Choosing paint colors for your Florida home isn't just about aesthetics—it's about selecting colors that withstand intense UV rays, high humidity, and salt air. Here's what works best in Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and St. Johns County coastal climates.

Best Exterior Paint Colors for Florida

1. Light Colors (Most Popular and Practical):

  • Whites and Off-Whites:
    • Reflects heat (lowers AC costs by 10-15%)
    • Shows less fading from UV exposure
    • Classic coastal look
    • Popular: SW Pure White, BM Simply White, BM White Dove
  • Light Grays:
    • Modern, sophisticated appearance
    • Hides dirt better than pure white
    • Coordinates with any trim color
    • Popular: SW Repose Gray, BM Stonington Gray, BM Revere Pewter
  • Soft Blues and Greens:
    • Perfect for coastal communities
    • Nautical, beachy vibe
    • Still light enough to reflect heat
    • Popular: SW Sea Salt, BM Palladian Blue, SW Rainwashed

2. Colors to AVOID in Florida:

  • Dark colors (navy, dark brown, black):
    • Absorb heat, increase AC costs 20-30%
    • Fade dramatically in FL sun (2-3 years)
    • Can cause siding to warp from heat
  • Bright reds and oranges:
    • Fade to pink/salmon within 3-5 years
    • Require frequent repainting
    • Hard to match when touching up

Best Interior Paint Colors for Florida Homes

Living Rooms and Main Areas:

  • SW Agreeable Gray: #1 choice in Nocatee homes—warm gray, works with everything
  • BM Classic Gray: Slightly cooler tone, pairs with white trim
  • SW Alabaster: Warm white, feels bright but not sterile
  • BM Edgecomb Gray: Beige-gray hybrid, very versatile

Bedrooms (Calming Colors):

  • SW Sea Salt: Soft blue-green, coastal relaxation
  • BM Quiet Moments: Gentle blue, promotes sleep
  • SW Repose Gray: Neutral, soothing backdrop
  • BM Pale Oak: Warm greige, cozy feel

Kitchens and Bathrooms:

  • Pure White: Clean, bright, timeless
  • SW Eider White: Soft white with hint of warmth
  • Light Sage Green: 2024 trend, calming in bathrooms
  • Pale Blue: Fresh, coastal vibe

Paint Finish Types for Florida Climate

Exterior Finishes:

  • Flat/Matte: Hides imperfections but harder to clean (NOT recommended for FL)
  • Satin: Best for FL homes—resists mildew, easy to wash, slight sheen
  • Semi-Gloss: For trim and doors—very durable, high moisture resistance
  • Gloss: Too shiny for house body, shows every flaw

Interior Finishes:

  • Flat/Matte: Ceilings only
  • Eggshell: Living rooms, bedrooms—subtle sheen, washable
  • Satin: Kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas—handles humidity
  • Semi-Gloss: Trim, doors, cabinets—very durable

UV-Resistant and Fade-Resistant Options

Best Paint Brands for Florida Sun:

  • Sherwin-Williams Duration:
    • Self-priming, excellent fade resistance
    • Lifetime warranty on color
    • Cost: $65-75/gallon
  • Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior:
    • Color Lock technology prevents fading
    • Excellent in high-humidity climates
    • Cost: $70-85/gallon
  • Behr Marquee:
    • One-coat coverage, fade-resistant
    • More affordable option
    • Cost: $50-60/gallon

Trending Colors in Nocatee/Ponte Vedra (2024)

Exterior Trends:

  1. Soft white with white trim (coastal classic)
  2. Light gray with white trim (modern coastal)
  3. Pale blue-gray with white trim (beachy)
  4. Warm beige with white trim (traditional)
  5. Sage green with cream trim (2024 trendy)

Interior Trends:

  1. Greige (gray-beige hybrids) - SW Agreeable Gray dominates
  2. Warm whites - BM White Dove, SW Alabaster
  3. Soft sage green - accent walls and bathrooms
  4. Navy blue - kitchen islands, powder rooms
  5. Earthy terracotta - trending for 2024

Color Matching Tips for Florida Homes

Coordinate With Fixed Elements:

  • Roof color: If dark gray/brown roof, avoid warm beiges (clashes)
  • Brick/stone: Pull undertones from masonry
  • Landscape: Consider tropical vegetation (greens, palms)
  • Neighbors: HOA rules may restrict choices

Testing Colors:

  • Buy sample quarts ($5-8 each)
  • Paint large poster boards (2x3 feet minimum)
  • View in morning, midday, and evening light
  • Check on sunny and cloudy days
  • Florida light is different than photos online

Paint Durability in Coastal Climate

Expected Lifespan (St. Johns County):

  • Exterior paint: 7-10 years with quality paint, proper prep
  • Coastal homes (near beach): 5-7 years due to salt air
  • Interior paint: 10-15 years for walls, 5-7 for high-traffic areas
  • Trim paint: 8-12 years exterior, 15+ years interior

Factors That Shorten Paint Life:

  • Direct sun exposure (south and west-facing walls)
  • Salt air (within 2 miles of beach)
  • Poor surface prep
  • Cheap paint (saves $20/gallon, costs $3,000 in early repainting)
  • Dark colors

Painting Costs in St. Johns County (2024)

Exterior Painting:

  • Small home (1,500 sq ft): $3,500-5,500
  • Medium home (2,500 sq ft): $5,500-8,500
  • Large home (3,500+ sq ft): $8,500-12,000+
  • Includes: Pressure washing, scraping, priming, 2 coats quality paint

Interior Painting:

  • Single room (12x12): $400-700
  • Living room: $600-1,200
  • Whole house interior (2,000 sq ft): $3,500-6,500
  • Includes: Prep, 2 coats, trim work, cleanup

Mold and Mildew-Resistant Paints

Critical for Florida's humid climate, especially bathrooms and north-facing exteriors.

Best Mildew-Resistant Options:

  • Sherwin-Williams Emerald: Built-in anti-microbial properties
  • Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa: Designed for high-moisture areas
  • Behr Premium Plus: Mildew-resistant, budget-friendly

Prevention Tips:

  • Use bathroom exhaust fans during and 20 min after showers
  • Clean painted surfaces annually with mildew cleaner
  • Ensure proper attic and soffit ventilation
  • Fix water leaks immediately

HOA and Permit Requirements

HOA Approval (Nocatee and Most Communities):

  • Must submit color samples for approval (allow 2-4 weeks)
  • Most HOAs require "approved color palette"
  • Get written approval BEFORE purchasing paint
  • Failure to comply can result in $100/day fines

Permits:

  • No permit needed for exterior painting in St. Johns County
  • Permit required if replacing siding or making structural changes

Bottom Line: Best Paint Color Strategy

For Maximum Longevity and Resale Value:

  • Exterior: Soft white, light gray, or pale blue-gray
  • Trim: Bright white (always popular)
  • Interior Walls: Warm gray (SW Agreeable Gray is safe bet)
  • Ceilings: Pure white (makes rooms feel taller)
  • Accent Walls: Navy, sage green, or warm terracotta

In Florida's harsh sun and humid climate, light colors last 30-40% longer than dark colors and can save you hundreds annually in air conditioning costs. When in doubt, go lighter than you think—Florida sun makes colors appear more intense than paint chips suggest.

© 2024 Handyman St Johns. Paint color guide for St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, and Nocatee homes. All product recommendations and costs based on 2024 local market conditions. Free to share with attribution.