Let’s talk about it—Florida’s sun is beautiful, but it’s also brutal. Especially on your home’s exterior.

As a general contractor, I’ve lost count of how many paint jobs I’ve redone because someone used the wrong materials—or skipped a few crucial prep steps. That strong UV radiation down here? It’s no joke. Colors fade fast. Peeling starts sooner. And then homeowners are stuck repainting again, just a couple years later.

Let’s avoid that mess.

Tip #1: Use UV-Resistant Paint

There’s a reason hardware stores carry specific “Florida-friendly” products. You want paint designed for extreme UV exposure and heat. Look for terms like “UV-resistant,” “fade-proof,” or “high durability.” It might cost a bit more upfront, but it lasts way longer.

Tip #2: Never Skip the Primer

Primer might feel optional, but in this climate? It’s essential. It helps paint adhere better, evens out surface texture, and provides a solid base layer that resists heat-related breakdown. Think of it like sunscreen for your house.

Tip #3: Pick the Right Color

Dark colors absorb heat. That extra heat can speed up fading and cause the paint to crack or bubble—especially on south-facing walls. Lighter colors reflect heat and sunlight better, helping your paint last longer.

A quick story: A client of mine painted their home a deep navy blue—looked amazing. But within two years, the sun had faded it into a dull grayish mess. We repainted with a lighter gray (with a UV topcoat), and it still looks great four years later.

Tip #4: Keep an Eye on Trim and Corners

The edges of your home—window sills, door frames, corners—tend to take the most abuse. They catch sun, rain, and wind from multiple angles. Pay extra attention to those areas. Use higher-quality paint or consider touch-ups between full repainting cycles.

Tip #5: Don’t Ignore Mildew and Mold

Hot, humid air + occasional rain = mildew paradise. Before painting, make sure walls are washed thoroughly. A pressure wash with a mildew-resistant solution is ideal. Trapped mildew under paint will eventually bubble it up and ruin your work.

Look, I’m not saying your home needs a $20,000 paint job. But a little extra care—better paint, smarter color choices, and solid prep—goes a long way. Your house will stay looking sharp, and you won’t be calling me for a repaint every two years.

Bottom line? Paint smarter, not harder. Florida sun’s not going anywhere, but with the right plan, neither is your curb appeal.