Buying or selling a business in Broward County? Start with your goals, the financials, and the details that matter. GTX Brokers is based in Fort Lauderdale and serves businesses across industries throughout South Florida’s tri-county area.
Broward County sits between Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, with Fort Lauderdale as its county seat and communities stretching from Hollywood and Pembroke Pines to Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Weston.
Its economy reflects that mix: marine and boating businesses tied to Port Everglades and the area’s waterways, tourism and hospitality along the beaches, and a wide base of service, retail, construction, and professional firms serving residential neighborhoods.
GTX Brokers works from Fort Lauderdale, so Broward is home ground. Whether you are selling a business you built here or looking to buy one, start with a clear picture of the financials, the location, and your timing.
Selling or buying a business in Broward County is more than agreeing on a price. Ownership changes have to clear local, state, and landlord requirements, and those requirements depend on where the business is located and what it does. Broward County has 31 municipalities, from Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood to Coral Springs and Pompano Beach, and each sets its own local business tax and certificate-of-use rules on top of Broward County’s. A business in unincorporated Broward deals mainly with the county; a business in a city typically deals with both.
Florida counties and many cities each issue their own Local Business Tax Receipt. A business inside a city limit often needs both a county and a city receipt, and a new owner generally applies in their own name rather than simply inheriting the seller’s.
Many municipalities require a certificate of use or similar zoning approval for the specific address and type of business. A change in ownership, name, or use can trigger a new application or inspection.
Businesses regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, such as restaurants, contractors, and certain personal services, need their state licenses addressed as part of the transfer. Some can be transferred; others require the buyer to qualify on their own.
Under Florida law, a buyer can become responsible for a seller’s unpaid sales tax. Requesting a clearance from the Florida Department of Revenue, and holding back funds at closing until it is received, is standard protection for both sides.
Most commercial leases require landlord approval to assign the lease to a new owner. The landlord may review the buyer’s financials and experience, so this step should start early.
Restaurants and other food businesses typically need health and fire inspections tied to the location and the new license. Building, signage, or equipment issues found at inspection can affect timing.
Requirements, fees, and timelines change and differ by location. Every transfer should be confirmed directly with the specific city and county where the business operates, and with your attorney, accountant, and any licensing agency involved. I help sellers and buyers build that checklist early so there are no surprises at closing.
Review tax returns, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets. Support earnings adjustments with records and assess pricing in the context of the business.
Plan seller training, access, applications for licenses, and the transition after closing. Work toward a mutually beneficial transaction for seller and buyer.
Share your industry, location (county or city), and timeline. Buyers can also share their budget and preferred industry. Agree on confidentiality before sending sensitive records.
Discuss your plans with Giovanni Tanzi at GTX Brokers, or review our buying and selling process.
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Tell Giovanni a little about your business. Your inquiry is confidential, and he will follow up to discuss your goals, timing, and the records needed for a proper valuation.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (917) 658-7203.
Buying or selling? Call, text, WhatsApp, email, or use the form to reach Giovanni to discuss your plans.