We are having one area that is configured as
optional = true
floating = true
type = list

the area has following structure in templateScript with jsp renderer.

<div class='outer'>
<div class-'inner'>
<c:forEach items="${components}" var="component">
<cms:component content="${component}" />
</c:forEach>
</div>
</div>

we have NOT added that area using '+' button in edit mode, but still it generates following structure in public mode when activated.

<div class='outer'>
<div class-'inner'>
</div>
</div>