How Much to Charge for Painting in St. Petersburg?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The St. Petersburg metro area has approximately 103,323 households - potential painting clients within a 15-mile radius. High demand meets premium pricing here - a strong opportunity for experienced pros.
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Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $47/hr based on St. Petersburg wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,435 - $1,794
$1.08/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
St. Petersburg Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in St. Petersburg.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $2 | $3 | $4 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $4 | $6 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $210 | $420 | $735 |
| Per hour | $37 | $47 | $68 |
Prices adjusted for St. Petersburg cost of living (105% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in St. Petersburg?
Estimates based on St. Petersburg average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
St. Petersburg vs Other Florida Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | $47/hr | 105% | high |
| Miami(most expensive) | $55/hr | 122% | very high |
| Jacksonville(most affordable) | $44/hr | 98% | very high |
| Florida Average | $45/hr | 101% | - |
Market Position: St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg sits at the state average for Florida - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
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Florida Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license for maintenance services
- •County occupational license required in most areas
- •Workers comp required at 1 employee for landscaping (construction)
- •Workers comp required at 4 employees for cleaning services
This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.
St. Petersburg Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in Florida
Year-round service is expected. Don't market as "seasonal" — Floridians expect consistent 52-week availability.
Hurricane prep and post-storm cleanup are huge revenue opportunities. Establish emergency service protocols.
Mold and mildew grow year-round in Florida humidity. Soft washing with mold treatment is essential.
Snowbird communities (Naples, Sarasota) need service when owners are away. Offer "while you're gone" packages.
Key Insight: Florida's explosive growth means constant new construction and high turnover — endless new customer acquisition.
Painting Demand in Florida by Month
Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.
Year-round demand means steady income. Focus on quality and retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for painting in St. Petersburg?
In St. Petersburg, FL, you should charge $47-$71/hour for painting. This is 5% above the national average because St. Petersburg's cost of living is 105% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $95-$236.
What's the average painting rate in St. Petersburg, Florida?
The average painting rate in St. Petersburg is $47/hour or $142 per job. St. Petersburg has high demand with a population of 258K. Local pros typically charge $38-$71/hour depending on complexity.
How much do painting companies charge per hour in St. Petersburg?
Painting companies in St. Petersburg charge $38-$71/hour (105% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $38/hour, while complex work commands $71+/hour. The high demand in St. Petersburg supports these rates.
What factors affect painting prices in St. Petersburg?
Key pricing factors in St. Petersburg: (1) Cost of living - 5% above national average at 105%, (2) Market demand - high in this area, (3) Competition - St. Petersburg's 258K population creates high demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for painting in Florida?
Florida licensing requirements: No state contractor license for maintenance services County occupational license required in most areas Workers comp required at 1 employee for landscaping (construction) This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.
Is St. Petersburg a good market for painting businesses?
St. Petersburg shows high demand for painting services. With 258K residents and a 105% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $47-$71/hour. The Florida market is slightly higher than for service businesses.
How do St. Petersburg painting prices compare to Florida average?
St. Petersburg painting prices are typically 5% above the Florida state average. While state average is around $45/hour, St. Petersburg pros charge $47/hour due to the city's 105% cost of living index.
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Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting pricing data for St. Petersburg, Florida is sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau cost of living data, and verified quotes from local service professionals.
Data Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Florida Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026