shock-absorbing shoulder joint, certified wind-load ratings, stainless cables and 15-year frame warranty. For maximum protection from salt air when closed, the Shademaker Apollo™ Full Cassette. For sheltered patios on a budget, the Eastern SunScape®.
Can a retractable awning stay out during a hurricane or tropical storm?
No. No retractable fabric awning is designed to stay extended in tropical-storm or hurricane winds. Retract it fully before any storm, and use a motorized awning with a wind sensor so it retracts itself when gusts hit.
Do I need a permit for a retractable awning in Florida?
Often, yes. The City of Tampa requires a building permit with product approval documents, and Miami-Dade requires a zoning improvement permit for a new awning. Motorized awnings may also need an electrical permit. Requirements vary by city and county, so check with your local building department.
What is the difference between a semi-cassette and full cassette awning?
A semi-cassette has a hood over the rolled fabric while the arms stay exposed. A full cassette closes the fabric, arms and roller completely inside an aluminum box. In Florida's salt air and sun, a full cassette gives the longest life; on the Shademaker Apollo™ it costs about $1,020 more at most sizes.
How much does a retractable awning cost in Florida?
At 1800Awnings, retractable awnings start at about $3,064 (Eastern SunScape®), $3,473 (Eastern Sunflexx®), $4,322 (Shademaker Zeus™), $4,655 (Shademaker Helios™), $5,639 (Shademaker Apollo™) and $9,477 (Shademaker Hercules™), with free shipping. Final cost depends on size, motorization, sensors, lighting and installation.
What is the largest retractable awning available?
The Shademaker Zeus™ and Hercules™ go up to 40 feet wide, and the Hercules™ projects up to 16'-6". Multiple Hercules units can be linked for even wider spans.
Will salt air ruin a retractable awning?
It will ruin plated steel hardware and cheap fabric. Choose stainless steel hardware and cables, powder-coated aluminum, solution-dyed acrylic fabric such as Sunbrella®, and a hood or cassette to protect the fabric when closed. Rinse the frame with fresh water a few times a year.
Do you install retractable awnings throughout Florida?
1800Awnings is based in Tampa and serves the whole state, from Tampa Bay, Orlando, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and the Panhandle. Every retractable awning ships free, typically in 2–3 weeks, and many homeowners self-install with our DIY guide. Call 1-800-AWNINGS for help with sizing, installation options and permits.
Get the right awning for your Florida home
Tell us your city, the width and depth of your patio, and which way it faces, and we'll recommend the right Sunflexx®, SunScape® or Shademaker™ model and send a quote. Call 1-800-AWNINGS (296-4647), request a quote, or visit us at 4608 N Hale Ave, Tampa, FL 33614.