How to Choose the Best Awning Installer | Florida Buyer's Guide

The quality of your awning installation matters just as much as the awning itself. A poorly installed awning can sag, leak, damage your home's exterior, or fail during Florida's frequent storms. Here's how to find a reputable installer and avoid costly mistakes.

1. Verify Licenses and Insurance

In Florida, awning installation typically requires a specialty contractor license or general contractor license. Before hiring anyone, verify their credentials:

Check their license status on the Florida DBPR website
Confirm they carry liability insurance (at least $500,000)
Ask for proof of workers' compensation coverage
Verify they're registered with your local building department

Never hire an unlicensed contractor—if something goes wrong, you have little legal recourse and your homeowner's insurance may not cover damages.

2. Check Reviews and References

Online reviews give valuable insight into a company's reliability and quality. Look for:

Google reviews: Look for 4+ stars with at least 10-15 reviews
Specific feedback: Reviews that mention installation quality, professionalism, and follow-up service
Recent reviews: A company can change over time—focus on the last 1-2 years
How they respond: Professional responses to negative reviews show accountability

Don't hesitate to ask the company for references from recent installations in your area. A reputable installer will gladly provide them.

3. Get Multiple Detailed Quotes

We recommend getting at least three written quotes before making a decision. Each quote should include:

Exact awning specifications (brand, model, size, color)
Material details for fabric and frame
Installation method and timeline
Permit costs (if required)
Warranty terms for both product and labor
Payment schedule and terms

Warning: Red Flag

Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others (30%+ difference). This often indicates inferior materials, inexperienced installers, or hidden costs that appear later.

4. Understand the Warranty

A quality awning installation should come with two warranties:

Product warranty: Covers the awning itself (typically 5-10 years for fabric, longer for frames)
Installation warranty: Covers the installer's workmanship (should be at least 1-2 years)

Read the fine print. Some warranties are voided if you don't follow specific maintenance requirements or if you don't use the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products.

5. Ask the Right Questions

Before signing a contract, ask these key questions:

How long have you been installing awnings in Florida?
Do you handle permit applications?
Who will actually perform the installation?
What happens if there's damage to my home during installation?
How do you secure the awning to my specific wall type (stucco, block, wood)?
What maintenance do you recommend?
Do you offer service and repairs after installation?

6. Red Flags to Avoid

Walk away from any installer who:

Demands full payment upfront (standard is 30-50% deposit, balance on completion)
Won't provide a written contract
Pressures you to decide immediately with "limited time" offers
Can't show proof of license or insurance
Has no physical business address or only a P.O. box
Won't provide references from past customers
Suggests skipping the building permit

Local Experience Matters

Florida's unique climate—intense sun, humidity, salt air, and hurricane risk—requires installers who understand local conditions. An experienced Florida installer knows which materials hold up best in our environment, how to properly anchor to common Florida construction types, and how to meet local building codes for wind resistance.