Pergola posts installed in the ground or bolted to the patio?

In the Concrete.

Here is my go to guy's opinion: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ask-toh/windproof-pergola

No do not anchor into the soil directly. All wood will eventually rot. Usually concrete footings are poured in the ground and posts are anchored to the footings with steel post brackets. On existing concrete pads steel posts brackets are glued and bolted to the pad and the posts mounted to the brackets. For added support, if you know where the posts will be placed, you can dig down about one foot deeper and pour more concrete in those areas. Would help but not necessary. The post brackets elevate the post just enough to prevent contact with water.

Either method would work. That’s because when putting a pergola into the ground, it would not be touching the earth. You would pour cement into the hole dug for the Pergola. Click on the link below to see both methods. Good luck!

I think you would use pressure treated posts set in concrete that is below the frost line in your area.

Thank you. I live in South FL and hurricanes are a reality for us.