1st Choice Coatings

1st Choice Coatings serves Pensacola and Northwest Florida with interior and exterior painting for residential properties. The team handles interior painting, exterior painting, and door and window painting. The business offers free estimates so you understand pricing upfront and approaches projects with safety and respect for your property. A 5.0 rating from 25 reviews reflects customer experience with the work.

The company offers a 5% discount for military, veterans, and seniors. Call (850) 821-2866 for a free estimate or more information about services.

In Florida, painting contractors who take on construction, repair, or remodeling work for compensation must be licensed by the state. The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) oversees contractor licensing and regulation. Before hiring any painter, verify that they hold the proper state license. You can search for active licenses on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website to confirm a contractor's status.

When you contact a painter, ask whether they hold a state license and in what category. Painters typically operate as registered or certified contractors depending on their scope of work and the jurisdiction. A certified contractor can work in any Florida jurisdiction, while a registered contractor is limited to specific areas. Requesting the license number and verifying it online protects you and ensures the contractor meets state qualifications.

During your consultation, discuss project scope, safety practices, and any work that may require permits. While painting itself does not always require a permit, preparation work—such as drywall repair or surface treatment—may fall under building codes depending on the project. A licensed contractor will know local requirements and handle permitting if needed. Ask your painter how they approach prep work and surface preparation, as these steps directly affect the quality and durability of the finish.