How to Choose a House Painter: Licensing and Lead Rules

Neither Texas nor Florida issues a painting contractor license. If your home was built before 1978, the EPA requires anyone paid to disturb its paint to be a certified firm using lead-safe practices, above small size limits. Check certification on EPA's firm locator, and get the scope, prep and price in writing.

Key facts

EPA says about three-quarters of U.S. homes built before 1978 still contain some lead-based paint.
The federal government banned lead-based paint for use in homes in 1978.
EPA requires firms paid to disturb paint in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 to be certified, including sole proprietorships.
EPA's rule exempts minor work that disturbs 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside, but window replacement is always covered.
EPA firm certifications are good for five years.
Texas and Florida are not among the states authorized to run their own lead renovation programs, so EPA administers the rule there.
In general, EPA's rule does not apply to homeowners working on their own pre-1978 homes, unless they rent it out or run a child care center there.

Are painters licensed?

Not in Texas or Florida. Painting isn't among TDLR's regulated programs, and Florida's contractor law has no painting class (Florida Statutes 489.105). Florida's minor-work exemption still limits larger unlicensed contracting, and painting is exempt from building permits in cities like Austin.

When does the EPA lead rule apply?

EPA says about three-quarters of homes built before 1978 still contain some lead-based paint, and renovation and painting can create dangerous lead dust. Its rule requires anyone paid to disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and preschools to be certified and to use lead-safe work practices.

Minor jobs that disturb 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside, are exempt, but window replacement and demolition are always covered (EPA contractor guidance).

How do you check a painting company?

For a pre-1978 home, look the firm up on EPA's Lead-Safe Certified Firm locator. EPA certifications last five years (EPA). Texas and Florida aren't authorized to run their own programs, so EPA certification is what counts there.

What should a painting estimate include?

Ask for the surfaces, prep steps, number of coats, products and colors, cleanup, and the total price in writing. For an older home, ask how the crew will contain and clean up dust.

How to choose a provider

Find out when your home was built.
For pre-1978 homes, check the firm on EPA's Lead-Safe Certified Firm locator.
Ask how the crew contains and cleans up dust.
Get surfaces, prep, coats, products and price in writing.
Confirm insurance and who is on the crew.
Don't pay the full price up front.

Painting contractors guides by state and city

Questions people ask

Do painters need a license in Texas or Florida?

No state painting license exists in either state.

Does the EPA lead rule apply to my house?

If it was built before 1978 and someone is paid to disturb the paint, yes, above small size limits.

What's the small-job exemption?

Six square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside. Window replacement is always covered.

How do I check a lead-safe painter?

Use EPA's Lead-Safe Certified Firm locator.

Does the rule apply if I paint my own house?

Generally no, unless you rent it out or run a child care center there.

How long does EPA certification last?

Five years.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

How do you choose a house painter?