Business broker · Florida
Sell a business in Florida.
Confidential business brokerage, valuation and exit planning for owners of established, profitable Florida businesses—from the first conversation through closing.
Selling a business in Florida
A large pool of owners. A buyer market that rewards preparation.
Florida is home to about 3.5 million small businesses, which employ 39.6% of the state’s employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Florida's small firms employ the most people in hospitality and food service, health care, construction, professional and technical services, and retail, so construction, home services and B2B service companies make up a deep pool of owner-led businesses.
Many of those owners are reaching retirement age, and well-run companies with transferable earnings continue to attract individual buyers, strategic acquirers and private investors. Owners who understand their value and prepare before going to market tend to negotiate from a stronger position.
Vision Fox works with owners in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, Orlando and Jacksonville and across Florida, entirely by phone and video, so your plans stay confidential close to home.
Vision Fox in Florida
- Business brokerage, valuation and coaching
- Best fit: profitable, owner-led companies with roughly $1M–$10M in revenue
- Valuations from $995, delivered in 7 to 12 business days
- Confidential from the first conversation
- Led by Mike Steward, a licensed business broker with 20+ years of experience
State steps to plan for
What Florida requires when a business changes hands.
Tax clearances and notices can affect the closing timeline and who is responsible for unpaid taxes. Building them into the plan early avoids last-minute delays.
Vision Fox coordinates these steps with your CPA and attorney, who should confirm the requirements for your specific transaction.
Florida at a glance
- Under Fla. Stat. 213.758, a seller who transfers more than 50% of a business, its assets or its stock of goods must file a final return and pay all tax within 15 days after the transfer. The buyer is jointly liable for the seller's unpaid taxes administered by the Department of Revenue (including reemployment tax, but not corporate income tax), capped at the greater of fair market value or the net purchase price. The buyer is protected if the seller provides a Department receipt or Certificate of Compliance (the seller can request one from the Department), if a Department audit finds nothing owed (completed within 90 days after records are made available), or by withholding part of the price and remitting it to the state within 30 days of the transfer.
- Florida rule 12A-1.037 exempts non-inventory assets such as furniture, fixtures and equipment sold with a business if the sale and transfer close within 30 days of the sale agreement; inventory and registered vehicles, boats and aircraft remain taxable.
How Vision Fox helps Florida owners
Value it, prepare it, sell it.
01
Know what it is worth
A professional, market-based valuation with fair market and liquidation value, explained by video.
02
Prepare for the market
Strengthen earnings, reduce owner dependence and organize the business for a buyer’s diligence.
03
Sell confidentially
Reach qualified buyers who sign confidentiality agreements, compare offers and move through diligence to closing.
Industries
Focused on understandable, cash-flow businesses.
Vision Fox works especially well with owner-led Florida companies where operations, customer relationships, teams and transferable earnings tell the real story.
- Home services: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, roofing
- B2B services: recurring commercial and professional services
- Franchise resales: existing locations and multi-unit transitions
- Light industrial: manufacturing, distribution, fabrication
- Property-related: maintenance, restoration, facilities
Frequently asked questions
Selling a Florida business.
How do I sell a business in Florida?
Start with a realistic valuation, then prepare the financial story and reduce owner dependence before going to market. A broker markets the business confidentially to screened buyers, negotiates offers and coordinates diligence, state tax steps and closing with your CPA and attorney.
Does Vision Fox provide business brokerage in Florida?
Yes. Florida is one of 34 states where Vision Fox provides business brokerage, along with valuation and coaching. Engagements are subject to the transaction structure and applicable licensing or registration requirements, which are confirmed at the start.
How much is my Florida business worth?
For a quick estimate, try the free valuation calculator. For a number you can price and negotiate from, Vision Fox valuations start at $995 and are delivered in 7 to 12 business days.
How long does it take to sell a business?
It depends on the business, its preparation and the buyer market, but many sales take several months to a year from listing to closing. Preparing financials and documentation before going to market can shorten the process.
Can I keep the sale confidential from employees and customers?
Yes. Information is shared in stages, buyers are screened and sign confidentiality agreements before receiving sensitive details, and Vision Fox works remotely, so there is no local office visit to explain.
Can I sell a franchise in Florida?
Yes. Franchise resales in Florida are handled by The Franchise Shop, the franchise resale practice of Vision Fox, which coordinates franchisor approval, transfer terms and buyer qualification through closing.
Are there Florida tax requirements when selling a business?
Under Fla. Stat. 213.758, a seller who transfers more than 50% of a business, its assets or its stock of goods must file a final return and pay all tax within 15 days after the transfer. The buyer is jointly liable for the seller's unpaid taxes administered by the Department of Revenue (including reemployment tax, but not corporate income tax), capped at the greater of fair market value or the net purchase price. The buyer is protected if the seller provides a Department receipt or Certificate of Compliance (the seller can request one from the Department), if a Department audit finds nothing owed (completed within 90 days after records are made available), or by withholding part of the price and remitting it to the state within 30 days of the transfer. Confirm the details with your CPA or attorney.
Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, Florida small business profile; Florida tax requirements when a business is sold; Florida sales tax on the sale of business assets. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
A confidential first step
Thinking about selling your Florida business?
Start with a confidential conversation about value, readiness and timing—there is no obligation to list.