Nothing stalls a Florida repaint faster than an HOA denial. In Pinellas County communities, HOA exterior paint approval is usually required before a contractor can start—sometimes before colors are even ordered. The right process prevents delays, fines, and do-overs, and gets you a palette that looks great in Florida sun and passes review the first time.
This guide shows you exactly how to get HOA paint approval in Pinellas—what boards look for, how to assemble a clean submittal, and the coastal-smart color choices that sail through.
What HOAs Look For (So You Don’t Get Denied)
- Neighborhood harmony: Colors that complement adjacent homes and streetscape
- Approved families or palettes: Many HOAs restrict neons, ultra-dark bodies, or stark whites
- Placement & sheen rules: Body vs. trim vs. door; flat/low-sheen on stucco body, satin/semi-gloss on trim/doors
- Fixed-element alignment: Roof tile/shingle undertones, stone, pavers, gutters
- Professional documentation: Brand, color names/numbers, LRV, sheen, and where each color goes
Step-by-Step: How to Get HOA Paint Approval in Pinellas
1) Pull Your Community Guidelines and Form
Download the ARC/ARB (Architectural Review) paint form and color rules. Note any banned hues, sheen limits, or roof-compatibility requirements.
2) Build Your Palette Around Fixed Elements
Start with what won’t change: roof color, stone/brick, driveway pavers, window color. Match undertones first, then choose:
- Body: light to mid neutrals with LRV 55–80 for a bright coastal look without glare
- Trim/Fascia: a clean, slightly brighter white or complementary neutral
- Front Door/Accents: a deeper contrasting tone used sparingly
3) Test On The House (Not Just Cards)
Paint large swatches on two elevations (sun + shade). View morning, midday, and sunset. Florida light shifts undertones; testing prevents surprises after approval.
4) Document With Precision
Your submittal should list, for each color:
- Manufacturer + line
- Color name + number
- Sheen (Body: flat/low-sheen; Trim/Fascia: satin/semi-gloss; Door: satin/semi-gloss)
- Placement (body, trim, garage, shutters, door)
- LRV when requested
Attach clear photos of your home with simple annotations (e.g., “Body,” “Trim,” “Door”).
5) Provide Two Acceptable Alternatives
Many boards like a primary palette + one backup in the same family. This speeds approval if one element conflicts with a nearby house.
6) Mind the Review Timeline
Boards often meet weekly or monthly. Submit complete documentation and allow time for clarifications. Don’t schedule start dates until you have written approval.
7) Keep Records
Save the approval letter and palette sheet. You’ll need it for future touch-ups or if you change the front door color later.
Palettes That Commonly Pass (Use As Direction—Always Test)
Home Elements Body (Flat/Low-Sheen) Trim/Fascia (Satin) Door/Shutters (Satin/Semi-Gloss) Terracotta tile roof, warm stone Light sand / warm beige Cream / soft white Muted olive, deep teal, or bronze Gray shingle roof, white windows Greige / pale taupe Clean white Charcoal, navy, or cypress green Coastal cottage near water Warm white Bright white Sea-glass green or soft aqua Modern stucco + metal accents Pale greige Off-white Black, espresso, or deep green
Keep deep hues to doors/shutters. Dark body colors can overheat and fade faster in Florida sun and often face more HOA scrutiny.
Sheen Rules That Keep Reviews Smooth
- Body stucco: Flat or low-sheen (hides texture, reduces glare)
- Trim, fascia, garage doors: Satin (crisper lines, better washability)
- Front door/shutters/metal: Satin or semi-gloss (depth and durability)
What Causes HOA Denials (and How To Avoid Them)
- Stark white body with bright white trim (reads sterile, glares in sun) → Use warm whites/creams on body; reserve bright white for trim
- Neon or overly saturated pastels on body → Choose sun-washed coastal tones (slightly grayed)
- No documentation (missing brand, numbers, sheen) → Submit a complete spec sheet
- Clashing with immediate neighbors → Provide an alternate door/trim option
Copy/Paste: Sample HOA Paint Submittal Block
Property Address: 123 Palm Lane, Clearwater, FL 337XX
Scope: Exterior repaint (body, trim/fascia, front door, garage)
Body: Manufacturer / Line – Color Name (Color #), Flat or Low-Sheen, LRV __
Trim & Fascia: Manufacturer / Line – Color Name (Color #), Satin, LRV __
Front Door: Manufacturer / Line – Color Name (Color #), Satin/Semi-Gloss, LRV __
Garage Door: Match Trim, Satin
Notes: Colors tested on site; photos attached with labeled placements. Palette coordinated to [roof type/color] and [paver/stone]. Alternate palette attached if required.
Florida-Smart Execution After Approval
- Wash, dry, and meter stucco/wood before coating (avoid painting near dew point)
- Prime repairs/chalk with the correct masonry or bonding primer
- Two uniform coats; spray-and-backroll on stucco for even film build
- Stage by elevation to avoid hot afternoon sun and flashing
Ready For A Fast-Track HOA Approval
At Legacy Applications, we package HOA-ready color submittals—palette, LRV, sheen, placement map, and labeled photos—so your board can approve quickly. Then our craftsmen execute a coastal-smart system that looks elegant and lasts in Pinellas conditions.
Book your free consultation today and get an approval-ready palette in days, plus a Florida-proof plan for prep, primers, and finish.