How to Hire a Painter in Orlando, FL (2025 Guide)
Painting is one of the most impactful and affordable home improvements you can make in Orlando. But a bad paint job — poor prep, wrong products, or sloppy application — can look worse than what you started with. This guide helps you hire a professional painter in Orlando who will deliver lasting results.
Key Takeaways
- High-quality paint (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore) is essential in Florida's climate
- Prep work is 80% of a quality paint job — ask specifically about their prep process
- Exterior painting is best scheduled October–May in Orlando's dry season
- Get at least 3 written quotes specifying paint brand, product, and number of coats
- Painting does not require a permit in Orange County
Licensing and Insurance for Painters
Florida painting contractors should hold a Painting & Decorating Specialty Contractor license or a broader CGC/CBC license. Verify at myfloridalicense.com. Require proof of general liability insurance — a painter working in your home has significant exposure from spills, ladder accidents, and damage to furniture.
Ask how long the company has been in business in Orlando and whether they use their own employees or subcontractors. Companies with their own trained crews typically deliver more consistent results.
What Makes a Quality Paint Job
Prep work is 80% of a quality paint job. A professional painter should: clean all surfaces, fill holes and cracks, sand rough areas, caulk gaps around trim and windows, and prime bare wood before painting. Ask specifically about their prep process.
Paint quality matters enormously in Florida's climate. UV exposure, heat, and humidity degrade cheap paint quickly. Insist on Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or equivalent. Ask for the specific product name and sheen level in the quote.
For exterior painting, a quality primer and 100% acrylic latex product with mildew resistance are essential in Orlando's climate.
Getting and Comparing Quotes
Get at least 3 written quotes. Each quote should specify: paint brand and product line, number of coats, surfaces to be painted, prep work included, and whether furniture moving and protection are included.
Interior painting for a 1,500 sq ft home runs $1,500–$3,500. Exterior painting for a typical Orlando home costs $2,500–$6,000. Be wary of quotes significantly below these ranges.
October–May is the best time for exterior painting in Orlando's dry season. Summer rain and humidity can prevent proper paint adhesion and curing.
Hiring Checklist
- Verified license on DBPR website
- Confirmed active general liability insurance
- Asked specifically about prep process
- Paint brand and product specified in quote
- Number of coats specified in quote
- Received at least 3 written quotes
- Checked Google reviews and references
- Exterior work scheduled for dry season (Oct–May)
Red Flags to Avoid
- Vague about prep process
- Cannot specify paint brand or product
- Quote does not specify number of coats
- Significantly lower price than all other quotes
- Requires full payment upfront
- No written contract
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does interior painting cost in Orlando?
A whole-home interior paint job costs $1,500–$6,000 depending on home size. A single room runs $300–$800.
What paint is best for Orlando homes?
Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are the top choices for Florida's climate. Use washable eggshell or satin for walls, semi-gloss for trim and bathrooms.
Do I need a permit for painting in Orlando?
No — painting does not require a permit in Orange County.
When is the best time to paint the exterior of my Orlando home?
October–May is ideal — Florida's dry season ensures proper paint adhesion and curing.
How long does interior painting take?
A single room takes 1 day. A whole-home interior paint job for a 1,500 sq ft home typically takes 3–5 days.
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