The Essential Guide to Buying A Business in Florida
20 Hot Sectors and Powerful Trends
Buying A Business in Florida
Florida Advantages for Business Owners
Buying a business in Florida can be an attractive opportunity for start-up entrepreneurs and industry veterans alike. Florida business owners enjoy a variety of climate, demographic and tax advantages unique to the Sunshine State. The strength of the state economy, pro-business government policies, and favorable in-migration patterns are just some of the advantages of owning a business in Florida.
Florida Trends Benefiting Business Owners
Owning a Florida business offers you the opportunity to capitalize on some of the most dramatic trends in shifting wealth and population in the United States today. While Florida has always been a magnet for tourism and retirees, those two segments were often defined by their transience and frugality. In sharp contrast, today's new Florida arrivals are characterized by their permanence and wealth. In the 50 State Battle for residents and their money, Florida is again the clear winner, attracting over $31 billion in Adjusted Gross Income in a single year.
Florida Growth Opportunities for Business Owners
With these new Florida residents staying longer and spending more, buying a Florida business gives you the opportunity to tap into some of the wealthiest cities in Florida, the United States, and the world. These positive demographic shifts are creating tremendous growth opportunities across a variety of business and consumer-oriented service sectors of the Florida economy. From roads to rails and seaports to launchpads, Florida's world-class infrastructure is facilitating these opportunities for the companies and workers that increasingly choose to call Florida home.
Buying an Existing Business in Florida
Buying an existing business in Florida offers the additional advantages of acquiring a proven business model with demonstrated cash flow, established procedures, and a loyal customer base. The turnkey nature of buying an established Florida business makes these acquisitions equally appealing for both locals as well as business owners relocating to Florida from other states and other countries. Buying an established business in Florida can flatten the learning curve, offset relocation challenges, and allow you to hit the ground (or beach) running.
Florida Trends Empowering Business Owners
Florida Economic Advantages for Business Owners
Florida's economy is one of the largest and strongest in the United States. Economic expansion across sectors, rising consumer confidence, and record low unemployment are a potent combination attracting more Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and start-ups to launch or expand their operations in Florida.
Florida Climate Advantages for Business Owners
The warm weather and beaches of the Sunshine State serve as a magnet for millions of Americans and foreign visitors alike. Equally important for business owners is the pro-business climate evident with state government policies like no state income tax, as well as hundreds of active Chamber and industry organizations throughout Florida.
Florida Wealth Advantages for Business Owners
Florida has been the biggest beneficiary of the punitive high-tax policies enacted in other states. Florida now ranks as the #1 destination of choice for residents and billions in taxable income leaving other states. As one annual report summarized, "Florida is once again the biggest winner of people and money." (Wirepoints)
Florida Geographic Advantages for Business Owners
Florida is blessed with good geographic genes and world-class infrastructure to expedite shipments up the East Coast, across the United States or around the world. Florida is centrally positioned to benefit from the new USMCA, the Panama Canal expansion, and the growing number of bilateral trade deals being negotiated with American allies in Europe and Latin America.
Florida Tourism Advantages for Business Owners
Florida attracts over 100 million domestic and international visitors each year. In addition to year-round residents, owning a business in Florida gives you the opportunity to serve tourists coming to Florida for family vacations, corporate meetings, golf getaways, major sporting events and destination weddings.
Benefits of Buying an Existing Business in Florida
Actual Operating Results
Seeing is believing. Buying an existing business in Florida can give you more transparency in the due diligence process by seeing and verifying several years of actual operating results of a target business.
Immediate Cash Flow
Instant gratification. Buying an existing business in Florida allows you to ability to realize immediate cash flow from Day One of owning and operating your new Florida venture.
Trained Employees
We got your back. Buying a business in Florida can give you the advantage of having a skilled and well-trained workforce who know your business inside and out.
Established Customers
Tried and true. Buying an existing business in Florida can give you the luxury of inheriting a large, loyal customer base who have been relying on your company for years.
Established Suppliers
Just in time. Buying a business in Florida can simplify your supply chain with established credit terms from vendors who already know and trust your business.
Existing Licences
You're approved. Buying an existing business in Florida allows you to hit the ground running with all necessary permits and licenses needed to legally operate your new business.
Seller Training
Learn from the best. Buy a business in Florida and benefit from the previous owner's knowledge and training to set you on the path for continued success.
20 Popular Florida Business Sectors
Based on the trends outlined above, here are 20 of the most attractive sectors for business buyers in Florida today.
Animal Care
Florida residents love their pets and spend good money to board, groom and pamper their 4-legged family members.
Auto Care
Florida residents buy 500,000 new cars a year which need to be cleaned, customized, detailed and wrapped.
Auto Repair
With over 8 million registered vehicles, Florida auto repair shops enjoy a steady stream of business and cash flow.
Bakeries
Florida bakers can watch their profits rise serving the high-end retail, corporate catering, and wholesale markets.
Beauty Services
Florida hair and nail salons, barber shops and spas can all be an attractive runway to repeat clients and profits.
Child Care
Florida families spend $9,000 per year on average for child care services including day care and after school care.
Cleaning Services
Florida offers cleaning pros a wide range of tidy options including maid service, dry cleaning, office and restoration services.
Education
Florida parents know the value of a good education and spend generously to give their kids a competitive edge.
Fitness
Florida businesses that promote healthier lifestyles and wellness are winning the race for new customers and profits.
Home Repair
With 1,000 people moving to Florida each day, business is booming for skilled home repair professionals.
Lawn Care
Year-round sunshine means the grass (and profits) are always greener for Florida lawn care companies.
Logistics
Florida's air and seaports are major hubs for goods being shipped throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Manufacturing
Florida manufacturing firms produce everything from boats and batteries to furniture and pharmaceuticals.
Medical Services
Florida is home to 46,000 health care companies serving the needs of the state's growing and aging population.
Moving Services
Florida moving companies handle the goods, furniture and vehicles of 1,000 people moving to Florida each day.
Pools & Irrigation
The Florida heat means no shortage of pools and irrigation systems to keep residents cool and their lawns green.
Printing Services
Florida printing professionals enjoy year-round demand for direct mail marketing, printing and publishing services.
Real Estate Services
Florida businesses serving the state's real estate industry including interior design firms, law offices, and title companies.
Restaurants & Bars
Florida's 41,000 bars and restaurants generate over $50 billion in annual sales and employ over 1 million Florida workers.
Transportation
Florida roads offer a wide berth for profits in the commercial trucking, freight forwarding and tourist transport arenas.