TradeExit Guide

Business brokers in Jacksonville, Florida

Brokers in Jacksonville follow Florida rules: yes - real estate license to broker a sale.

Updated 2026-09-23 · 4 sources · By the TradeExit Guide team

Rules that apply to a sale in Jacksonville

Informational only, not legal or tax advice. Accessed 2026-09-23.
TopicWhat the rule saysSource
Who may broker the sale (Florida law)Florida's definition of "broker" includes anyone who, for compensation, sells or negotiates the sale of business enterprises or business opportunities (F.S. 475.01), so brokering a business sale in Florida requires a Florida real estate license.

Florida Statutes 475.01 - Definitions

State income tax on the gainFlorida has no individual income tax, so a pass-through owner owes no state tax on the gain (Tax Foundation). C corporations are subject to Florida corporate income tax.

Tax Foundation - 2026 State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets

What brokers in Jacksonville charge

Main Street business brokers usually charge a success fee - a percentage of the sale price paid at closing - with a minimum fee; lower-middle-market M&A advisers often use tiered percentages and may charge an upfront retainer credited against the success fee. Few brokers publish their rates. Two that do: Empire Flippers (online businesses) charges 15% of the price up to $700,000, then 8% up to $5M and 2.5% above; Flippa charges a 10% success fee plus a listing fee. Use published schedules as a benchmark when you negotiate, and compare total cost if the deal does not close. See broker vs DIY for the fee math and our broker reviews.

How to vet a broker in Jacksonville

  1. Check the license

    Ask for their Florida real estate license number and look it up with the state real estate regulator before you sign.

  2. Ask for closed deals like yours

    How many businesses in your industry and size range did they close in the last two years, and at what share of asking price?

  3. Get every fee in writing

    Success-fee percentage, minimum fee, any upfront, valuation or marketing fee, and whether buyers you bring trigger the fee.

  4. Limit exclusivity and the tail

    Listing term (6-12 months is common) and the tail period after it ends during which a sale still owes a fee.

  5. Know who does the work

    The person who pitches you should be the person who runs your deal.

  6. Know your number first

    Run the valuation calculator so you can judge whether a broker’s suggested price is a listing tactic.

Selling a specific kind of business

Dental practiceMedical practiceVeterinary practiceRestaurantInsurance agencyAccounting / CPA firmHome services (HVAC, plumbing, pest, roofing, electrical)

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Frequently asked questions

Do business brokers in Jacksonville need a license?

Florida’s definition of “broker” includes anyone who, for compensation, sells or negotiates the sale of business enterprises or business opportunities (F.S. 475.01), so brokering a business sale in Florida requires a Florida real estate license.

Sources

  1. Florida Statutes 475.01 - Definitions (accessed 2026-09-23)
  2. Tax Foundation - 2026 State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets (accessed 2026-09-23)
  3. Empire Flippers - Sell your online business (fees and requirements) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  4. Flippa - Pricing (accessed 2026-09-23)
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