What Is a Florida Room?

Florida is known for its hot, sunny weather, and Florida rooms are a great way to enjoy that weather with all the comforts of the indoors. Florida rooms aren’t limited to their namesake state—they’re found throughout the country, so homeowners can enjoy the outdoors without pesky insects, direct sun, or yard debris in the way. Our guide explores what Florida rooms are and why they can be a great addition to any home. 

What Is a Florida Room? 

Florida rooms are a type of sunroom, also known as garden rooms or three- or four-season rooms, and consist of one wall attached to the back or side of a home, a roof, and three walls of mesh screens or windows, sometimes with partial low walls. These rooms allow you to enjoy the warm weather without having to sit in direct sun, fend off insects, or constantly sweep up yard debris. Florida rooms vary widely in style, use, and construction but generally match the rest of the home from the outside. Florida rooms with only mesh screens are considered three-season rooms, while those that have low walls and glass windows are classified as four-season rooms. 

What Is a Florida Room Used For?

Florida rooms can be customized for a wide range of uses, including:

• Lounge or living room with outdoor furniture

• Kids’ playroom

• Semi-outdoor dining space

• Entertaining space

• Greenhouse or conservatory

Florida Room vs. Other Types of Sunrooms

With so many types of sunrooms, you may be confused about what sets a Florida room apart. Unlike California rooms, lanais, and covered porches, Florida rooms are fully enclosed with mesh walls or windows. Glass windows are more common in Florida rooms than Arizona rooms, although the two names are often used interchangeably. Screened porches are most often attached to the front of a home and use outdoor flooring or decking, while Florida rooms are found off the back or side of a home and have indoor/outdoor flooring like tile or waterproof laminate.

How Much Does a Florida Room Cost?

Building a sunroom addition costs an average of $22,000 to $73,000, and Florida room costs will run toward the middle or higher end of that average. A local sunroom contractor can design and build a Florida room that integrates seamlessly with your home’s design—choose a pro who builds sunrooms in the style you’re looking for.

A sunroom can add value to your home, so it’s a good return on investment when it comes time to sell. Whether or not your Florida room counts toward your home’s square footage depends on how it was built, local regulations, and more, so check local codes to learn if it’ll add to your square footage or simply be a valuable add-on.