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Palm Beach County

Selling a Business in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County has 55,803 employer businesses, and 90% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

Palm Beach County by the numbers

55,803

55,803

EMPLOYER BUSINESSES

90%

90%

SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE

261,006

261,006

BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES

592,227

592,227

EMPLOYMENT

$39.3 billion

$39.3 billion

ANNUAL PAYROLL

16,055

16,055

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 Palm Beach County compares

  • Palm Beach County ranks 3rd of 67 Florida counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 12.6% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Professional and technical services makes up 18% of employer businesses in Palm Beach County, compared with 15% in Florida.

  • 16,055 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

  • Palm Beach County ranks 3rd of 67 Florida counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 12.6% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Professional and technical services makes up 18% of employer businesses in Palm Beach County, compared with 15% in Florida.

  • 16,055 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

Industry mix

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Professional and technical services: 9,891 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 6,933 employer businesses

  • Retail: 5,675 employer businesses

  • Construction: 5,449 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 4,728 employer businesses

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Professional and technical services: 9,891 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 6,933 employer businesses

  • Retail: 5,675 employer businesses

  • Construction: 5,449 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 4,728 employer businesses

Every kind of business we sell in Palm Beach County

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Palm Beach County. 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

6,264 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • General Contracting: 1,606 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 1,274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 1,042 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Electrical: 568 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Civil Engineering: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 258 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Roofing & Siding: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Masonry: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

Financial & Professional Services

5,227 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Medical Practices

5,024 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Restaurants & Food

3,303 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Retail Stores

2,620 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Home Services

1,527 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Property Management: 667 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Residential Cleaning: 569 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.

  • Commercial Cleaning: 569 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.

  • Pest Control: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.

  • Security Systems: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.

Automotive & Boat

1,330 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Auto Repair: 519 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Boat Dealerships: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

Beauty & Personal Care

1,327 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Hair Salons: 817 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

Technology & Media

1,170 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Wholesale & Distribution

1,075 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Logistics & Transportation

939 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

826 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Manufacturing

812 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Gas Stations & Convenience

554 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Gas Stations: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.

  • Convenience Stores: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.

Health & Fitness

430 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Education & Childcare

381 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Daycare Centers: 299 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

Hospitality & Travel

373 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Hotels: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

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

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Entertainment & Recreation

297 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Bars & Pubs: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Golf Courses: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

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

Senior Care & Living

259 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Pet Services

233 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Energy & Utilities

186 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Palm Beach County. 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

6,264 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • General Contracting: 1,606 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 1,274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 1,042 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Electrical: 568 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Civil Engineering: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 258 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Roofing & Siding: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Masonry: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

Financial & Professional Services

5,227 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Medical Practices

5,024 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Restaurants & Food

3,303 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Retail Stores

2,620 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Home Services

1,527 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Property Management: 667 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Residential Cleaning: 569 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.

  • Commercial Cleaning: 569 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.

  • Pest Control: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.

  • Security Systems: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.

Automotive & Boat

1,330 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Auto Repair: 519 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Boat Dealerships: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

Beauty & Personal Care

1,327 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Hair Salons: 817 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 149 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

Technology & Media

1,170 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Wholesale & Distribution

1,075 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Logistics & Transportation

939 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

826 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Manufacturing

812 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Gas Stations & Convenience

554 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Gas Stations: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.

  • Convenience Stores: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.

Health & Fitness

430 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Education & Childcare

381 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Daycare Centers: 299 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

Hospitality & Travel

373 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Hotels: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 98 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

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

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Entertainment & Recreation

297 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Bars & Pubs: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Golf Courses: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

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

Senior Care & Living

259 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Pet Services

233 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Energy & Utilities

186 related employer businesses in Palm Beach County.

Working with owners in Palm Beach County

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions owners in Palm Beach County ask

How long does it take to sell a business in Palm Beach County?

The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.

How is a business valued in Palm Beach County?

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 Palm Beach County

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