Sell Your Business in Florida
Selling the company you built is one of the biggest financial moves you will make. Chris Poff helps Orlando and Florida owners prepare early so they sell on their terms.
Selling a business in Florida works best when you start preparing 12 to 24 months ahead. Chris Poff helps you clean up the numbers, reduce how much the business depends on you, understand what buyers will pay for, and line up the brokers, attorneys and advisors who handle the sale.
How do I prepare my business for sale?
Get clean financials
Clear profit and loss statements, balance sheets and tax returns that match.
Reduce owner dependence
Document processes and build a team so the business runs without you.
Strengthen recurring revenue
Contracts, repeat customers and diversified income raise buyer confidence.
Fix the obvious issues
Expiring leases, deferred maintenance, legal loose ends and outdated licenses.
How much is my business worth?
Most small businesses are valued as a multiple of their earnings, adjusted for things like growth, risk, industry and how transferable the business is. A formal valuation comes from a qualified appraiser or broker. Chris helps you understand what drives value so you can improve it before you go to market.
Should I use a business broker in Florida?
A broker can market the business confidentially, screen buyers and manage the process. In Florida, business brokers must hold a real estate license. Through the Wizard Brain Trust, Chris can connect you with business brokerage specialists and help you compare options.
What are my options for selling a business?
- Sell to an outside buyer through a broker or direct marketing
- Sell to a partner, key employee or family member
- Merge with or sell to a competitor or larger company
- Sell part of the business now and the rest later
Chris recorded a Building Wealth podcast episode with Dan Pascone on preparing your business for sale, and he helps owners weigh these paths with their personal goals in mind.
What happens after the sale?
A sale often creates a large one time payment, so tax planning and what you do with the proceeds matter. Chris does not give tax or investment advice, but he can introduce you to financial planning specialists in the Wizard Brain Trust.
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How does exit planning with Chris work?
Free evaluation
Your timeline, goals and what you want after the sale.
Readiness review
Financials, owner dependence, contracts and risks.
Exit plan
The fixes that raise value, in order, with a timeline.
Go to market
Broker, attorney and advisors lined up for the sale.
Sell My Business questions
Common questions from Florida owners before they get started.
More answers on the FAQ page, or call or text 407-908-8023.
How long does it take to sell a small business?
Preparation can take a year or more, and the sale process itself often takes several months to a year. Owners who prepare early usually have more options and better terms.
How are small businesses valued?
Usually as a multiple of earnings (often seller’s discretionary earnings for smaller companies), adjusted for growth, risk and industry. A broker or certified appraiser can give a formal valuation.
Do I need a license to sell my own business in Florida?
You can sell your own business. Anyone paid to negotiate the sale of a business for someone else must hold a Florida real estate license, which is why business brokers are licensed.
Can I sell my business to an employee?
Yes. Many owners sell to a key employee or partner, sometimes with seller financing or an SBA loan. It takes planning so the buyer can qualify and the transition goes smoothly.
Should I tell my employees I am selling?
Most owners keep the sale confidential until a deal is close, then share it with a clear plan. Your broker and advisors can help you decide the timing.
What does Chris charge to help with selling a business?
The first evaluation is free. Exit planning usually fits CEO on Call ($500 for up to 2 hours) or a larger engagement, depending on how much preparation the business needs.
Related ways Chris can help
Buy a Business
Find, evaluate and finance an existing Florida business without buying someone else’s problems.
Learn moreCEO on Call
An experienced business advisor in your corner when big decisions come up.
Learn moreWizard Brain Trust
Fractional CFO, marketing, lead generation and other specialists for only the hours you need.
Learn moreNot sure where to start?
Book a free business evaluation. Chris will look at your goals, numbers and roadblocks and tell you the next step that makes sense.