Flooring That’s Built or Botched: Why Florida Homeowners Need to Watch for Epoxy Scams

In Florida—especially around Ocala—epoxy flooring has exploded in popularity. And it’s no surprise. With all the heat, humidity, and wear that garage floors take, homeowners want something that actually holds up. A professionally installed epoxy or polyaspartic system can turn a cracked, stained garage into a clean, durable space that looks sharp and lasts for decades.

But there’s a flip side to the demand.

As more people jump on the epoxy trend, a growing number of unqualified installers and fly-by-night companies are cutting corners, overcharging, and flat-out scamming customers. From shady warranty claims to low-quality products disguised as premium systems, we’ve seen it all—and unfortunately, so have a lot of our customers who call us to fix the mess.

Here’s the hard truth: if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Especially in Florida, where humidity, slab moisture, and extreme temps can ruin a poor-quality install in under a year.

At Safeguard Coatings, we’ve made it our mission to educate Ocala homeowners so they can protect their homes, their money, and their concrete. This post breaks down the most common epoxy flooring scams we’ve seen in the field—and how you can avoid them.

The “$999 Garage Floor” Bait & Switch

You’ve probably seen the ads: “Garage epoxy floor—only $999!” It sounds like a steal. And for a lot of Florida homeowners looking to upgrade a tired garage, that price tag is tempting. But here’s what they don’t tell you—those ultra-low-cost offers are almost always a bait-and-switch.

What actually shows up at your house? A rushed install with minimal surface prep, watered-down materials, and a crew that’s in and out so fast you’ll barely remember their names. That “epoxy” floor they’re selling? It’s usually a cheap, water-based product that offers a thin, temporary coating—barely 3 mils thick—and no protective topcoat.

Here in Ocala, with high humidity and hot-tire wear from Florida summers, those $999 floors usually start peeling within a year. We’ve seen it firsthand. Hot tire pickup, delamination, and discoloration are common because the slab wasn’t ground, no moisture barrier was applied, and the coating was too weak to handle vehicle traffic.

And the worst part? Once they upsell you on “optional” upgrades like better prep, flakes, or a topcoat, that $999 deal often balloons to $2,000+—and you’re still not getting a professional-grade system.

So what’s the real cost of a high-quality epoxy garage floor in Ocala? It varies depending on slab condition and system type, but most legit installs fall between $6–$9 per square foot. That includes proper grinding, high-solids epoxy, full flake broadcast (if desired), and a UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat.

Bottom line: if someone offers to coat your entire garage for less than the cost of two new tires, you’re not getting the real deal.

DIY Kits Disguised as Professional Installations

One of the most common scams we see across Florida—especially here in Ocala—is when so-called “pros” roll in, open up a box-store epoxy kit, and sell it to you as a custom flooring system. The truth? It’s the exact same stuff you could’ve picked up at Home Depot yourself.

These kits are marketed for DIY homeowners, not professionals. They contain thin, water-based epoxy that might look good for a few months, but it doesn’t bond deeply, and it can’t handle Florida’s moisture, humidity, or heat. These installers know they’re cutting corners—but they rely on the fact that most customers can’t tell the difference.

Here’s where the issues start. These kits don’t include mechanical prep. No grinding. No moisture barrier. No polyaspartic topcoat. And definitely no real long-term durability. They’re often applied with a paint roller, maybe with a light flake broadcast thrown in to distract from how thin the coating actually is.

The worst part? These contractors charge professional prices for a job that’ll start breaking down before the next rainy season. We’ve had multiple homeowners in Ocala call us after just a year—frustrated by peeling, bubbling, or stains that won’t come out.

So how do you spot this scam? Ask what product is being used. Ask for a data sheet. And if someone tells you it’ll be installed in just a few hours with no prep, it’s a red flag.

At Safeguard Coatings, we don’t use DIY kits—ever. Our materials are commercial-grade, our prep is mechanical, and our systems are designed for Florida’s climate.

No Surface Prep = Guaranteed Failure

If there's one thing that separates a real epoxy floor from a total waste of money, it’s surface prep. And yet, skipping this step is one of the most common—and devastating—scams we see in garage floor installs across Ocala and Central Florida.

Proper epoxy flooring starts before a single drop of resin hits the slab. The surface needs to be mechanically ground to open up the pores, remove contaminants, and create a proper profile for the coating to bond. If that doesn’t happen, the epoxy will sit on top of the concrete like a coat of paint—and eventually, it’ll peel.

Now layer in Florida’s humidity, moisture vapor pressure from underneath the slab, and the salts and grime that get tracked in. Without surface prep, your epoxy floor never stood a chance.

Unfortunately, plenty of contractors skip prep entirely or do a quick acid wash and call it good. That might save them a few hours, but you’ll be the one paying for it when the floor starts flaking off within months.

Here’s how to spot when someone’s cutting corners:

• No mention of mechanical grinding

• No moisture testing

• No patching or joint repair

• They say they can "paint" your floor the same day they arrive

At Safeguard Coatings, every job starts with prep. We mechanically grind every slab, test for moisture vapor issues, and make sure the surface is clean, open, and ready to bond. That’s why our floors hold up—and why so many homeowners in Ocala call us to fix the ones that didn’t.

The Truth About “Lifetime Warranties”

Let’s be real—when you hear “lifetime warranty,” your guard should go up. A lot of epoxy flooring contractors in Florida throw those words around, but they don’t always back them up with clear terms or real accountability. We’ve seen companies vanish after a year, leaving customers stuck with a peeling floor and a worthless promise.

Here in Ocala, we’ve talked with plenty of homeowners who thought they were covered—until they tried to use the warranty. That’s when the fine print shows up. Some warranties only cover materials (not labor), others are voided if you don’t pay for yearly maintenance. And some companies just disappear altogether.

At Safeguard Coatings, we offer a limited lifetime warranty—and we actually stand behind it. It’s designed to give you peace of mind, not play games. Our warranty covers product performance and workmanship for as long as you own your home. If there’s a failure due to installation error or material defect, we’ll fix it. Simple as that.

What it doesn’t cover: abuse, heavy impacts, intentional damage, or major slab movement—that’s standard across the industry. But if something goes wrong due to our process or products, we make it right. Because that’s how local businesses earn trust.

So if a contractor promises a “lifetime warranty,” ask for it in writing. Read the exclusions. And make sure they’ll still be around in five years to answer the phone.

Out-of-State Crews Passing Through Florida

Florida's rapid growth has made it a magnet for out-of-state contractors looking to cash in. These aren't local flooring specialists—they’re often traveling crews who roll into a city like Ocala for a few weeks, book a ton of quick jobs, and leave town before problems start showing up.

They’ll slap up ads with generic “garage floor coating” claims, drop their prices to undercut local pros, and promise fast results. But once the check clears? Good luck getting them back to fix peeling, bubbling, or hot tire lift. By the time the issues show up, they’re already working two counties over—or back in another state entirely.

We’ve seen this firsthand in Ocala. Homeowners call us after these crews ghost them post-install, and we’re stuck breaking the bad news: the slab wasn’t prepped, the coating was wrong for the climate, and there’s no warranty to fall back on.

Why does local experience matter in Florida? Because we deal with:

• High humidity and vapor transmission

• Unique slab mixes depending on the region

• Year-round temperature swings

• Sand, salt, and heavy rain exposure

At Safeguard Coatings, we’re based in Ocala. We don’t subcontract or send temps—we use our own trained team, and we don’t run from problems. We live here. We stand behind every job. And we’re not going anywhere.

Polyurea/Polyaspartic Misrepresentation

“One-day floor!” If you’ve done even a little research into garage floor coatings, you’ve probably seen that phrase. It’s usually tied to polyurea or polyaspartic systems—and while those materials can be excellent, they’re also some of the most misrepresented products in the epoxy flooring world.

Here’s the truth: polyaspartic and polyurea coatings are fast-curing, UV-stable, and highly resistant to abrasion and chemicals. When installed correctly, they’re fantastic. But that “one-day install” sales pitch leaves out a few critical details.

First, prep still matters. You can’t just skip the surface grinding because the product cures fast. Without proper mechanical prep and moisture testing—especially in a Florida garage—the coating won’t bond, and you’ll be back to bare concrete in no time.

Second, not every project is right for polyaspartic from top to bottom. These coatings cure so quickly that inexperienced installers often rush and make mistakes. In some cases, a hybrid system—using 100% solids epoxy as a base coat and polyaspartic as a topcoat—performs better for residential garages in Ocala’s climate.

Finally, many of the “one-day” claims ignore variables like slab condition, moisture vapor, and curing windows for flake systems. If a contractor is promising perfection in 24 hours without even seeing your floor, that’s a red flag.

At Safeguard Coatings, we use polyaspartic topcoats regularly—but only when the slab is prepped correctly and the product fits the space. We’ll always recommend the system that’s right for your floor, not the one that’s easiest to sell.

Overpromising Results in the Wrong Environment

“Crack-proof.” “Flood-proof.” “Lifetime shine.” If you’re hearing a lot of big promises from an epoxy contractor—but not a lot of technical detail—it’s time to slow down. Because when it comes to concrete coatings in Florida, overpromising is one of the biggest red flags of all.

Here in Ocala, we deal with some brutal environmental factors. Between sudden downpours, high humidity, ground moisture, and wide temperature swings, concrete slabs move—they expand, contract, and sometimes even crack under pressure. No floor coating can completely prevent that. And any contractor who claims they can? They’re selling a fantasy, not a flooring system.

We’ve seen homeowners sold on “maintenance-free” floors that turn out to need resealing within a year, or on “bulletproof” coatings that start bubbling from moisture because no one tested the vapor pressure. Even the best epoxy and polyaspartic systems need to be matched to the right environment and installed with a clear understanding of what the floor will be exposed to.

At Safeguard Coatings, we don’t sugarcoat. We’ll walk your floor, check your slab, and tell you honestly what system fits your space, your goals, and your budget. If we can guarantee something, we will. If we can’t, we’ll tell you that too.

Because it’s not about closing the sale—it’s about giving you a floor that performs exactly the way it should in the real world, not just on paper.

How to Avoid All of This:

Vetting a Contractor the Right Way

If you’ve made it this far, you already know: not all epoxy flooring contractors are created equal. Some cut corners. Some disappear after the check clears. And some just flat-out lie. So how do you protect yourself—and your concrete?

It starts with asking the right questions.

Before you hire anyone to coat your garage floor in Ocala, get specific. Ask what type of products they’re using—100% solids epoxy? Polyaspartic topcoat? Water-based kit? Ask how they prep the surface—mechanical grinding or just a sweep and mop? If they can’t explain their process confidently, they probably don’t have one.

You’ll also want to verify:

• Moisture testing is included (Florida slabs need it)

• They offer a written warranty—and it actually covers labor and materials

• They’re licensed, insured, and have a real presence in Central Florida

• Reviews show they follow through on what they promise

It’s also worth asking about project timelines. A legit contractor won’t try to install a system in a few rushed hours—they’ll give you a step-by-step plan, realistic cure times, and clear expectations.

At Safeguard Coatings, we’re proud to operate with full transparency. Our process is built for Florida garages, our materials are industrial-grade, and our prep is never skipped. We’ll never sell you something you don’t need, and we’ll walk you through every step before we start.

Because your garage floor isn’t just a surface—it’s an investment. And it deserves better than shortcuts.

Let’s Talk About Your Garage Floor

Whether you’re dealing with a worn-out concrete slab, want to prevent moisture damage, or just want a garage floor that actually looks good and lasts—Safeguard Coatings is here to help.

We’re not here to give you a hard sell or slap down a generic quote. We’re a small team based right here in Ocala, and we take the time to get it right—from surface prep to final topcoat. Our floors are built for Florida’s heat, humidity, and everything your garage throws at it.

Want a clean, durable, and professional-grade epoxy or polyaspartic floor? Let’s walk the space, talk through your options, and get you a no-pressure quote you can trust.

Serving Ocala, FL and surrounding areas
Call us at: (352) 400-6256
Email: [email protected]
Fill out our quick contact form here

You deserve a floor that performs as good as it looks—and a contractor who actually shows up. Let’s get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Garage Epoxy Floors in Ocala

Do epoxy garage floors increase home value?
Yes—and not just visually. A well-installed epoxy floor adds functionality, durability, and curb appeal to your garage. Buyers in Ocala see value in clean, low-maintenance upgrades. It’s one of the most affordable ways to elevate a space that’s often overlooked.

Can epoxy be installed during Florida’s rainy season?
It can—but it depends on moisture conditions inside the slab. Florida’s high humidity and frequent rain can push moisture up through concrete. That’s why moisture testing is a must before we begin. If there’s too much vapor, we use a moisture mitigation primer to prevent bubbling, peeling, and delamination.

How do I maintain my garage epoxy floor in Ocala?
Very little upkeep is required. Sweep or dust mop regularly, hose off dirt, and spot-clean any spills with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or dragging sharp objects across the surface. With polyaspartic topcoats, your floor will resist most stains and won’t yellow in the sun.

What’s the difference between epoxy and polyaspartic?
Epoxy is the base—durable, strong, and great for bonding to concrete. Polyaspartic is often used as a topcoat. It cures faster, resists UV damage, and adds a sleek, chemical-resistant finish. In many cases, a hybrid system (epoxy base + polyaspartic top) is ideal for Florida garages.

Will my epoxy floor peel from hot tires?
If it’s installed properly with mechanical grinding and high-grade materials, no. But if the installer skips prep or uses a cheap product (like many DIY kits), hot tire pickup is almost guaranteed. That’s why professional prep and real materials matter in Ocala’s heat.

Still have questions? Give us a call. We’re always happy to walk you through the process and help you avoid costly mistakes.