What is included
An interior job is priced by the surfaces involved: walls, ceilings, trim and baseboards, doors and door frames, and closets. Be clear about which of these you want. A walls-only price can look much lower than a walls, ceilings and trim price for the same rooms.
Good prep includes moving and covering furniture, covering floors, removing outlet covers, patching nail holes and dings, sanding patches smooth, caulking gaps in trim, and spot-priming repairs and stains.
Choosing sheens
- Flat or matte hides imperfections and suits ceilings and low-traffic rooms.
- Eggshell or satin is the usual choice for living areas and bedrooms. It wipes clean better than flat.
- Satin or semi-gloss suits kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and trim, where moisture and cleaning are constant.
- Bathrooms without strong ventilation benefit from a paint labeled mildew-resistant.
Colors that work in Florida light
Bright coastal light makes colors read lighter and cooler than they do on a paint chip. Paint large samples on two or three walls and look at them in the morning and the evening before you decide. Warm whites, soft greiges and muted blues and greens are popular because they stay calm in strong light.
Ceilings and older textures
Many older Florida homes have popcorn or textured ceilings. Some textures applied before the 1980s contain asbestos. Have the texture tested before anyone scrapes or sands it.
How long it takes
An average room usually takes a day or two, including prep and two coats. A whole occupied home is often done in stages so you can keep living in it. Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints reduce odor, which matters if you are staying in the house during the work.
Planning to sell?
Neutral, freshly painted rooms photograph better and help buyers picture themselves in the home. Focus on the entry, the main living area, the kitchen and the primary bedroom first.
Comparing quotes
Two prices only compare when they describe the same job. Ask every pro to put these in writing:
- Scope: which surfaces, rooms or areas are included, and what is excluded.
- Prep: washing, scraping, patching, caulking, sanding and priming, step by step.
- Products: the brand and product line, the sheen, and the number of coats.
- Schedule and cleanup: start date, expected duration and daily cleanup.
- Payment: a deposit and payment schedule tied to progress. Be wary of large upfront payments.
- Warranty: what it covers, for how long, and what voids it.
Florida does not issue a state license for painting contractors, and since 2021 state law has generally kept cities and counties from requiring one. Ask instead for a certificate of general liability insurance, proof of workers' compensation coverage (or the state exemption certificate for an owner who works alone), and the company's local business tax receipt.
Common questions
Do I need to move my furniture?
Ask each painter. Most move furniture to the middle of the room and cover it, but they expect you to clear small items, wall art and anything fragile beforehand.
How many coats does a room need?
Two finish coats is the norm. A dramatic color change, a dark color or fresh drywall may need a primer first.
Which rooms should I paint first?
The rooms you use most, and the ones buyers see first if you plan to sell: the entry, the main living area and the kitchen.
Last updated November 2, 2026.