How to Sell a Business in Florida

Before you list your business, it’s critical to develop a clear exit strategy. Early preparation can mean the difference between an average sale and a great one.

• Review and organize financial statements, add-backs, and tax returns. 
• Identify key value drivers and potential areas for improvement. 
• Prepare an operations summary to show what makes your business stand out. 
• Create a timeline and transition plan that fits your personal goals.
   

Pro Tip: The best time to start planning your exit is before you’re ready to sell. Giving yourself 6–12 months of lead time helps increase your sale price and buyer appeal.

Learn more about Selling Your Business or visit our Resources Page for local support (SBDC, SCORE, and Chamber links).

A professional valuation is the foundation of every successful sale. I use industry-specific data and financial performance analysis to determine what your business would sell for in today’s market.

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) and EBITDA 
• Comparable business sales (market comps) 
• Industry-specific multiples 
• Assets, inventory, and goodwill value

You’ll receive a clear, realistic valuation — not an inflated number — so you can make confident, informed decisions.

Request Your Business Valuation or learn more in our Business Valuation Guide

Every business is unique — and so is the marketing plan. I use a multi-channel, confidential strategy that ensures only qualified buyers see your listing.

• Listings on BBF MLS, BizBuySell, and private buyer networks 
• Anonymous online advertising to protect your identity 
• Outreach through local brokers, investors, and industry contacts 
• Use of confidential business summaries (no names or photos)
   

Each buyer signs an NDA before receiving details, ensuring your staff, customers, and competitors never learn your business is for sale.

Not all buyers are equal — and I make sure you only spend time with serious, qualified prospects.

• Financial pre-qualification with SBA lenders 
• Interviewing buyers to confirm intent and experience 
• Negotiating LOIs and Purchase Agreements 
• Structuring deals with the best balance of price, terms, and tax efficiency
   

When offers come in, I negotiate on your behalf, helping you protect your interests and get top value for your business.

Learn more about SBA Financing Options

Once a buyer is approved and an agreement is in place, we move into due diligence and closing. This stage requires strong coordination between all parties.

• Review of financials, lease agreements, and contracts 
• Coordination with attorneys, lenders, and accountants 
• Secure handling of escrow and closing documents 
• Post-sale transition support
   

I stay directly involved from start to finish to ensure a smooth, legally sound closing.

Selling a business involves more than just a buyer and seller. Here are trusted local and national resources that can support your journey:

• Florida SBDC at UNF – Local business advisory and exit planning support. 
• SCORE Northeast Florida – Free mentoring and business advice. 
• Sunbiz.org – Florida Division of Corporations (filings and entity search). 
• Business Brokers of Florida – Florida’s statewide MLS for business resales. 
• U.S. Small Business Administration – Loan programs and selling guidelines.