Selling a Business in Pinellas

Pinellas has 32,509 employer businesses, and 89% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here. The largest industries here are professional and technical services and health care and social assistance.

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

Pinellas by the numbers

32,509

32,509

EMPLOYER BUSINESSES

89%

89%

SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE

111,471

111,471

BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES

425,004

425,004

EMPLOYMENT

$25.5 billion

$25.5 billion

ANNUAL PAYROLL

10,320

10,320

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 Pinellas compares

  • Pinellas ranks 6th of 67 Florida counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 11.9% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Health care and social assistance makes up 13% of employer businesses in Pinellas, compared with 11% in Florida.

  • 10,320 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

  • Pinellas ranks 6th of 67 Florida counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 11.9% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Health care and social assistance makes up 13% of employer businesses in Pinellas, compared with 11% in Florida.

  • 10,320 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

Industry mix

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Professional and technical services: 5,256 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 4,136 employer businesses

  • Retail: 3,779 employer businesses

  • Construction: 2,793 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 2,757 employer businesses

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Professional and technical services: 5,256 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 4,136 employer businesses

  • Retail: 3,779 employer businesses

  • Construction: 2,793 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 2,757 employer businesses

Every kind of business we sell in Pinellas

These are the industries in Pinellas 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

3,126 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • General Contracting: 800 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 566 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Landscaping: 475 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Electrical: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Civil Engineering: 222 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Masonry: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Financial & Professional Services

2,740 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Medical Practices

2,649 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Restaurants & Food

2,313 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Retail Stores

1,431 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Automotive & Boat

984 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Auto Repair: 358 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Boat Dealerships: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

Manufacturing

823 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Home Services

806 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Property Management: 359 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Residential Cleaning: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.

  • Commercial Cleaning: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.

  • Pest Control: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.

  • Security Systems: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.

Beauty & Personal Care

685 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Hair Salons: 435 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

Technology & Media

624 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Wholesale & Distribution

584 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Logistics & Transportation

457 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

446 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Gas Stations & Convenience

409 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Gas Stations: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.

  • Convenience Stores: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.

Hospitality & Travel

326 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Hotels: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Entertainment & Recreation

314 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Bars & Pubs: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Arcades & FECs: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Bowling Alleys: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

Education & Childcare

249 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Daycare Centers: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

Health & Fitness

230 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Senior Care & Living

225 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Pet Services

163 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Energy & Utilities

79 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

These are the industries in Pinellas 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

3,126 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • General Contracting: 800 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 566 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Landscaping: 475 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Electrical: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Civil Engineering: 222 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Masonry: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Financial & Professional Services

2,740 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Medical Practices

2,649 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Restaurants & Food

2,313 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Retail Stores

1,431 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Automotive & Boat

984 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Auto Repair: 358 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Boat Dealerships: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

Manufacturing

823 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Home Services

806 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Property Management: 359 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Residential Cleaning: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.

  • Commercial Cleaning: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.

  • Pest Control: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.

  • Security Systems: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.

Beauty & Personal Care

685 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Hair Salons: 435 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

Technology & Media

624 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Wholesale & Distribution

584 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Logistics & Transportation

457 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

446 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Gas Stations & Convenience

409 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Gas Stations: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.

  • Convenience Stores: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.

Hospitality & Travel

326 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Hotels: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Entertainment & Recreation

314 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Bars & Pubs: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Arcades & FECs: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Bowling Alleys: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

Education & Childcare

249 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

  • Daycare Centers: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

Health & Fitness

230 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Senior Care & Living

225 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Pet Services

163 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Energy & Utilities

79 related employer businesses in Pinellas.

Working with owners in Pinellas

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions owners in Pinellas ask

How long does it take to sell a business in Pinellas?

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

How is a business valued in Pinellas?

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 Pinellas

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