Define the acquisition before searching
Set the counties, industries, total capital, minimum cash flow, owner involvement and financing assumptions. Separate purchase funds from working capital and professional costs.
A search becomes more productive when the buyer can explain relevant experience, available funds, preferred timeline and unacceptable risks.
Review confidential information
After buyer identification and an NDA, review the available financial statements, tax returns, add-backs, payroll, lease, licenses, equipment, inventory, contracts and owner responsibilities. Reconcile seller’s discretionary earnings to supporting records.
If the owner performs technical, culinary or production work, include a replacement wage when evaluating cash flow available to a new owner.
Offer, due diligence and financing
An offer may address price, structure, working capital, inventory, training, transition and contingencies. An attorney should review legal documents; a CPA should review financial and tax issues; a lender conducts its own underwriting.
SBA prequalification of a listing is not a buyer loan approval. Eligibility, down payment, collateral, terms and approval depend on the buyer, business and current program rules.
Florida brokerage relationship
Florida recognizes specific brokerage relationships. Alexey handles applicable Florida work through Florida Buy and Sell LLC as a transaction broker, providing limited representation as documented for the transaction.
The broker coordinates the process but does not replace independent legal, accounting, insurance, lending or immigration advice.
Current Florida opportunities
Review active opportunities and request an NDA
Open the catalog →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does buying a Florida business take?
Timing varies with disclosure, financing, due diligence, lease assignment, licensing and negotiations. Financed transactions often require more time than cash closings.
What is SDE?
Seller’s discretionary earnings is a normalized measure commonly used for owner-operated businesses. It starts from earnings and adjusts qualifying owner benefits and nonrecurring items, subject to verification.
Do I need an NDA?
Usually yes before receiving identifying or confidential information about an operating business.
Can Alexey recommend a price?
Alexey can help analyze market positioning and financial presentation, but the buyer should make an independent decision with professional advisers.
Licensed in Florida and California
Alexey Gerasimov
Business sale and acquisition support in Florida and California, in English and Russian. Immigration and legal decisions remain with independent counsel.