How to Choose a Floor Coating Contractor in Jacksonville

Jacksonville's epoxy flooring market has exploded in recent years. A quick search reveals dozens of contractors, from established companies to solo operators working out of pickup trucks. Choosing the wrong one can cost you thousands in failed coatings. Here's how to find a good one.

What to Look For

1. Surface Preparation Method

This is the single most important question to ask: "How do you prepare the concrete?"

• ✅ "Diamond grinding with commercial equipment" — correct answer
• ⚠️ "Acid etching" — outdated method, poor adhesion
• 🚩 "We use a special primer that doesn't need grinding" — marketing nonsense

Read our detailed comparison in diamond grinding vs acid etching.

2. Moisture Testing

Ask: "Do you test for moisture before quoting?"

• ✅ Yes, with ASTM-standard testing methods
• 🚩 "The floor looks dry" or "We don't usually need to"

In Florida, this is non-negotiable. See our article on why moisture testing matters.

3. Material Specifications

Ask for specifics:

• What brand and type of epoxy?
• What is the solids content? (Should be 100% for professional systems)
• How many mils thickness per coat?
• What type of topcoat?

If the contractor can't answer these questions clearly, they may not know what they're using.

4. Portfolio and References

Ask to see recent local projects, not just manufacturer photos. Even better, ask to visit a completed project or speak with a recent customer. Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau are good starting points.

5. Insurance and Licensing

Florida doesn't require a specific license for floor coating installation, but contractors should carry:

• General liability insurance ($1M minimum)
• Workers' compensation (if they have employees)
• A business license with the city/county

6. Written Contract and Warranty

Everything should be in writing:

• Scope of work (surface prep, coating system, number of coats, mil thickness)
• Timeline and cure schedule
• Total price (beware of "that'll cost extra" mid-project surprises)
• Warranty terms (what's covered, what's excluded, how long)

Red Flags

🚩 No physical address or established business presence — fly-by-night operators are common in this industry

🚩 Dramatically lower price than competitors — they're cutting corners somewhere (usually surface prep)

🚩 Pressure to decide immediately — "This price is only good today" is a sales tactic, not a business practice

🚩 Won't specify materials — if they won't tell you what they're using, there's a reason

🚩 No portfolio of local work — experience matters, especially in Florida's unique climate

🚩 Cash only / no contract — protect yourself with documentation

How We're Different

At JAX Epoxy Floors, we're happy to answer every one of these questions in detail. We publish our preparation methods, use premium materials, perform moisture testing on every project, and stand behind our work with clear warranty terms.

We also believe in educating homeowners — which is why we write articles like this. An informed customer is our best customer.

The r/HomeImprovement community has excellent threads on choosing contractors that apply to any home improvement project.

Contact us for a free quote and see the difference professionalism makes.