Blog

A Florida room is a bright, enclosed living space attached to your home that is filled with large windows and designed to let in as much natural sunlight as possible. Yes, adding a Florida room is worth it for most homeowners, especially in South Florida, where year-round sunshine makes this type of addition one of the most used and loved spaces in any home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average return on investment for a sunroom addition is about 49%, and in warm-climate markets like Coral Gables and greater Miami, that number can climb even higher. This article covers what a Florida room is, how it differs from a sunroom, the benefits it brings, what to consider before building one, and how it can add value to your home.

What Is a Florida Room and Why Is It So Popular?

A Florida room is a light-filled, enclosed addition built onto the back or side of a home. It features large glass windows, a solid insulated roof, and a design that blurs the line between indoor comfort and outdoor living. The concept first became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, when homeowners wanted a way to enjoy the outdoors without dealing with bugs, rain, and harsh sun. The name comes from its roots in the Sunshine State, where this type of room became a staple of residential living.

Today, Florida rooms are one of the most popular home additions across the southeastern United States. According to the National Association of Home Builders, extra living space that connects to outdoor views ranks among the top five features buyers look for in a home. Homeowners in Coral Gables and throughout Miami-Dade County love Florida rooms because the subtropical climate means the space can be enjoyed nearly every day of the year.

A well-built Florida room can serve as a morning coffee spot, a reading nook, a home office, a playroom, or an entertainment area. Many families across the Miami area use this room more than any other space in their home because it offers comfort, natural light, and a feeling of being outdoors without actually stepping outside. For homeowners thinking about expanding their living space, functional space additions like a Florida room are one of the smartest ways to add both comfort and value.

Is a Florida Room the Same as a Sunroom?

No, a Florida room is not exactly the same as a sunroom, though the two are very similar and the terms are often used interchangeably. The main difference comes down to roof style and regional naming. A Florida room typically has a solid, insulated roof made of standard roofing materials. A sunroom can have either a solid roof or a glass roof that lets in light from above.

Both rooms share the same core purpose: they are enclosed spaces with large windows designed to bring in natural light and connect you to the outdoors. The term "Florida room" is mostly used in the southeastern United States, especially in Florida. The rest of the country tends to use the word "sunroom." Other common names include patio room, garden room, sun porch, solarium, and three-season room.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 10% of household electricity usage comes from lighting. Both Florida rooms and sunrooms reduce the need for artificial light during the day, which can lead to lower energy bills. In a sunny city like Coral Gables, this benefit is even greater because homes receive strong natural light for most of the year.

What Is Another Name for a Florida Room?

Another name for a Florida room is a sunroom, and it also goes by several other names depending on the region. Common alternatives include patio room, garden room, solarium, sun porch, conservatory, and three-season room. In the Miami-Dade County area, you may also hear it called a lanai, though a lanai is slightly different because it is usually an open-air covered patio rather than a fully enclosed room.

The key thing to remember is that all of these names describe a similar concept: a light-filled space that bridges your home's interior with the outdoors. The name you use often depends on where you live. Homeowners across Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and South Miami tend to call it a Florida room out of local tradition.

Do Florida Rooms Add Value to a Home?

Yes, Florida rooms add value to a home. A properly built Florida room increases both the usable living space and the overall appeal of a property. According to Angi, formerly Angie's List, the average ROI for a sunroom or Florida room ranges from 20% for a basic screen room to 50% for a fully finished three- or four-season room. Data from HomeAdvisor confirms that a full addition sunroom can recoup between 50% and 70% of its cost at resale.

In South Florida, the return is often on the higher end of that range. The reason is simple: buyers in warm-climate markets like Coral Gables expect and value indoor-outdoor living spaces. A Florida room is not a luxury perk here. It is a practical feature that gets daily use. Realtors in the Miami area frequently highlight well-built Florida rooms as a key selling point because they make a home stand out from the competition.

One important detail to know is that a Florida room without heating and cooling is often left out of the home's official Gross Living Area, or GLA, during an appraisal. However, if you add HVAC to the space, it can be counted as part of the GLA, which directly raises the appraised value of your home. Homeowners who are weighing the cost of a home addition should also explore how other types of home additions compare in terms of value and livability.

What Is the Point of a Florida Room?

The point of a Florida room is to give you a comfortable, light-filled living space where you can enjoy the feeling of being outdoors without dealing with bugs, heat, rain, or humidity. It is a room designed around natural light and outdoor views, while still offering the protection and comfort of being inside your home.

A 2021 study published by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that indoor spaces designed for natural daylight exposure provide significant health benefits, including improved circadian rhythm, better sleep quality, and stronger mental well-being. The journal Environmental Health Perspectives has also reported that sunlight exposure increases serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, which improves mood and reduces stress.

For homeowners in the Coral Gables area, a Florida room also solves a very specific problem. South Florida's heat and humidity can make spending time outdoors uncomfortable for much of the year. A Florida room lets you soak in the sunshine and enjoy your backyard views without breaking a sweat. Many families across Miami-Dade County find that their Florida room becomes the most-used space in the house for exactly this reason.

Is There a Difference Between a Florida Room and a Sunroom?

Yes, there is a small difference between a Florida room and a sunroom, though the two overlap significantly. A Florida room typically has a solid, insulated roof and is built with aluminum framing and large glass windows. A sunroom can feature a glass or transparent roof panel in addition to glass walls, which lets in even more overhead light.

The other key difference is in how they are used across the country. In warm southern climates like South Florida, three-season Florida rooms are very common because the weather rarely gets cold enough to need full HVAC. In northern states, four-season sunrooms with full insulation and heating systems are more popular because the space needs to be comfortable during cold winters.

Both options add usable living space and curb appeal. The choice between the two usually comes down to your climate, your budget, and how you plan to use the room. Homeowners in Coral Gables who want year-round comfort can upgrade a Florida room with a mini-split HVAC system or connect it to their existing home resiliency systems for maximum performance in every season.

What Are the Benefits of Adding a Florida Room?

The benefits of adding a Florida room include more usable living space, increased natural light, improved mood and health, higher home value, and a versatile area that can be used for many different purposes.

Natural light alone is a major benefit. A 2022 study by researchers at the University of Chile and the University of Sheffield concluded that natural lighting conditions in housing significantly impact people's feelings of happiness and overall well-being. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. A Florida room counteracts this by flooding your home with sunlight, which supports vitamin D production, better sleep, and reduced stress.

From a practical standpoint, a Florida room adds flexible square footage without the high cost of a traditional home addition. Data from HomeAdvisor shows that a standard home addition costs an average of about $68,000 on the East Coast, while a sunroom or Florida room typically comes in lower. The added space can serve as a dining area, a home office, an exercise room, a reading retreat, or a play area for children. This kind of flexibility is especially valuable for families across the Coral Gables and greater Miami area, where every square foot of living space matters.

What Is the Disadvantage of a Florida Room?

The main disadvantage of a Florida room is that it can get very hot during the summer if it is not properly insulated or climate-controlled. Because the room is filled with large glass windows, it absorbs a tremendous amount of heat from direct sunlight. Without the right glass, insulation, and cooling system, the space can become uncomfortable from late spring through early fall, especially in South Florida.

Other disadvantages include the cost of construction, the need for building permits, and the potential for higher property taxes once the addition is assessed. In Miami-Dade County, all new structures and additions require a building permit and must comply with the Florida Building Code. Homes in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, which includes all of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, must use impact-resistant windows or approved hurricane shutters on any new glazed opening. This adds to the upfront cost but is critical for safety and insurance purposes.

Another potential downside is underuse. If a Florida room is not designed for how you actually live, it can end up sitting empty. Working with an experienced contractor who handles the full design-build process from the start helps avoid this problem. Homeowners in Coral Gables often benefit from making the addition look seamless with the rest of the home so it feels like a natural part of the living space rather than an afterthought.

Do Sunrooms Require a Foundation?

Yes, sunrooms and Florida rooms require a foundation. The type of foundation depends on the size and design of the room, local building codes, and soil conditions. Most Florida rooms in South Florida are built on a concrete slab foundation, which is the most common and cost-effective option for the region.

According to the Florida Building Code, any enclosed addition to a home must meet structural and foundational requirements to withstand hurricane-force winds and heavy rain. In Coral Gables and throughout Miami-Dade County, this means the foundation must comply with strict engineering standards. A poorly built foundation can lead to settling, cracking, and water intrusion, which will damage the room and lower your home's value over time.

Some prefabricated Florida room kits are designed to sit on an existing patio slab, but this approach may not meet local code requirements. For a permanent, high-quality addition, a purpose-built foundation is the safest and smartest choice. This is one area where hiring a licensed general contractor with local experience matters. Builders who know Coral Gables permit requirements can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Can a Florida Room Be a Bedroom?

Yes, a Florida room can be a bedroom if it meets certain building code requirements. To legally count as a bedroom, the room must have adequate insulation, a connected HVAC system for heating and cooling, at least one operable window for emergency egress, a minimum ceiling height of seven feet, and a minimum floor area of 70 square feet according to the International Residential Code.

Adding climate control to a Florida room effectively turns it into a four-season room, which means it can be classified as conditioned living space. Once it meets these criteria, the room can be included in the home's official Gross Living Area. This is a big deal for resale value because an extra bedroom can significantly increase a home's appraised value. According to the National Association of Realtors, adding a bedroom to a home can increase its market value by an average of 5% to 10%.

Homeowners in the Miami area who want to convert a Florida room into a bedroom should work with a contractor who can handle the structural upgrades, HVAC installation, and permitting. A whole home renovation approach can sometimes be the most efficient way to integrate this kind of conversion into a larger project.

What Type of Flooring Is Best for Florida Rooms?

The best types of flooring for Florida rooms are porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank, and polished concrete. These materials hold up well to moisture, humidity, and direct sunlight, which are all common in a glass-heavy room in South Florida.

Porcelain tile is the most popular choice in the Coral Gables area because it is durable, water-resistant, and stays cool underfoot even in hot weather. Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, is another strong option because it is affordable, easy to install, and comes in styles that look like real wood without the risk of warping from humidity. Polished concrete is ideal for homeowners who want a modern, minimalist look.

According to the National Association of Realtors' 2024 Remodeling Impact Report, new flooring is one of the top home improvements in terms of buyer appeal. Hardwood flooring consistently ranks as the most desired flooring type among buyers, but in a Florida room where moisture and sun exposure are constant, engineered wood or LVP is a better long-term choice than solid hardwood. Avoid carpet in a Florida room because it traps moisture and can develop mold in South Florida's humid climate.

How Do You Furnish a Florida Room?

You furnish a Florida room by choosing furniture and decor that complement the room's bright, airy character while standing up to sunlight and humidity. Start with a clear purpose for the space. Decide if you want a lounge area, a dining space, a home office, or a multi-use room, and build your furniture choices around that function.

For a lounge setup, choose deep cushioned chairs or a sectional sofa with UV-resistant and moisture-resistant fabric. Rattan, wicker, and teak furniture are excellent choices for Florida rooms because they are lightweight, naturally resistant to humidity, and fit the indoor-outdoor aesthetic. Add potted tropical plants to bring in color and texture. Ceiling fans are a must for air circulation, and sheer window treatments or woven shades help control glare without blocking the natural light.

Homeowners in Coral Gables who are designing a Florida room as part of a larger project can work with their builder to plan lighting, outlets, and built-in storage from the start. Matching the Florida room's finishes and style to the rest of the home creates a cohesive look that feels intentional. This is especially important when the addition connects to interior living spaces like a family room or kitchen.

What to Put in a Florida Room?

What to put in a Florida room depends on how you plan to use the space. The most common items include comfortable seating, a coffee table, indoor plants, ceiling fans, window treatments, and accent lighting. Many Coral Gables homeowners also add a dining table, a small bar cart, or a flat screen TV to make the room a true extension of daily living.

If you want to use the room as a home office, add a desk with good lighting and an electrical outlet plan that supports your technology needs. For a workout space, rubber flooring mats and basic equipment like a yoga mat or resistance bands work well. Families with children can set up a play area with soft rugs, a small bookshelf, and kid-friendly furniture.

The beauty of a Florida room is that it adapts to your life. Unlike formal living rooms that get used a handful of times a year, a Florida room invites daily use. Keeping the decor light, natural, and functional is the best approach. Avoid heavy dark furniture that absorbs heat and clashes with the bright, open feel of the space.

Does a Florida Room Need Hurricane Impact Windows in South Florida?

Yes, a Florida room built in South Florida needs hurricane impact windows or approved hurricane shutters. The Florida Building Code requires all glazed openings in new construction and additions to be protected against wind-borne debris. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties fall within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, or HVHZ, which has the strictest window and door requirements in the entire state.

According to the Florida Building Code, windows in the HVHZ must withstand wind speeds between 170 mph and 200 mph depending on the exact location. Products must pass testing under Miami-Dade TAS 201, 202, and 203 protocols, which are the most rigorous in the country. The Florida Building Code was created in 2000 in direct response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which exposed dangerous gaps in how homes were built across the state.

While impact windows increase the upfront cost of a Florida room, they also deliver long-term benefits. They reduce homeowners insurance premiums, block UV rays that fade furniture, and improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer. For homeowners in the Coral Gables area, impact-rated windows are not optional. They are required by law and are essential for home hardening and resiliency.

Do You Need a Permit to Add a Florida Room in Coral Gables?

Yes, you need a building permit to add a Florida room in Coral Gables. The City of Coral Gables requires permits for all new structures, additions, and enclosed spaces, including screen enclosures and room additions. According to Miami-Dade County's permitting guidelines, any work that constructs, enlarges, or alters a building must be permitted and inspected before, during, and after construction.

The permitting process in Coral Gables involves submitting detailed architectural drawings, a site plan showing setbacks, structural engineering calculations, and compliance documentation for the Florida Building Code. The review process can involve multiple departments, including zoning, building, and fire safety. Permit timelines in the area vary depending on project complexity and the current workload at the permitting office.

Skipping the permit is never worth the risk. Unpermitted work can result in fines, forced removal of the structure, and serious problems when you try to sell your home. An experienced design-build firm will handle the entire permitting process on your behalf, saving you time and protecting you from compliance issues.

Florida Room vs. Traditional Home Addition: How Do They Compare?

A Florida room and a traditional home addition both add square footage to your home, but they differ in cost, construction complexity, timeline, and use. Here is how they compare side by side:

FeatureFlorida RoomTraditional Home AdditionAverage Cost$22,000 to $75,000$80,000 to $200,000+Average ROI49% to 70%18% to 50%Construction Timeline4 to 8 weeks3 to 6 monthsNatural LightExcellent (floor-to-ceiling glass)Standard (typical window placement)HVAC RequiredOptional (upgrades to 4-season)Yes (always included)FoundationConcrete slabFull foundation systemVersatilityHigh (multi-use space)High (dedicated rooms)Permit RequiredYesYes

Sources: HomeAdvisor National Cost Data 2025, Angi ROI Data 2024, Journal of Light Construction Cost vs. Value Report 2025

For homeowners in Coral Gables who want additional living space without a six-figure investment, a Florida room delivers strong value. It costs less, takes less time to build, and provides one of the best indoor-outdoor experiences you can add to a home in South Florida. Homeowners considering bigger changes to their floor plan may also want to explore whether rebuilding or renovating makes more sense for their goals.

How to Make a Florida Room Energy Efficient in South Florida

Making a Florida room energy efficient in South Florida starts with choosing the right glass. Low-emissivity, or Low-E, glass reduces heat transfer and blocks harmful UV rays while still letting in visible light. Double-paned or insulated glass windows are another strong choice because the outer pane absorbs outdoor heat while the inner pane maintains room temperature.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows account for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. In a room made almost entirely of glass, the type of window you install has a direct impact on your monthly energy bills. Energy Star certified windows are the minimum standard to aim for, and in South Florida, look for windows with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or SHGC, which measures how much solar heat the glass lets through.

Other energy-saving strategies include installing ceiling fans to improve air circulation, adding UV-filtering window treatments, and choosing light-colored flooring and walls that reflect heat instead of absorbing it. If you add a mini-split HVAC system to your Florida room, it can operate independently from your home's central system, which prevents your main HVAC from working overtime. These kinds of smart upgrades are a natural fit for homeowners who are also investing in exterior curb appeal enhancements that improve both looks and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Florida Room in Coral Gables?

The cost to build a Florida room in Coral Gables varies based on size, materials, and features. According to HomeAdvisor, the national average for a sunroom addition ranges from $22,000 to $75,000, with an average of about $47,000. In South Florida, costs can run higher due to hurricane code requirements for impact-resistant windows and stricter permitting standards. Getting a detailed estimate from a local contractor is the best way to know your exact cost.

Does a Florida Room Increase Property Taxes?

Yes, a Florida room typically increases property taxes because it adds assessed value to your home. In Miami-Dade County, any enclosed addition with a foundation is subject to reassessment by the county property appraiser. Four-season rooms with HVAC usually result in a larger tax increase than three-season rooms without climate control. The tax increase is usually modest compared to the added comfort and resale value the room provides.

Can You Use a Florida Room Year-Round in the Miami Area?

Yes, you can use a Florida room year-round in the Miami area with the right design. South Florida's mild winters make three-season rooms usable for most of the year. Adding a mini-split HVAC system, insulated windows, and ceiling fans turns the space into a true four-season room. Many homeowners across Coral Gables enjoy their Florida rooms daily, from morning coffee to evening relaxation.

What Direction Should a Florida Room Face?

A Florida room should ideally face south or southeast to get the most consistent natural light throughout the day. A south-facing room receives steady sunshine without the intense afternoon heat that comes with a west-facing orientation. In Coral Gables, where summer afternoons bring strong sun, a south or east-facing Florida room will stay more comfortable and require less cooling. If your room faces west, UV-filtering glass and window treatments are strongly recommended.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Florida Room?

Building a Florida room typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish, depending on the design, permitting timeline, and weather. In Coral Gables, the permitting process can add several weeks to the overall timeline. Custom-built Florida rooms with features like impact glass, HVAC integration, and premium finishes may take longer than a basic prefabricated option. Working with a contractor who manages permits and construction together can speed up the process significantly.

Is It Better to Add a Florida Room or a Screened Porch?

A Florida room is better than a screened porch for most homeowners who want a fully enclosed, year-round living space. A screened porch is open to outside air and temperatures, which limits its use during rainy days and the hottest months. A Florida room with glass windows blocks bugs, rain, and heat while still providing outdoor views and natural light. According to Angi, the ROI on a fully enclosed sunroom is 30% to 50% higher than the ROI on a basic screen room. However, a screened porch costs less upfront and may be a good fit for homeowners on a tighter budget.

Do I Need an Architect to Design a Florida Room Addition?

In most cases, yes. In Coral Gables, building permits for room additions require detailed architectural drawings, structural engineering calculations, and a site plan that shows compliance with local zoning and setback requirements. Working with a design-build firm that handles architecture, engineering, and construction under one roof is the most efficient path. It keeps the project on budget, on schedule, and fully compliant with the Florida Building Code.

Final Thoughts

A Florida room is one of the smartest home additions you can make in South Florida. It gives you a bright, versatile living space that connects you to the outdoors while keeping you protected from heat, humidity, bugs, and rain. With the right materials, impact-rated glass, and a solid foundation, it adds daily comfort and long-term value to your home. Data from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and the Journal of Light Construction all confirm that a well-built sunroom or Florida room delivers a strong return on investment, especially in warm-climate markets like Coral Gables.

Whether you want a peaceful morning retreat, a bright home office, or a flexible space for family gatherings, a Florida room adapts to how you live. The key is working with a builder who understands South Florida's building codes, hurricane requirements, and the unique architectural character of neighborhoods like Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, and South Miami. Cutting Edge Innovative specializes in functional space additions that are designed to feel like they have always been part of your home. Call (786) 957-7775 or request a quote today to start planning a Florida room that fits your lifestyle and adds lasting value to your property.

‍