Start with your HOA or POA, not the paint store
If your community has a homeowners association (HOA) or a property owners association (POA), it almost certainly has an approved color palette and an approval form. Get that list first. It saves you from falling in love with a color you can't use.
Most associations approve a body color, a trim color and an accent color (front door, shutters). Some also specify sheen. Submit the application before scheduling the job; approvals can take days to weeks.
What Florida sun does to color
Dark colors fade fastest, especially on south- and west-facing walls, and they get hotter, which stresses stucco and caulk. Deep blues and charcoals can look chalky within a few years.
Light and mid-tone colors hold up longest. If you want a dark look, put it on the front door, shutters or garage door, where it's easy to refresh.
Yellows and oranges in the stucco itself shift toward pink or peach as they fade. Ask about products with better UV resistance if you're set on a warm color.
Stucco, trim and accents
- Stucco body: flat or matte sheen hides patches and texture best.
- Trim, fascia and doors: satin or semi-gloss, usually in a lighter neutral or crisp white.
- Garage door: matching the body color makes it disappear; matching the trim makes it a feature.
- Lanai and pool enclosure: keep it close to the body color so the back of the house reads as one piece.
Test before you commit
Buy sample quarts and paint two-foot squares on a sunny wall and a shaded wall. Look at them morning, noon and evening. Colors read lighter and warmer outdoors than on a chip.
Derwin's go-to paint is Sherwin-Williams, and we'll use another brand if you prefer. Their online color tools are a good place to narrow choices before sampling. We're not affiliated with Sherwin-Williams.
FAQ
Can you help me choose colors?
Yes. At the estimate we'll look at your home's roof, stone or brick, neighbors' colors and your HOA/POA list, and suggest a few combinations that work.
How many colors does an exterior need?
Usually three: body, trim and an accent for the door or shutters. More than that gets busy on most Florida homes.
Do I need HOA or POA approval to repaint the same color?
Often yes, even for the same color. Check with your association before work starts.
Which sheen is best for stucco?
Flat or matte on the walls, satin or semi-gloss on trim and doors. Read our guide to the best paint for Florida stucco.
Ready to pick colors?
Send us a photo of your home and your HOA or POA color list, and we'll come back with suggestions and a written estimate.
Request a free estimateReady for a fresh coat?
Tell us about the job and we'll set up a free estimate.