Planning guide

HOA exterior paint colour approval: how it works

By JJ Lengyel, Pelican Painting | October 20, 2026 | 4 min read

If you live in an HOA or condo community, the colour of your house may not be entirely your decision. Getting approval right at the start saves time, money and a very awkward repaint.

Many communities across Pinellas County, and especially on the barrier islands, have rules about exterior colours and how changes get approved. This guide explains how the process usually works, what to check, what to submit and how to avoid the common mistakes. When you are ready for the work itself, see exterior painting, or for association repaints of whole buildings, commercial painting.

Why associations control colours

Associations exist partly to keep a community looking consistent. Colour rules are one of the most common ways they do it. The rules usually live in the community's governing documents (declarations, covenants, bylaws and architectural guidelines) and are enforced by an architectural review committee, design review board or the board itself.

Every community is different. Some publish an approved palette. Some require approval for any change but allow the same colour freely. Some require approval for every exterior repaint, even the same colour. Condo associations often control exteriors completely, because the walls are common property.

What to check before you choose a colour

• Is there an approved colour palette? Many communities have one, sometimes with set combinations for body, trim and doors.
• Does repainting the same colour need approval? Do not assume it does not.
• Which parts are covered? Body, trim, doors, garage doors, shutters, railings and even driveways can each have rules.
• Are there rules on sheen? Some communities specify flat body and gloss trim, for example.
• Who approves, and how often do they meet? This sets your timeline.
• Are there contractor requirements? Proof of insurance, work hours, parking, noise and where materials can be stored are common.

What a typical application includes

1. The application form from your association or management company.
2. Exact colour names and codes from the paint maker, for each part of the house.
3. Colour samples or chips, sometimes a painted sample board.
4. A photo of the house as it is now, and sometimes photos of the neighbours.
5. Details of the work: which areas are being painted and when.
6. Contractor information, if your association asks for it.

Tips for a smooth approval

• Start early. Approval can take weeks depending on meeting schedules. Apply before you book the work, not after.
• Choose from the approved palette if there is one. It is the quickest path.
• Test colours outside. Florida sun makes colours look lighter and brighter than the chip. Paint a large sample on the wall and look at it morning and afternoon.
• Keep everything in writing. Save the approval letter or email, with the exact colour codes.
• Give your painter a copy. The colours on the job should match the approval exactly.

Common pitfalls

• Starting work before approval arrives. Some associations can require a repaint at the owner's cost.
• Assuming a colour that matches the neighbour's is automatically approved.
• Approving one colour name, then buying a different maker's version that looks slightly different.
• Forgetting doors, shutters or garage doors in the application.
• Not checking contractor rules, so the crew is turned away at the gate.

Condos and whole building repaints

In a condo, the exterior is usually common property, so the association plans and pays for repainting as a building project, often from reserves. That process looks more like a commercial job: a scope of work, specifications, bids, a schedule and communication with residents about balconies, parking and access. We cover that in our guide to planning a condo or HOA repaint.

On the barrier islands

Island communities often combine strict appearance rules with tough conditions: salt, sun and wind. That makes the coating choice and prep as important as the colour. A colour that is approved but fades quickly on the Gulf side will not look like the approved colour for long. Lighter tones tend to hold up better in full sun.

Questions we hear

Have your approval and ready to paint? See exterior painting, or call (727) 490-9640 and we will help you with colour codes and samples for your application.