How to Choose a Finishing Contractor for New Construction in Southwest Florida

A finishing contractor completes the surfaces of a new build. At Smith Plastering, that means stucco, drywall, metal framing, and painting.

Our climate raises the stakes. Florida’s outdoor humidity reaches very near 100% on most nights, and most molds need moisture equal to roughly 70% relative humidity or higher to grow. The paper facing on drywall is an excellent food source for them [1]. Ask every candidate how they keep materials dry and how they schedule finishing work around weather.

Start with the state’s free Verify a License tool from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Requirements depend on scope. According to DBPR, painting does not require a state license, and drywall installation requires one only when the contract also includes work on load-bearing walls, plumbing, electrical, or air conditioning. DBPR also advises checking with your city or county about local business tax receipts or certificates of competency [2].

Ask directly: “Which license or registration covers this scope, and can I see it?” A good contractor answers without hesitation.

In Florida, construction employers with one or more employees must carry workers’ compensation, including non-exempt owners. If a subcontractor’s worker is hurt and the subcontractor is uninsured, the primary contractor becomes responsible for the benefits [3].

Before work starts, ask for one of these [3]:

• The policy’s information page
• A screen print from the state’s Proof of Coverage database
• A certificate of liability insurance with written confirmation of workers’ comp

Builders, this protects your project. Homeowners, it protects you.

Florida’s building code ties stucco to ASTM C 926, the standard for applying Portland cement-based plaster, and sets minimum intervals between coats. The standard also says timing and curing vary with temperature and humidity, and each coat needs enough time to resist cracking before the next goes on [4].

That is why rushed stucco cracks. Ask: “How do you cure between coats in July? What do you do after a rain delay?” A contractor who has done this work in Naples summers can answer in plain language.

Finishing sits in the middle of your schedule. Framing must finish before drywall, drywall must pass inspection before texture and paint, and stucco needs time to cure. One late trade delays the next.

Ask for three recent local references, photos of similar projects, and a written schedule. Browse our project gallery, and read why reliable finish contractors keep projects on schedule.

A low number can hide gaps: vague scope, skipped prep, surprise change orders, or rework. Ask for an itemized, written scope covering materials, number of coats, prep, cleanup, and warranty. Our article on why contractors choose experienced finish partners over the lowest bid explains how the cheapest bid can become the costliest.

• Local and family-owned since 1997, with hands-on management
• One team for four trades: stucco, drywall, metal framing, and painting, so fewer handoffs
• Projects of any size across Naples, Fort Myers, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, and Estero
• A personal guarantee: President Michael Smith guarantees 100% customer satisfaction and is available by phone or in person

Absolutely fabulous job done by Maestro Felix the drywall man. I needed a small 2′ X 2′ drywall section installed and watched Felix do his magic in a very short time. He applied two coats of plaster and a third coat to give the wall a textured look. It was a real pleasure working with the entire Smith team from Kelly to Felix to Charlie. Definitely a 5 star operation!

– R. S.

Ready to get started? Call Smith Plastering today or message us through our contact page.

What does a finishing contractor do?

A finishing contractor completes the interior and exterior surfaces of a building after the structure is built. This includes stucco, drywall finishing, metal framing, and painting.

Does a finishing contractor need a license in Florida?

It depends on scope. DBPR says painting needs no state license, and drywall needs one only when the contract includes load-bearing walls, plumbing, electrical, or air conditioning work. Local licensing may still apply, so verify with DBPR and your city or county [2].

Do Florida contractors need workers’ compensation insurance?

Yes. Florida construction employers with one or more employees, including non-exempt owners, must carry workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for proof before work begins [3].