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How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost in Florida? (2026 Prices)
What drywall costs in Florida per square foot to hang and finish, plus Level 5, fire-rated board, water damage repairs and worked examples for common rooms.
Last updated: 2 min readBy the Florida Renovation Guide editorial teamTopic: Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations
The short answer
- Hanging and finishing drywall typically costs about $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft. of board on walls and about $2–$4 on ceilings.
- A 12 × 14 ft room with 8 ft walls, ceiling included, usually costs roughly $900–$2,000 to drywall.
- Small repairs cost about $60–$200 each, but water-damaged sections run $400–$1,500 or more, and the cause has to be fixed first.
- In Florida, check for mold after any leak or flood before closing up walls.
On this page
Drywall is part of nearly every Florida remodel, from bathroom and kitchen projects to garage conversions, additions and repairs after a leak or storm. This guide covers new drywall and the repairs homeowners ask about most.
Drywall cost per square foot
| Item | Estimated range | What affects it |
|---|---|---|
| Walls, standard finish | $1.50–$3.50per sq. ft. of board | Ready for primer and paint. Most residential walls are finished to Level 4. |
| Ceilings, standard finish | $2–$4per sq. ft. of board | Overhead work is slower. High ceilings and textured finishes cost more. |
| Level 5 (skim coat) upgrade | $0.80–$1.80per sq. ft. of board | For strong side lighting, glossy paint or very smooth walls. |
| Type X fire-rated board upgrade | $0.40–$0.80per sq. ft. of board | Heavier 5/8 in. board used in fire-rated assemblies such as the wall between a house and an attached garage. |
Prices are per square foot of board installed, not floor area. A room's walls and ceiling together usually have three to four times as much board as the floor area.
Drywall repair costs
| Item | Estimated range | What affects it |
|---|---|---|
| Small repair (holes, cracks, a few patches) | $60–$200per repair | Many contractors have a minimum charge, so group small repairs into one visit. |
| Ceiling patch (up to about 4 sq. ft.) | $150–$650per patch | Matching popcorn or knockdown texture adds time. |
| Water-damaged section of wall or ceiling | $400–$1,500per area | Fix the leak first. Mold remediation, if needed, is a separate cost. |
Example budgets
These examples use our drywall calculator.
| Project | What's included | Estimated range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bedroom | 12 × 14 ft, 8 ft walls, one door and one window, ceiling | $900–$2,000 |
| Same room, Level 5 finish | Skim coat over walls and ceiling | $1,300–$3,000 |
| Large living room | 20 × 24 ft, 9 ft walls, two doors, four windows, ceiling | $2,000–$4,300 |
| Garage wall, fire-rated | 20 × 9 ft wall in Type X board | $350–$750 |
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Sheets needed and professional cost for one rectangular room.
Estimated range
$900 – $2,000
Typical Florida pricing, installed.
- Walls (380 sq. ft.)
- $550–$1,300
- Ceiling (168 sq. ft.)
- $350–$650
548 sq. ft. of board
About 19 sheets of 4 × 8 ft drywall, including 10% for waste and offcuts.
This is a preliminary estimate for budgeting, not a contractor quotation.
Contractors may quote per sheet, per square foot, by the hour or as a lump sum. Small jobs usually carry a minimum charge. After water damage, fix the leak and check for mold first.
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What drives the price
- Ceiling height and access. Vaulted ceilings, tall entryways and stairwells need scaffolding and take longer.
- Finish level and texture. Smooth Level 5 walls cost more. Matching an existing knockdown or popcorn texture on repairs takes skill.
- Moisture-resistant board. Bathrooms and laundry areas typically use moisture-resistant board, and tile showers need a proper backer and waterproofing.
- Small jobs. Minimum charges and return visits between coats make small jobs expensive per square foot.
Water damage, mold and old ceilings
In Florida, drywall repairs often follow a leak, a roof problem or a flood. Fix the cause first, dry the area and check for mold before closing up. Larger mold problems may call for a licensed mold assessor and remediator. If your home is older, have popcorn ceilings and old joint compound tested for asbestos before sanding or removing them; our guide to preparing your house for a renovation explains why.
After a flood, check whether your home is in a flood zone. Repair costs can count toward the FEMA 50% rule, which can trigger much bigger requirements; see the 50% rule in Florida. For budgeting the unknowns, read change orders and hidden damage.
Frequently asked questions
How much drywall does a room need?
Add up the wall area (perimeter times wall height), subtract doors and windows, and add the ceiling. Then add about 10% for waste. Our drywall calculator does this for you and counts sheets.
What is a Level 5 drywall finish?
It's a thin skim coat of compound over the whole surface after normal taping and finishing. It hides joints under strong side lighting or glossy paint. Most walls are finished to Level 4.
Do I need a permit to replace drywall?
Patching drywall usually doesn't need one. Replacing large areas, especially after flooding, may need a permit, and in flood zones repair costs can count toward the FEMA 50% rule. Check with your building department.
Should I remove wet drywall after a flood?
Wet drywall and insulation are usually removed above the waterline so the wall cavity can dry and be checked for mold. Follow guidance from your insurer and a qualified mitigation company.
Sources and further reading
- Cost to Install Drywall (Inch Calculator)
- How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost? (HomeGnome)
- Cost to Repair Drywall Damage (Inch Calculator)
We summarize official information in our own words and link to the source. Requirements can change, so confirm details with the source before relying on them. Our editorial standards
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