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A Florida room is a home addition that has finished walls with windows lining the perimeter, while a screened-in porch, also known as an Arizona room, lacks windows and instead has screens to maintain constant ventilation. Florida rooms provide longer enjoyment throughout the year because they’re closed off and will naturally get heated from the sun, while a screened-in porch will just be the same temperature as the ambient air.

An Arizona room may or may not count toward your home’s square footage, depending on local regulations and the specifics of the room, but generally does not get included in the total square footage. In many locations, a room needs to be built to the same quality as the rest of the home, have an integrated heating/cooling system, and be habitable year-round to count toward square footage. 

The cost to screen in a porch depends on whether you are adding screens to an existing structure or building a new one from scratch. Adding screens to an existing porch costs about $5 to $7 per square foot, with a national average cost of around $2,800. For example, screening a 12-by-12-foot (144-square-foot) porch would likely cost between $700 and $1,000. If you are building a new screened-in porch, the cost is substantially higher. A new 12-by-12-foot screened-in porch can cost between $6,400 and $18,300, while a new 14-by-16-foot one averages around $11,000. The final price will vary based on the size of the porch, labor costs, and the materials you choose.

The cost of winterizing a screened porch can vary depending on the chosen method and the extent of the modifications required. Simple options like installing vinyl panels or using vinyl sheeting tend to be more affordable, while creating a four season room can involve higher costs due to renovation expenses. It's best to consult with professionals or obtain multiple quotes to get an accurate estimate for your specific project.