Quick answer: Motorized (electric) retractable awnings for Florida start at $4,322 for a Shademaker Zeus with a Somfy motor included. Eastern SunScape and Sunflexx awnings start at $3,064 and $3,473 manual, and motorizing adds about $665–$806. Add a wind sensor (about $308) so the awning retracts automatically when a storm builds.
In Florida, the awning you use is the one that opens with a button. Weather changes too fast for a hand crank: bright sun at 1 pm, a thunderstorm at 3, clear again by 5. A motorized retractable awning — also called an electric awning — lets you follow the weather in seconds, and with a wind sensor it protects itself when you are not home.
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New to retractables? Start with our Florida retractable awnings guide.
What makes an awning “motorized”
A tubular motor sits inside the roller tube and drives the fabric in and out. You control it with a handheld remote, a wall switch, or a smart-home hub or app, depending on the control package. The motor needs a standard power connection at the wall, which is usually the main installation item to plan for.
Why motorized matters more in Florida
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Afternoon storms: a wind or motion sensor on the front bar detects gusts and retracts the awning automatically.
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Daily use: homeowners with motorized awnings open them far more often, which is where the shade and cooling benefit actually comes from.
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Hurricane prep: one button stows every awning before a named storm. Commercial properties can group several awnings on one control.
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Lanais and second stories: awnings mounted high above a pool cage or on a balcony are impractical to crank by hand.
Weighing the cost difference? Read motorized vs. manual retractable awnings.
Motorized retractable awnings we sell
Final price depends on width, projection, fabric and control package. Measure your wall and send us the numbers for an exact quote.
Motorized awnings for Florida businesses
Restaurants, hotels, resort pool decks and retail patios use motorized awnings to keep outdoor space usable all day and to stow everything quickly before a storm. See restaurant awnings, resorts and hospitality, and commercial awnings.
Motorized retractable awnings near you
Tampa · Orlando · Sarasota · Naples · Fort Myers · Miami · Fort Lauderdale · West Palm Beach · Jacksonville · The Villages · all Florida areas
Frequently asked questions — motorized awnings in Florida
What is the difference between a motorized and an electric awning?
Nothing — they are two names for the same thing: a retractable awning driven by an electric motor instead of a hand crank.
Will a motorized awning retract on its own in a storm?
Yes, if it has a wind or motion sensor. The sensor detects strong gusts or shaking and tells the motor to retract. We recommend one on every Florida installation.
What if the power goes out?
Retract the awning before any forecast storm so a power outage never leaves it extended. Ask about manual override options when you order.
Do I need an electrician?
The motor needs power at the wall. If there is no outlet or junction box near the mounting location, plan for a licensed electrician as part of installation.
Request a free motorized awning quote or call 1-800-296-4647.
