Do I Need a Permit to Screen in My Porch in Florida?

Screen Enclosures August 2022
Screened-in porch and pool cage patio in Lakeland, FL

Your porch and swimming pool are the perfect places to enjoy the summer outdoor weather.

However, one issue many people experience in outdoor areas is the inconvenience of dealing with dirt, dust, and bugs.

This might have resulted in you wanting to screen your porch.

You must consider several things before calling the professionals, but the most important is permits.

As one of the top-rated screen enclosure companies in Florida, here are some things we think you should know about permits before screening in your porch.

Is It Mandatory To Obtain A Permit Before Screening In Your Porch?

Whether you want to screen in an existing or new porch, you must have the proper permits.

These permits ensure the project’s safety, the project complies with the building codes, and protects the value of your property and your neighbors’.

At True Aluminum, we handle the whole process for you.

From the application to the permit, as well as any associated fees.

What Does The Permit Entail?

The permits’ requirements and obligations in Florida vary by county and city.

In some counties, for example, the permit might require that the project includes a digital engineering and drainage plan, while other counties might require neither.

As Contractors that are familiar working throughout the Central Florida area, we know the various permit requirements.

It is important to work with a company that is licensed and experienced in this area.

What Happens If You Screen In Your Porch Without A License?

Some might ignore the permit requirement of the project because a porch looks small or the house was already inspected during construction. While a licensed and certified contractor will not let you skip this step, many try to get away with trying to do it without the permit using an unlicensed contractor - which can be a huge mistake.

Some Of The Consequences You Will Face Include:

  • Fines - While fines may differ from one county to the next, you will pay a penalty in addition to the money you paid for the work.
  • Demolition of the porch - You may have to tear down what has already been completed! Once your porch is demolished, you have to pay for the permits to get another built and more money for the labor and materials.
  • Problems selling the house - When buying a home, many buyers want to ensure the house meets all building codes. Without the permit, your house will remain on the market for a long time, and worst case scenario, it might not sell.

Who Should I Hire To Screen In My Porch?

Many contractors offer porch screening services in Florida, making it overwhelming to select the best.

The most important thing we recommend is that you find a company like True Aluminum that is licensed and insured.

Hiring an unlicensed contractor means you have no resources if they bail on you, or do the job incorrectly.

Also, consider looking the contractor up on the Better Business Bureau website.

This notifies you of any complaints previous clients have had with your contractor and what the contractors did in response.

Finally, you should read clients’ reviews on different platforms to help you know the kind of services to expect.

A screened-in porch helps you avoid dealing with bugs, dust, and debris. In addition to the design and materials you want to use - you should make sure you have the proper permits before screening in your porch in Florida.

This helps ensure it meets your area’s building codes, avoids fines, gets the job done properly and safely, as well as gives you higher chances of selling your house faster in future.

Contact us today to ensure you have the right permits and get your project completed with the highest quality.

Find Us in Plant City

Our office is at 4000 N Frontage Rd in Plant City. We serve homeowners and businesses throughout Central Florida. Polk, eastern Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

What Central Florida Says

Real Reviews From Real Central Florida Customers

Live from our Google Business Profile and Facebook page. Updated automatically.

"I had a great experience with the True Aluminum team! The team was professional, responsive, and did excellent work from start to finish. The quality of the cage installation exceeded my expectations, and the project was completed on time. The crew was courteous and respectful of my property, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a high-quality outdoor enclosure. Thank you for a job well done!"
Aridai Gonzalez Jun 2026
"We are more than satisfied with True Aluminum. The office staff and all of the personnel are very professional and immediately respond to any questions or requests. The work performed on my lanai is beyond expectation. We recommend True Aluminum 100%."
Nellie Marengo May 2026
"What a great vendor to work with! Did an outstanding job, very happy and would recommend to anyone for their lanai needs."
Tim Foster May 2026
"Everything was handled timely and with such professionalism. The office kept me informed every step of the way and the two who actually did the work were absolutely amazing. They showed up on time, worked diligently, were courteous, and every day they cleaned up. Everyone associated with True Aluminum was top rate! I would recommend them again and again."
Janice Atkinson Apr 2026
"Had a leak in our sunroom every time it rained. I had seen True Aluminum trucks in different parts of my neighborhood in Lake Ashton, so gave them a call for a repair estimate. Setup an appointment within a week and repair was scheduled within another week. Finn Mackenzie was my repair man, and he was very professional and a very down to earth real person to talk with! He told me his plan to repair and fix my whole problem and afterwards asked if I had any questions or concerns. I found out pretty fast Finn was a perfectionist! All work was done and everything cleaned up just as if no one was ever there."
Danny Phillips Apr 2026
"Excellent company! True Aluminum installed a screen system for our lanai. It was complicated with arches and a large area covered by an awning. From estimate to sitting in our screened area took about a week. Incredible!!! Chris and his team were so polite and respectful. I have used True for building, A/C, repairs, painting and now screening and have always had the best possible service and quality work. I can give no higher recommendation!"
Monte Erfourth Apr 2026

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers Central Florida homeowners ask us most often.

What services does True Aluminum provide?
We design, build, and repair aluminum outdoor structures across Central Florida: screen rooms and lanais, pool cages and enclosures, sunrooms, screen replacements and rescreens, patio and deck enclosures, carports, aluminum rails and fencing, storm shutters, seamless gutter installation, and paver installation.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Lakeland, Plant City, Winter Haven, Bartow, Brandon, Davenport, Mulberry, New Tampa, Valrico, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Auburndale, and the surrounding Central Florida communities across Polk, eastern Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. True Aluminum is fully licensed and insured, holding Florida aluminum specialty structure license SCC131151391.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We partner with Wisetack to offer financing on approved credit. Prequalifying takes about a minute and does not impact your credit score.
How do I get an estimate?
Call (863) 804-6021 or send the quote form and we will schedule your True Aluminum inspection. We look at the space, talk through options and materials, and give you a clear written estimate.
How many reviews do you have?
True Aluminum holds a 4.9 star rating across 250+ Google reviews. As part of the True family of companies serving Central Florida since 2009, our teams have served more than 100,000 customers.
Tap to call · 24/7 (863) 804-6021 Or schedule online →