Selling a Business in Fort Myers

Owners in Fort Myers sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. This market has 22,756 employer businesses, and 88% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled. People also search for this market as Cape Coral, Lee County or Southwest Florida. The largest industries here are construction and retail.

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

Fort Myers by the numbers

22,756

22,756

EMPLOYER BUSINESSES

88%

88%

SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE

114,704

114,704

BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES

264,855

264,855

EMPLOYMENT

$14.7 billion

$14.7 billion

ANNUAL PAYROLL

7,556

7,556

BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES

U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.

How Fort Myers compares

  • Fort Myers ranks 6th of 22 Florida metro markets for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 18.8% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Construction makes up 17% of employer businesses in Fort Myers, compared with 11% in Florida.

  • 7,556 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

  • Fort Myers ranks 6th of 22 Florida metro markets for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 18.8% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Construction makes up 17% of employer businesses in Fort Myers, compared with 11% in Florida.

  • 7,556 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

Industry mix

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Construction: 3,887 employer businesses

  • Retail: 2,620 employer businesses

  • Professional and technical services: 2,592 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 2,204 employer businesses

  • Real estate and rental: 2,053 employer businesses

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Construction: 3,887 employer businesses

  • Retail: 2,620 employer businesses

  • Professional and technical services: 2,592 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 2,204 employer businesses

  • Real estate and rental: 2,053 employer businesses

Every kind of business we sell in Fort Myers

These are the industries in Fort Myers and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Construction & Engineering

4,041 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • General Contracting: 1,052 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 916 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Landscaping: 546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Electrical: 318 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Roofing & Siding: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Civil Engineering: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Masonry: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Financial & Professional Services

2,188 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Restaurants & Food

1,486 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Medical Practices

1,478 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Retail Stores

1,135 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Automotive & Boat

759 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Auto Repair: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Auto Parts: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Car Dealerships: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Collision Repair: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Boat Dealerships: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

Home Services

750 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Beauty & Personal Care

510 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Hair Salons: 307 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

  • Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Logistics & Transportation

437 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Wholesale & Distribution

358 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Technology & Media

321 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Manufacturing

317 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

286 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Gas Stations & Convenience

249 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Hospitality & Travel

175 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Hotels: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Entertainment & Recreation

168 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Bars & Pubs: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Golf Courses: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Bowling Alleys: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.

  • Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.

  • Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.

Energy & Utilities

137 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Education & Childcare

135 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Daycare Centers: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

  • Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.

Senior Care & Living

112 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Health & Fitness

110 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Pet Services

106 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

E-commerce & Online Businesses

Land & Agriculture

These are the industries in Fort Myers and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Construction & Engineering

4,041 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • General Contracting: 1,052 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 916 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Landscaping: 546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Electrical: 318 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Roofing & Siding: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Civil Engineering: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Masonry: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Financial & Professional Services

2,188 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Restaurants & Food

1,486 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Medical Practices

1,478 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Retail Stores

1,135 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Automotive & Boat

759 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Auto Repair: 272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Auto Parts: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Car Dealerships: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Collision Repair: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Boat Dealerships: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

Home Services

750 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Beauty & Personal Care

510 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Hair Salons: 307 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

  • Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Logistics & Transportation

437 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Wholesale & Distribution

358 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Technology & Media

321 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Manufacturing

317 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

286 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Gas Stations & Convenience

249 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Hospitality & Travel

175 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Hotels: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Entertainment & Recreation

168 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Bars & Pubs: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Golf Courses: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Bowling Alleys: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.

  • Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.

  • Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.

Energy & Utilities

137 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Education & Childcare

135 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

  • Daycare Centers: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

  • Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.

Senior Care & Living

112 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Health & Fitness

110 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

Pet Services

106 related employer businesses in Fort Myers.

E-commerce & Online Businesses

Land & Agriculture

Working with owners in Fort Myers

Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Fort Myers. Contact us to talk about a sale.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions owners in Fort Myers ask

How long does it take to sell a business in Fort Myers?

The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.

How is a business valued in Fort Myers?

Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.

Is the sale confidential?

Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.

FROM OUR BLOG

Guides for owners in Fort Myers

October 3, 2025

Business Owners

Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On

Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.

Read article

October 3, 2025

Business Owners

Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On

Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.

Read article

March 5, 2026

Business Owners

Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close

Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.

Read article

March 5, 2026

Business Owners

Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close

Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.

Read article

February 9, 2026

Business Owners

The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why

The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.

Read article

February 9, 2026

Business Owners

The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why

The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.

Read article