You didn’t move to Florida to spend your evenings indoors.
You moved here for the lifestyle—morning coffee on the patio, weekend barbecues by the pool, evenings watching the sunset from your lanai. You imagined actually living in that backyard, not just looking at it through the window.
But somewhere along the way, the backyard started winning. The mosquitoes claimed dusk. The afternoon sun made the patio unbearable. The neighbors got a little too familiar with your business. And slowly, that outdoor living dream retreated indoors, behind closed doors and drawn blinds.
It’s time to take it back.
The Central Florida Outdoor Living Challenge
Let’s be honest about what we’re up against. Central Florida’s climate is paradise—on paper. In practice, enjoying outdoor spaces means navigating some real obstacles:
The Bug Problem
Florida mosquitoes are legendary for a reason. They’re aggressive, persistent, and seem to know exactly when you’ve decided to relax outside. No-see-ums are worse—invisible until you’re covered in bites. And love bugs, while harmless, coat everything in sight twice a year. The result? Many homeowners simply surrender outdoor time during peak bug seasons.
The Sun Problem
Our sunshine is both blessing and curse. It’s why we live here, but it also makes patios unusable during peak afternoon hours. Direct sun turns outdoor furniture into hot plates. Glare makes screens unreadable. UV exposure fades everything—including your skin. By 2 PM on a summer day, most unshaded patios become no-go zones.
The Privacy Problem
Florida neighborhoods often feature close-set homes and minimal tree coverage. Your “private” patio might feel more like a stage, with neighbors, dog walkers, and passing cars all getting a front-row view of your activities. That self-consciousness can be enough to keep you inside.
The Weather Problem
Those 3 PM thunderstorms are as predictable as they are disruptive. Just when you’ve settled in outside, dark clouds roll in and send everyone scrambling. The unpredictability makes it hard to plan outdoor time with any confidence.
Any one of these challenges can limit how much you use your outdoor spaces. Combined, they often result in backyards that look beautiful but rarely get enjoyed.
Solutions for Every Outdoor Challenge
Since 2003, New Horizons has been on a mission to help Central Florida homeowners reclaim their outdoor spaces. We’ve found that most backyard problems have solutions—you just need the right products for your specific situation.
Retractable Screens: Block the Bugs
If insects are your primary enemy, motorized retractable screens are the answer. These screens create an invisible barrier that blocks mosquitoes, flies, and no-see-ums while allowing fresh air to flow freely.
Retractable screens work beautifully on:
- Covered patios and lanais
- Garage door openings
- Sliding door entries
- Pergolas and outdoor structures
- Pool enclosure openings
When you want full access—for parties, moving furniture, or simply enjoying an open-air evening—the screens retract into a compact housing and virtually disappear.
Retractable Awnings: Beat the Heat
When overhead sun is the problem, motorized retractable awnings provide shade on demand. Extend the awning and instantly create a cool zone that’s 15-20 degrees more comfortable than direct sun. Retract it when you want warmth or open sky.
Awnings are ideal for:
- Open patios and decks
- Pool areas needing partial shade
- Outdoor kitchens and dining areas
- Windows and doors (for energy savings)
Modern awnings include features like integrated LED lighting for evening ambiance and wind sensors that automatically retract during storms.
Motorized Shades: Control Light and Privacy
When the problem is low-angle sun (that blinding afternoon glare) or lack of privacy, motorized patio shades drop vertically to block the view. Available in solar mesh (reduces heat and glare while maintaining some visibility) or privacy fabric (blocks views entirely), shades solve problems awnings can’t reach.
Shades work well for:
- West-facing patios with afternoon sun
- Spaces needing privacy from neighbors or streets
- Pool areas requiring wind protection
- Outdoor living rooms wanting a cozy, enclosed feel
Vinyl Roll-Up Panels: Weather Protection
For homeowners who want to use their outdoor spaces even during rain, clear vinyl panels provide complete weather enclosure while maintaining visibility. These are popular for lanais and screen enclosures where rain intrusion is an issue.
Hurricane Shutters: Storm Protection
Florida means hurricane season. Motorized hurricane shutters protect your home’s most vulnerable openings—windows and doors—when storms threaten. When not needed, they roll up out of sight.
Key Takeaways
- Bugs keeping you inside? – Retractable screens create bug-free zones while maintaining airflow and views
- Patio too hot? – Retractable awnings provide shade on demand, dropping temperatures 15-20°F
- Afternoon glare unbearable? – Motorized shades block low-angle sun that awnings can’t reach
- Neighbors too close? – Privacy shades create secluded outdoor retreats
- Rain ruining plans? – Vinyl panels protect from weather while maintaining visibility
- All solutions are retractable – Use them when needed, hide them when you don’t
- Motorized operation – Push-button control means you’ll actually use your investment
Not Sure What You Need? We Can Help
Every backyard is different, and every homeowner’s priorities are unique. Maybe you need screens for the lanai but shades for the west-facing patio. Maybe an awning solves your shade problem, but you’re not sure about sizing. Maybe you’re not even certain what’s keeping you from enjoying your outdoor space—you just know something’s not working.
That’s exactly what our consultations are for.
We visit your home, look at your specific space and challenges, and recommend solutions tailored to your situation. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and we won’t push products you don’t need. The goal is simple: figure out what’s keeping you inside and fix it.
See It Before You Buy It: Our Winter Park Showroom
Here’s something no other Central Florida retractable screen company offers: an 800 square foot outdoor showroom where you can see full-size products in action.
Photos and descriptions only go so far. At our Winter Park showroom, you can:
- See actual products – Full-size retractable screens, awnings, and shades installed just like they’d be on your home
- Test the controls – Pick up a remote and watch the space transform with a button press
- Compare options – See different mesh types, fabric colors, and frame finishes side by side
- Experience the difference – Feel the temperature drop when a shade deploys; see how screens maintain visibility
- Ask questions – Our team is there to explain options and answer anything you’re wondering about
The showroom has serious “wow factor”—it’s why builders and designers regularly use it as a resource for their clients. But it’s open to everyone, and we encourage all customers to visit before making a decision.
Showroom hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: 4970 N. Pine Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792
Why Central Florida Trusts New Horizons
Since 2003—that’s over 21 years—New Horizons has been helping Central Florida homeowners optimize their outdoor spaces. Recently featured in Florida Home Magazine, we’ve built our reputation on quality products, professional installation, and service that continues long after the job is done.
- Local expertise – We understand Florida’s unique climate challenges because we live here too
- Custom solutions – Every installation is tailored to your specific space and needs
- Quality products – Commercial-grade screens, awnings, and shades built to last
- Professional installation – Factory-trained technicians ensure proper fit and operation
- Lifetime Warranty – Exclusive coverage on frame, fabric/mesh, motor, and controls
- Responsive service – We’re here when you need maintenance, repairs, or adjustments
Take Back Your Backyard
Your outdoor space shouldn’t belong to the mosquitoes. Your patio shouldn’t be a solar oven you avoid. Your lanai shouldn’t feel like a fishbowl where the neighbors watch your every move.
It’s your backyard. Take it back.
Contact New Horizons for a free consultation. We’ll help you identify what’s keeping you inside and recommend solutions that actually solve the problem. No pressure, no obligation—just honest advice from people who’ve spent two decades helping Central Floridians enjoy the outdoor lifestyle they came here for.
Call us at (407) 562-7800 or request your free consultation online.
Or stop by our Winter Park showroom to see retractable products in action—no appointment necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which product is right for my situation?
That’s exactly what our consultations are for. We visit your home, assess your specific challenges—whether it’s bugs, sun, privacy, or a combination—and recommend solutions tailored to your needs. Many homeowners benefit from multiple products: screens for bug protection on the lanai, plus an awning for shade on the open patio, for example.
Can I combine different products?
Absolutely. Many of our customers use retractable screens for insect control alongside motorized shades for sun and privacy. Or awnings for overhead shade combined with screens for enclosed bug protection. We’ll help you design a system that addresses all your challenges.
How much do these products typically cost?
Pricing varies significantly based on product type, size, and features. Retractable screens for a standard patio opening might start around $2,500-$3,500, while awnings typically range from $2,500-$6,000+. During your consultation, we provide detailed quotes so you know exactly what’s included.
How long does installation take?
Most residential installations are completed in a single day—typically 3-6 hours depending on complexity. From consultation to installation usually takes 2-4 weeks total.
Do I need to visit the showroom?
It’s not required, but we highly recommend it. Seeing full-size products in person—and testing the motorized controls yourself—gives you confidence in your decision that photos simply can’t provide. Plus, you can compare fabric colors and mesh types side by side.
What areas do you serve?
New Horizons serves all of Central Florida including Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Maitland, Altamonte Springs, Winter Garden, Windermere, and surrounding communities. Contact us to confirm service availability in your area.
