Question 1

How often should I repaint a stucco house in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Plan on every 7 to 10 years for a stucco or fiber cement home in St. Johns County, and every 5 to 7 years within a mile or two of the ocean. Salt air and UV fade colors and chalk the surface faster than inland Florida. Darker colors and south or west facing walls go first. Washing the house once a year and touching up caulk at windows stretches the interval.

Question 2

Do painters need a license in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Painting by itself does not require a Florida state contractor license, so anyone can call themselves a painter. That makes insurance the real screen. Ask for a general liability certificate and proof of workers compensation or an exemption, and check that the company is registered with the Florida Division of Corporations. Any repair work beyond paint, such as replacing rotted fascia, may fall under a licensed trade.

Question 3

What is the best time of year to paint a house exterior in Northeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

October through May is the easiest window. Humidity is lower, afternoon storms are rare, and wall temperatures stay in range. Painters can and do work in summer, but they start early, follow the shade around the house, and lose days to rain. If you can wait for fall, you will usually get a cleaner finish and sometimes a better price.

Question 4

How much does it cost to paint the interior of a 2,000 square foot house?

Accepted Answer

In St. Johns County a full interior repaint of a 2,000 square foot home with walls, ceilings, and trim typically runs 5,500 to 9,500 dollars in 2026, with paint included. Walls only, one color, lands closer to 3,500 to 5,500. Vaulted ceilings, heavy furniture moving, dark to light color changes, and lots of accent walls push the number up.

Question 5

Does my HOA have to approve a new exterior color?

Accepted Answer

In most planned communities in the county, yes. Nocatee, Palencia, Ponte Vedra Beach subdivisions, Julington Creek Plantation, and World Golf Village neighborhoods generally require an architectural review application with the color scheme before work starts. Repainting the same approved color is often exempt but check first. Painting without approval can mean repainting at your expense.

Question 6

Should I use elastomeric paint on stucco?

Accepted Answer

Elastomeric works well on stucco with hairline cracking because it stretches and bridges small gaps, and it is common on coastal homes here. It costs more and must be applied thick, so one thin coat defeats the purpose. On sound stucco with no cracking, a quality 100 percent acrylic exterior paint is usually enough and breathes better. Ask the painter why they are recommending one or the other.

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