Expect an active buyer market drawing from well outside the state, a licensing tail longer than any timetable you would set yourself, and no published fee from a single local firm, which makes the fee the first thing to ask three of them for.
The buyers, and what they want to see
Florida draws buyers from outside the state, which widens the pool and narrows what they will pay for. An out-of-state buyer discounts anything that depends on relationships they cannot inherit and pays up for anything documented, systematised and staffed. That is the same owner-dependence argument as everywhere, with more weight on it here.
The licensing tail
Professional licences, alcohol licences and industry permits do not transfer with the business, and in several categories the buyer's application cannot begin until the purchase agreement exists. That puts a floor under the closing timetable that has nothing to do with how fast the parties want to move. Find out which of yours apply before you list.
What it costs, and what is unknowable in advance
The intermediary's fee is the largest line and the local market publishes none of it. The record on this site read eight US firms; the four main-street and advisory ones name no rate anywhere a seller reads first. Where a figure is published it runs from 5% to 15%, and those firms all sell online businesses.
Questions people ask about selling a business in florida
Is now a good time to sell in Florida?
Timing arguments are unfalsifiable and this site does not make them. What is measurable is that a prepared business sells faster and at a better price in any market.
What has to be filed with the state?
It depends on the structure. Entity and fictitious-name records are with the Florida Division of Corporations, and tax registrations and licences are separate; an asset sale usually means the buyer registering rather than you transferring.
Will my staff have to be told?
Not until the sale is agreed, in most cases. Confidential marketing exists precisely so that a sale which may not complete does not cost you your team in the meantime.