Selling a Business in Florida
Selling a business in Florida means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. Florida has 645,575 employer businesses and about 3,427,341 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Florida by the numbers
645,575
645,575
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
88%
88%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,427,341
3,427,341
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
9,988,508
9,988,508
EMPLOYMENT
$599.4 billion
$599.4 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
207,391
207,391
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 Florida compares
Florida ranks 3rd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 13.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 7% of employer businesses in Florida, compared with 6% nationwide.
207,391 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Florida ranks 3rd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 13.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 7% of employer businesses in Florida, compared with 6% nationwide.
207,391 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in Florida
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Florida
Notice when assets are sold
Florida repealed its bulk transfer law, the part of the Uniform Commercial Code that once required a seller to notify creditors before selling most of a business's goods in one transaction. A Florida Senate bill note records that the chapter was repealed in 1993 by chapter 93-77, Laws of Florida. Tax exposure on a sale is handled by the separate transferee liability rules described below. Source: Florida Senate bill text and reviser's note
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Florida's Department of Revenue says the former owner's unpaid sales tax may transfer to the purchaser of a business. This is called transferee or successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid tax. The Department says this does not happen if it issues a Certificate of Compliance or conducts a transferee liability audit, which the seller requests on Form DR-842 or the purchaser requests on Form DR-843. Source: Department of Revenue tax clearance page
Permits and registrations
Florida law says a sales tax certificate of registration cannot be assigned to someone else. The statute says the certificate is valid only for the person or business it was issued to, so a buyer does not take over the seller's registration. Source: Florida Statutes section 212.18
Unemployment insurance account
Florida's Department of Revenue, which collects reemployment tax (the state's unemployment tax), says a buyer who acquires an existing business, in whole or in part, is required to file Form RTS-1S within 90 days of the acquisition. The form asks the Department to move the seller's experience rating records, the claims history that sets the tax rate, to the buyer. In a total succession the buyer takes on any past due reemployment tax owed on wages the seller paid. Source: Department of Revenue Form RTS-1S
These points come from official Florida agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Florida
Notice when assets are sold
Florida repealed its bulk transfer law, the part of the Uniform Commercial Code that once required a seller to notify creditors before selling most of a business's goods in one transaction. A Florida Senate bill note records that the chapter was repealed in 1993 by chapter 93-77, Laws of Florida. Tax exposure on a sale is handled by the separate transferee liability rules described below. Source: Florida Senate bill text and reviser's note
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Florida's Department of Revenue says the former owner's unpaid sales tax may transfer to the purchaser of a business. This is called transferee or successor liability, which means the buyer becomes responsible for the seller's unpaid tax. The Department says this does not happen if it issues a Certificate of Compliance or conducts a transferee liability audit, which the seller requests on Form DR-842 or the purchaser requests on Form DR-843. Source: Department of Revenue tax clearance page
Permits and registrations
Florida law says a sales tax certificate of registration cannot be assigned to someone else. The statute says the certificate is valid only for the person or business it was issued to, so a buyer does not take over the seller's registration. Source: Florida Statutes section 212.18
Unemployment insurance account
Florida's Department of Revenue, which collects reemployment tax (the state's unemployment tax), says a buyer who acquires an existing business, in whole or in part, is required to file Form RTS-1S within 90 days of the acquisition. The form asks the Department to move the seller's experience rating records, the claims history that sets the tax rate, to the buyer. In a total succession the buyer takes on any past due reemployment tax owed on wages the seller paid. Source: Department of Revenue Form RTS-1S
These points come from official Florida agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
What buyers look for
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Florida
Professional and technical services, retail, health care and social assistance, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Florida
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Florida. 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
75,044 related employer businesses in Florida.
General Contracting: 19,051 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 14,817 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 10,670 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 9,353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 9,353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 6,492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 5,260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 3,874 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 2,842 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 1,405 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 834 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
52,383 related employer businesses in Florida.
Real Estate Brokerages: 21,144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 12,917 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 10,837 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 4,595 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 1,760 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 1,130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
49,768 related employer businesses in Florida.
Primary & Family Care: 19,994 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 9,039 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 4,620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4,399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 3,476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 2,585 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 1,915 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 1,541 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 1,328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 871 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
44,615 related employer businesses in Florida.
Full-Service Restaurants: 18,200 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 15,969 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 4,582 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 3,850 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 1,575 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 439 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
30,998 related employer businesses in Florida.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 10,274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 7,051 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 4,414 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 3,643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 2,153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 1,851 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 1,612 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
19,519 related employer businesses in Florida.
Auto Repair: 6,794 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 3,546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 3,427 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 2,076 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 1,668 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 838 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 648 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
16,738 related employer businesses in Florida.
Property Management: 7,081 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 6,675 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 6,675 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 2,301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 681 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
16,461 related employer businesses in Florida.
General Freight Trucking: 10,129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 2,216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 1,346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 1,080 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 832 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 622 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
14,348 related employer businesses in Florida.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 5,207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 3,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 2,865 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 892 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 864 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 736 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 491 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
12,953 related employer businesses in Florida.
Hair Salons: 7,534 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 2,869 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 2,869 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 2,869 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 1,742 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 808 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
11,325 related employer businesses in Florida.
Metal Fabrication: 2,093 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 1,994 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 1,734 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 1,594 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 1,408 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 941 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 908 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 653 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Technology & Media
11,292 related employer businesses in Florida.
Creative Agencies: 3,771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 3,356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 1,789 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 1,468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 908 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
9,136 related employer businesses in Florida.
Gas Stations: 5,928 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 3,208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8,469 related employer businesses in Florida.
Home Infusion: 3,476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 2,828 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 2,828 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 1,292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 873 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
6,342 related employer businesses in Florida.
Hotels: 3,546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 3,546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 1,222 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 1,201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 276 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
5,364 related employer businesses in Florida.
Daycare Centers: 4,651 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 713 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
4,329 related employer businesses in Florida.
Bars & Pubs: 1,835 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 1,835 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 1,479 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 624 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 98 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.
Health & Fitness
4,069 related employer businesses in Florida.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 2,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 2,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 2,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 2,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 1,278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
3,671 related employer businesses in Florida.
Non-Medical Home Care: 1,882 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 1,417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 372 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
2,819 related employer businesses in Florida.
Water & Wastewater Services: 1,132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 982 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 472 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Pet Services
2,798 related employer businesses in Florida.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 1,923 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 1,923 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 875 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Land & Agriculture
39 related employer businesses in Florida.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Florida. 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
75,044 related employer businesses in Florida.
General Contracting: 19,051 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 14,817 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 10,670 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 9,353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 9,353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 6,492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 5,260 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 3,874 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 2,842 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 1,405 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 834 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
52,383 related employer businesses in Florida.
Real Estate Brokerages: 21,144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 12,917 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 10,837 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 4,595 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 1,760 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 1,130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
49,768 related employer businesses in Florida.
Primary & Family Care: 19,994 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 9,039 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 4,620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4,399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 3,476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 2,585 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 1,915 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 1,541 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 1,328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 871 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
44,615 related employer businesses in Florida.
Full-Service Restaurants: 18,200 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 15,969 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 4,582 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 3,850 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 1,575 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 439 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
30,998 related employer businesses in Florida.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 10,274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 7,051 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 4,414 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 3,643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 2,153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 1,851 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 1,612 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
19,519 related employer businesses in Florida.
Auto Repair: 6,794 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 3,546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 3,427 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 2,076 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 1,668 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 838 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 648 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
16,738 related employer businesses in Florida.
Property Management: 7,081 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 6,675 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 6,675 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 2,301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 681 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
16,461 related employer businesses in Florida.
General Freight Trucking: 10,129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 2,216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 1,346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 1,080 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 832 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 622 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 236 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
14,348 related employer businesses in Florida.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 5,207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 3,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 2,865 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 892 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 864 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 736 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 491 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
12,953 related employer businesses in Florida.
Hair Salons: 7,534 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 2,869 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 2,869 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 2,869 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 1,742 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 808 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
11,325 related employer businesses in Florida.
Metal Fabrication: 2,093 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 1,994 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 1,734 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 1,594 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 1,408 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 941 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 908 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 653 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Technology & Media
11,292 related employer businesses in Florida.
Creative Agencies: 3,771 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 3,356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 1,789 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 1,468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 908 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
9,136 related employer businesses in Florida.
Gas Stations: 5,928 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 3,208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8,469 related employer businesses in Florida.
Home Infusion: 3,476 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 2,828 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 2,828 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 1,292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 873 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
6,342 related employer businesses in Florida.
Hotels: 3,546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 3,546 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 1,222 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 1,201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 276 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
5,364 related employer businesses in Florida.
Daycare Centers: 4,651 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 713 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
4,329 related employer businesses in Florida.
Bars & Pubs: 1,835 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 1,835 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 1,479 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 624 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 98 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.
Health & Fitness
4,069 related employer businesses in Florida.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 2,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 2,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 2,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 2,791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 1,278 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
3,671 related employer businesses in Florida.
Non-Medical Home Care: 1,882 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 1,417 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 372 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
2,819 related employer businesses in Florida.
Water & Wastewater Services: 1,132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 982 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 472 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Pet Services
2,798 related employer businesses in Florida.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 1,923 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 1,923 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 875 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Land & Agriculture
39 related employer businesses in Florida.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Working with owners in Florida
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Florida. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Florida ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Florida?
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 Florida?
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.
What should I prepare before listing?
Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements, a current balance sheet, the lease, a list of equipment and a summary of key contracts.
What is the difference between SDE and EBITDA?
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, and it is used for larger businesses that run without the owner.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Florida
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