Local Guide · Painting contractors · Florida
Do painters need a license in Florida?
Florida's contractor law has no painting class, but EPA's lead paint rule applies to pre-1978 homes and Florida limits larger unlicensed contracting. Here is what to check.
Florida has no state painting contractor license; its contractor law does not include a painting class. For homes built before 1978, EPA's lead rule applies directly in Florida, so paid firms must be EPA certified. Painters who advertise as general contractors without a license can run afoul of Florida's contracting law.
Who licenses painting contractors providers in Florida
No state painting license in Florida (EPA lead renovation certification applies). Florida Statutes 489.105 lists contractor classes, and painting is not one of them. Florida is not authorized to run its own lead renovation program, so EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule applies to paid work disturbing paint in pre-1978 homes. Check firms on EPA's locator.
Check EPA lead-safe certification →Key facts for Florida
- Florida's contractor licensing law does not include a painting contractor class.
- Florida is not among the 15 states EPA has authorized to run their own lead renovation programs.
- EPA requires firms paid to disturb paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities to be certified, including sole proprietorships.
- EPA's rule exempts minor work disturbing 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside.
- EPA says window replacement and demolition of painted surfaces are covered regardless of size.
- Florida's minor-work exemption does not apply to a person who advertises as a contractor.
- EPA firm certifications are good for five years.
Does Florida license painters?
No. Florida Statutes 489.105 lists the contractor classes, and painting isn't one. But advertising as a general contractor without a license can violate Florida's contracting law, and the minor-work exemption doesn't protect anyone who advertises as a contractor (489.103).
How does the EPA lead rule work in Florida?
Florida isn't authorized to run its own program, so EPA administers it (EPA). Firms paid to disturb paint in pre-1978 homes must be certified. Small jobs under 6 square feet per room inside or 20 square feet outside are exempt, but window replacement and demolition are always covered (EPA).
How do you check a Florida painter?
For older homes, check EPA's firm locator. Get references and a written estimate. If the job grows into repairs like drywall or carpentry, ask whether a licensed contractor is needed.
How to choose a provider in Florida
- Find out when your home was built.
- For pre-1978 homes, check EPA certification.
- Ask how dust will be contained.
- Get a written estimate.
- Be wary of unlicensed painters advertising as general contractors.
- Confirm insurance.
Questions people ask
Is there a painting license in Florida?
No. Florida's contractor law doesn't include a painting class.
Does the EPA lead rule apply in Florida?
Yes. EPA administers it in Florida.
Is window replacement covered by the lead rule?
Yes, regardless of size.
Can a painter call themselves a contractor in Florida?
Not without a license; the minor-work exemption doesn't apply to anyone advertising as a contractor.
How do I check a lead-safe painter?
Use EPA's Lead-Safe Certified Firm locator.
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.
