Why Painting Costs Vary in Central Florida
If you’ve ever called two different Orlando painting companies for a quote, you may have been surprised at how different the numbers were. One company quotes $3,500, another says $6,000 — for the same house!
So why the difference? The truth is that house painting costs in Central Florida aren’t one-size-fits-all. Everything from the size of your home to the type of paint, prep work, and even the weather plays a role in your final bill.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors that affect house painting prices in Orlando and throughout Central Florida — so you know exactly what impacts your estimate and how to budget smartly.
Factor 1: Size and Layout of Your Home
This is the single biggest cost driver.
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Larger homes = more paint and more labor hours.
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Multiple stories require ladders or scaffolding, which slows down crews.
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Complex layouts (bay windows, multiple rooflines, porches, trim details) add detail work that takes more time.
👉 Example: A 2,000 sq. ft. single-story stucco home may cost around $3,500 – $5,200 to paint, while a 2,500 sq. ft. two-story home could easily jump to $5,000 – $7,800.
Factor 2: Type of Surface
Different surfaces require different prep and paint types.
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Stucco (most common in Central Florida): Prone to cracking, requires elastomeric paint. $1.50 – $3.50 per sq. ft.
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Wood siding: Requires scraping, sanding, and priming. $2 – $4 per sq. ft.
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Brick: May need special primers for adhesion. $2.50 – $5 per sq. ft.
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Drywall (interior): Smooth walls are cheaper; textured walls add cost.
👉 Stucco homes are especially common in Orlando and Tampa, which is why many painting contractors in Central Florida specialize in this surface type.
Factor 3: Prep Work Required
The more prep your home needs, the higher your cost.
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Pressure washing to remove dirt and mildew: $150 – $400
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Crack and hole repair: $50 – $200 per area
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Scraping/flaking paint: Labor-intensive and time-consuming
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Caulking windows/doors: $50 – $150 each
In Florida, where homes are exposed to constant moisture and UV damage, prep work is one of the biggest cost variables.
Factor 4: Quality of Paint Chosen
Not all paints are created equal — and this is where many homeowners try to cut corners (but shouldn’t).
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Economy paints: $25 – $35 per gallon, lasts 3–5 years
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Mid-grade paints: $40 – $60 per gallon, lasts 5–7 years
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Premium paints (Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura): $70 – $90+ per gallon, lasts 8–10 years
In Central Florida, the intense UV rays and humidity mean cheaper paints fade and peel quickly. Using premium exterior paints may cost more upfront, but they save you money by extending the time between repaints.
Factor 5: Labor Costs in Orlando & Central Florida
Labor makes up 60–70% of most painting jobs.
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Hourly rates for painters in Orlando: $50 – $80 per hour per painter
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Crew size matters: A larger crew finishes faster, but you’ll pay more per day.
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Experience counts: Experienced crews cost more but deliver better results and require fewer touch-ups.
Factor 6: Climate and Seasonal Conditions
Central Florida’s climate is unique — and it affects your painting bill.
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Humidity: Slows down drying times and may require extra coats.
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Summer rainstorms: Cause delays, increasing labor costs.
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UV exposure: Fades paint faster, meaning you may need a higher-quality product.
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Best seasons to paint: Late fall through spring for lower humidity and fewer weather delays.
👉 This is why professional Orlando painters often recommend scheduling painting projects between October and April.
Factor 7: Accessibility & Obstacles
Anything that makes your home harder to paint adds cost.
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Two- and three-story homes = scaffolding costs.
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Homes with mature landscaping may require extra prep and protection.
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Tight spaces (between houses or fences) make jobs slower.
Factor 8: Additional Services
Painting isn’t always just about walls. Many Orlando painting companies offer add-ons:
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Trim and doors: $25 – $200 each
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Garage doors: $200 – $500
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Decks, fences, and patios: $1 – $3 per sq. ft.
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Cabinet painting: $100 – $300 per cabinet box
These extras can quickly add to your final bill.
Cost Examples: Central Florida Painting Projects
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Orlando 1-story, 3-bedroom home exterior (stucco): $3,500 – $5,200
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Tampa 2-story, 2,500 sq. ft. stucco home exterior: $5,000 – $7,800
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Interior repaint of 2,000 sq. ft. Orlando home: $4,000 – $7,000
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Full exterior + interior bundle (2,000 sq. ft.): $8,500 – $12,000
How to Save on Painting Costs in Orlando
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Get 2–3 quotes – Prices vary widely between painting companies.
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Bundle services – Do interior + exterior together for discounts.
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Choose neutral colors – Fewer colors = less labor.
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Schedule during off-season – Winter often has lower rates.
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Do small prep yourself – Move furniture, trim landscaping, or patch small holes.
FAQs: Painting Prices in Central Florida
Q: Why do stucco homes cost more to paint in Orlando?
Because stucco needs specialized elastomeric paints and more prep work to prevent cracks.
Q: How often should I paint my house in Central Florida?
Every 7–10 years for exteriors, but sometimes as soon as 5 years due to humidity and UV damage.
Q: Are Orlando painters more expensive than elsewhere?
Slightly. Labor costs in Central Florida are higher than the national average, and the climate requires more durable paints.
Q: Do painting companies include pressure washing in the estimate?
Most do, but always confirm — some charge extra.
Conclusion: Understanding Your Orlando Painting Quote
Painting costs in Central Florida depend on multiple factors: home size, surface type, prep work, paint quality, labor, climate, and accessibility. That’s why one estimate may be $3,500 while another is $7,500 — both can be accurate depending on your home’s unique needs.
The good news? Investing in quality paint and professional house painters in Orlando, FL ensures your home is protected from the harsh Florida climate and looks beautiful for years.
📞 Ready to find out what it will cost to paint your home? Contact us today for a free, detailed painting estimate in Orlando.