Why Central Florida Homeowners and Businesses Are Installing Retractable Awnings
Here in Central Florida, we love the sunshine — but sometimes it’s a little too much. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to enjoy your backyard without the harsh glare, or a business owner looking to offer guests a shaded outdoor space away from harmful UV rays, you need a reliable way to get instant shade on demand.
Motorized retractable awnings from New Horizons offer a stylish, functional solution that adjusts to your needs with the press of a button. When you want shade, extend it. When you want open sky, retract it. No permanent obstruction, no compromise.
Where to Install a Retractable Awning
Motorized awnings are versatile and can provide shade to many different areas of your home or business:
Residential Applications
- Backyard patios and decks
- Balconies and upper-level outdoor spaces
- Poolside lounging areas
- Garage-side gathering spots
- Over windows and sliding glass doors
Commercial Applications
- Restaurant and café outdoor seating
- Hotel and resort pool areas
- Commercial storefronts
- Outdoor event spaces
For businesses, retractable awnings instantly enhance curb appeal, improve guest comfort, and can even expand usable seating capacity — all while protecting customers from the Florida sun.
How to Choose the Right Retractable Awning
Once you decide you want an awning, there are several factors to consider: size, fabric, frame color, and features. Here’s what you need to know.
Size
Choose an awning size that fits the dimensions of your outdoor space and provides the coverage you need. Our retractable awnings are available up to 25 feet wide and 12 feet of projection — large enough to cover most patios, decks, and commercial outdoor areas.
Fabric Options
All of our awning fabrics are made by Sunbrella, the industry leader in outdoor fabrics. Sunbrella fabrics are UV-resistant, fade-resistant, and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as part of a complete sun protection regimen.
You can preview all available fabric colors and patterns on our Retractable Awnings page.
You’ll also choose a valance style for the front edge of your awning — either a straight or scalloped design, depending on your aesthetic preference.
Frame Colors
Our awning frames are constructed from powder-coated aluminum — lightweight, durable, and built to withstand Central Florida’s intense sun and unpredictable weather.
Available frame colors include:
- Black
- White
- Bronze
- Beige
Warranty Coverage
- Frame: 10-year warranty
- Sunbrella fabric: 10-year warranty
- Electronics: 5-year warranty
Features That Make Motorized Awnings Worth It
Motorized retractable awnings aren’t just convenient — they’re smart. Here are the features that come standard or are available as options:
Wireless Wind Sensors (Optional)
For added protection and peace of mind, you can add wind sensors that automatically retract your awning when strong winds are detected. This is especially useful in Central Florida, where weather can turn from beautiful to stormy in minutes.
Manual Override
Every motorized awning includes a simple hand crank that lets you retract the awning manually in case of power loss. You’re never stuck with an extended awning during a storm.
Built-In LED Lighting
LED lights are integrated into the awning and can be controlled with your remote. They provide the perfect evening ambiance and let you extend the use of your outdoor space well into the night.
User-Adjustable Pitch Control
Use the hand crank to adjust the angle of your awning — tilt it down for maximum sun blocking or raise it up to let warmth in during cooler months. You’re in control.
Enclosed Cassette Housing
All of our awnings include a fully enclosed cassette that protects the fabric and mechanical components when the awning is retracted. This clamshell-style housing keeps everything clean and protected from the elements, extending the lifespan of your investment.
Ready to Add a Retractable Awning to Your Home or Business?
The New Horizons team is here to help you create a more comfortable, stylish outdoor space with a custom motorized retractable awning. Our professional installers handle everything from measurement to final installation.
Contact us today for a free quote, or visit our Winter Park showroom to see three full-sized motorized retractable awnings in action. There’s no better way to understand what’s possible for your space.
