TradeExit Guide

Business brokers in Miami, Florida

Brokers in Miami 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 Miami

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 Miami 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 Miami

  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)

Want help finding a vetted business broker in Miami?

Tell us about your business and what you need. We are building a list of vetted brokers and M&A advisers in Miami and will follow up personally with next steps. No obligation.

We are not a broker and do not currently receive payment from any broker. We will not pass your details to anyone without asking you first.

Thanks - we have your details and will follow up by email. We do not sell your information.

Frequently asked questions

Do business brokers in Miami 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)
Business brokers in FloridaBusiness brokers in Florida: whether a license is required (with statute), state tax on your sale, what...Business brokers by stateBusiness broker rules in all 50 states: which require a license (with statutes), state tax on a business...Business broker vs selling it yourselfShould you hire a business broker or sell your business yourself? What brokers do, how they are paid,...Business broker and marketplace reviewsIndependent reviews of Transworld, Sunbelt, Murphy, Empire Flippers, Quiet Light, BizBuySell and more:...Business brokers in New York CityHiring a business broker in New York City? New York licensing rules, state and local tax on the sale,...Business brokers in CincinnatiHiring a business broker in Cincinnati? Ohio licensing rules, state and local tax on the sale, typical...