Skim coating drywall is a great alternative to replacement, and is often more affordable. Use this guide to estimate the cost to skim coat walls in your home.
Drywall Installation Cost in Tampa [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $873 - $3,035
The average drywall installation cost in Tampa, Florida, is $1,933, with a typical range of $873 to $3,035. A pro will consider factors like drywall type, thickness, and finish for your final price.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
When installing new drywall in Tampa, consider contemporary moisture-resistant or mold-resistant options that can enhance home value by protecting your walls against high humidity or flooding damage from heavy storms.
On average, factors such as sales tax on drywall materials and stringent licensing and insurance requirements for local contractors drive up the costs of drywall installation in Tampa.
Expect to pay more if your Tampa home has vaulted ceilings or complicated arches that make drywall installation more challenging.
The average drywall installation cost in Tampa is $1,933, with local homeowners paying anywhere from $873 to $3,035 for different options. Overall, homeowners should expect the amount of drywall and the number of hours required for installation to determine the project's costs. If you decide to opt for a higher-end option, such as moisture-resistant drywall to reduce mold risks in Tampa's humid climate, add 5% or more to your budget. Here’s what you need to know while budgeting for drywall installation in Tampa, Florida.
Drywall Installation Cost Factors
Whether you're adding an addition or undertaking a major renovation, the size of the rooms involved will determine how much drywall needs to be installed in your Tampa, Florida, home.
Room Size
Whether you’re working on a small bathroom or a spacious living room, having an estimate of costs based on room size can help you plan your budget more effectively. Installing drywall in a small bathroom of around 100 square feet will cost $400 to $650, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,500 to $3,000.
Here’s a chart that gives the average costs for installing drywall—including materials and labor—in different common room sizes:
| Room Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $300–$600 |
| 200 | $600–$1,200 |
| 300 | $900–$1,800 |
| 400 | $1,200–$2,400 |
| 500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
Type of Drywall
Standard drywall is the most affordable option, but more expensive types may be worth the additional investment in some scenarios.
| Drywall Type | Best Use | Average Cost of Materials per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-resistant | Bathrooms, kitchens | $0.45–$0.70 |
| Mold-resistant | Extra-moist areas | $0.55–$0.60 |
| Fire-resistant | Garages, boiler rooms, commercial buildings | $0.70–$0.90 |
| Soundproof | Music rooms, kids’ rooms, primary bedrooms | $1.50–$3.25 |
| Eco-friendly | All rooms | $0.60–$0.80 |
Drywall Thickness
Drywall thickness can sway your total price. If you’re on a minimal budget, you might want to opt for the thinnest quarter-inch panels. Three-eighths-inch and half-inch are the most common varieties. Soundproof and fire-resistant panels are usually five-eighths-inch thick. Drywall is sometimes available in 3/4" thicknesses for added soundproofing.
| Drywall Thickness (Inches) | Ideal Use Case | Average Cost per Panel |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | Curved areas or patches | $14.50 |
| 3/8 | Patches or repairs | $15 |
| 1/2 | Standard walls | $17 |
| 5/8 | Standard ceilings, fire-proofing | $18 |
| 3/4 | Sound-proofing, fire-proofing | $21.50 |
Level of Finish
Your drywall installation costs will vary depending on what level of drywall finish you agree upon with your contractor.
| Level | Description | Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Contractor hangs the drywall and no more | $0.75–$0.95 |
| 1 | Drywall has the seams sealed with tape and then covered with mud | $1–$1.75 |
| 2 | Has one coat of joint compound, typically to allow tiling on top | $1–$2.25 |
| 3 | Has two coats of joint compound for a smoother finish | $1.50–$2.50 |
| 4 | If you plan to use matte paint, pros recommend the application of three coats of joint compound | $1.50–$2.50 |
| 5 | A very high-quality finish which is the best option for enamel and gloss paint application. This includes three coats of joint compound and a full skim coat for a super-smooth appearance | $1.75–$3 |
Drywall Installation Pro Costs
When you get quotes for new drywall in Tampa, expect local contractors to provide all-inclusive rates per square foot based on the complexity of your project. In addition to accounting for labor and drywall materials, Tampa contractors must factor in costs for items such as contractor certification and required insurance, which contribute to their local cost of doing business.
Labor
Drywall installation companies in Tampa, Florida, charge between $0.75 and $2 per square foot of drywall installed in your home. Expect the labor portion of your project to cost more if your home has high ceilings, arches, or other features that require a pro with expertise in hanging drywall with specialized methods.
Permits
While simple drywall repairs, such as small patches, most likely won't require a permit in Tampa, you'll need a permit if your project involves structural changes or new plumbing or electrical connections. For projects valued at $1,000 to $10,000, expect permit costs to total $40 to $80. All permit fees are also subject to a 2.5% Florida surcharge.
Insurance
Florida contractors are required to carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 and workers' compensation coverage for their employees. For the average Tampa contractor handling drywall installation and related tasks, this can add $80 to $300 to monthly business expenses.
Taxes
When budgeting for new drywall installation costs in Tampa, keep in mind that all state and local sales taxes will increase the cost of materials that your contractor passes down to you. This includes the 6% Florida sales tax and the 1.5% Hillsborough County tax, which adds up to a combined rate of 7.5%.
Licensing
Hillsborough County requires that all contractors in Tampa and throughout the county must be licensed to perform residential work. The process requires a $50 application fee and $230 registration fee.
Does New Drywall Increase Home Value?
Upgrading to new moisture- or mold-resistant drywall at your Tampa home can be a smart investment. As locals are aware, Tampa has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by year-round high humidity levels. With major storm threats and annual average humidity rates of around 74%, Tampa homeowners often battle issues like moisture damage or mold that can affect drywall. If your walls have been damaged by unmitigated humidity or previous flooding events, upgrading to high-quality drywall can make your home more marketable and increase the lifespan of your drywall.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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