Painting Scams Are More Common Than You Think

Every year, hundreds of Florida homeowners fall victim to unlicensed or dishonest painting contractors who promise low prices but deliver costly mistakes — or disappear entirely after taking a deposit.

Orlando’s rapid growth and frequent storm damage make it a target for fly-by-night painting crews who move from neighborhood to neighborhood offering “discounts” or “leftover paint deals.”

These scams not only waste your money — they can also lead to property damage, legal issues, or insurance problems.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot the warning signs of a painting scam, avoid common traps, and confidently hire a reputable Orlando painting company that’s licensed, insured, and proven.

1. The Most Common Painting Scams in Orlando

Knowing what types of scams exist is the first step to avoiding them.

A. The Lowball Estimate Scam

A painter quotes a price that’s too good to be true — often 30–50% lower than competitors. Once the job starts, they add “unexpected” costs for primer, paint, or labor, doubling your final bill.

How to Avoid It:

• Get at least three written estimates from different contractors.

• Make sure each one includes the same scope of work and materials.

• Ask whether paint and prep work are included.

If one price seems abnormally cheap, it’s a red flag — not a bargain.

B. The Deposit-and-Disappear Scam

The scammer asks for a large deposit “to buy materials,” then never returns.
In Florida, this happens most often after hurricanes, when demand spikes and homeowners rush to repair storm damage.

How to Avoid It:

• Never pay more than 10–20% upfront for residential painting.

• Verify the contractor’s license and insurance before paying anything.

• Always get a signed contract detailing the deposit and project schedule.

C. The Unlicensed Contractor Scam

A “painter” claims they don’t need a license because they’re “just painting,” or they borrow someone else’s business name.
Unlicensed work is illegal in Florida and leaves you unprotected if anything goes wrong.

How to Avoid It:

• Verify licenses using the Florida DBPR database (myfloridalicense.com).

• Ask for a copy of the contractor’s insurance certificate.

• Confirm the license number matches the business name on the estimate.

D. The Bait-and-Switch Paint Scam

The contractor advertises premium brands like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore but uses cheap, watered-down, or mismatched paints once on the job.

How to Avoid It:

• Ask to see the paint cans and labels before work begins.

• Request the exact paint brand and color code in writing.

• Reputable painting companies in Orlando will list this in your contract.

E. The Driveway Deal or “Leftover Paint” Scam

Someone knocks on your door claiming they have “extra paint from another job” and can give you a great deal if you let them start today.

This is a classic scam — the paint is often poor quality or even watered down to make it go farther.

How to Avoid It:

• Never hire anyone who solicits door-to-door.

• Always confirm licensing, insurance, and business reputation first.

• If they pressure you to act fast, walk away.

2. Warning Signs Your Painter Might Be a Scammer

Even if a company looks legitimate, these red flags should set off alarms:

Pro Tip: Trust your instincts. If something feels off — it usually is.

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3. How to Research Orlando Painting Companies Before Hiring

A. Verify Their License

Visit the Florida DBPR website and search the painter’s business name or license number. Check that it’s active and free of disciplinary actions.

B. Check Their Online Reputation

• Google Business Profile: Look for recent 4–5 star reviews.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): See if they’re accredited and have complaints.

• Yelp or Angi: Read reviews for professionalism and reliability.

C. Ask for References

Ask for three local references from the last 12 months. A legitimate painter will happily provide them.

D. Confirm Their Physical Address

Scammers often use P.O. boxes or fake addresses. Real companies list a business location or office within Central Florida.

4. What a Legitimate Orlando Painter Will Always Provide

When hiring a professional, expect transparency and documentation.

Reputable house painters in Orlando FL always provide:

• Free written estimates with itemized details

• Proof of license and insurance upon request

• A detailed contract including start date, materials, and total cost

• Color consultation or sample options

• Warranty information (2–5 years typical for exteriors)

If they hesitate to share any of these, consider another company.

5. The Role of Insurance and Workers’ Compensation

Many painting scams involve uninsured crews. Here’s why that’s dangerous:

• If a worker gets injured, you could be held liable.

• If paint spills or damages your property, you’ll pay for repairs.

To protect yourself, always ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers’ comp coverage.

Reputable companies, like long-standing Orlando painting contractors, will send certificates directly from their insurance provider — not photocopies.

6. The Importance of Local Experience

Orlando’s climate presents unique painting challenges — from stucco homes to year-round humidity.

Experienced painters know how to:

• Prep and prime properly for Florida stucco

• Use mold-resistant, 100% acrylic paints

• Time jobs around rain and temperature fluctuations

Scammers rarely have this knowledge — they often paint over unwashed surfaces or skip primer altogether, leading to peeling within a year.

7. Protecting Your Payments

Follow these financial safety steps:

1. Never pay in full upfront. Pay no more than 20% to start.

2. Use traceable payment methods (check or credit card).

3. Tie payments to milestones — e.g., half after prep, balance after completion.

4. Get all changes in writing.

Avoid any company that demands full payment before work begins.

8. Florida’s Legal Protections for Homeowners

Florida law protects homeowners from contractor fraud through the Florida Homeowners Construction Recovery Fund — but only if the contractor is licensed.

If you hire an unlicensed painter and they commit fraud, you cannot file a claim through the fund.

This is another reason to always verify your contractor with the DBPR before signing a contract.

9. What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a painting scam in Orlando:

• Stop all payments immediately.

• Document everything (contracts, receipts, messages).

• File a report with:

  • Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)

  • Florida Attorney General’s Office

  • Better Business Bureau (BBB)

  • Local law enforcement if theft is involved.

You can also warn neighbors on local community boards to prevent future scams.

10. How to Find Trusted Orlando Painting Contractors

The safest route is always to work with licensed, insured, and reviewed professionals.

Here’s how:

• Search “painters near me Orlando FL” on Google Maps.

• Look for verified profiles with 50+ positive reviews.

• Read actual customer photos and before/after results.

• Choose companies with warranties, clear contracts, and a proven local presence.

Bonus: Questions to Ask Before Hiring

1. What’s your license number?

2. What insurance do you carry?

3. How many years have you worked in Orlando?

4. What paint brands do you use?

5. What’s included in the prep work?

6. Can I see your written estimate and warranty?

If they can’t or won’t answer these questions — that’s your sign to walk away.

Stay Smart, Stay Protected

In Orlando’s fast-growing housing market, painting scams are unfortunately common — but entirely avoidable.

By checking licenses, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts, you can protect yourself from fraud and choose a reputable painting company that delivers beautiful, long-lasting results.

Don’t rush into “cheap” deals or door-to-door offers — your home deserves better.
Hire verified, insured painters in Orlando FL, and enjoy the confidence that comes with quality craftsmanship and honesty.