Selling a business is a major decision — and one of the first questions most owners ask is:
"How long will it take to sell my business?"
The honest answer: It depends.
At KMF Business Advisors, we give Florida business owners a clear, realistic timeline — and we work proactively to speed up the process while maximizing value.
Here’s what you can expect.
The Average Time to Sell a Business
Across Florida (and the U.S. generally), it typically takes 6 to 12 months to sell a small to mid-sized business.
But certain factors can make the process faster or slower, including:
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Industry type
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Asking price
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Business size and profitability
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Quality of financial records
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Buyer demand
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Economic conditions
The better prepared the business is — the faster and smoother the sale.
Typical Timeline Breakdown
Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens during the selling process:
1. Preparation Phase (1–2 months)
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Business valuation
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Preparation of confidential marketing materials
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Financial document review and cleanup
Preparation is key. Good marketing starts with good data.
2. Marketing & Buyer Search (3–6 months)
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Confidentially listing the business
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Screening and qualifying buyers
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Conducting initial buyer-seller meetings
KMF targets qualified buyers to avoid wasting your time.
3. Negotiation & Offer Stage (1–2 months)
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Receiving and negotiating offers
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Letter of Intent (LOI) signing
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Securing buyer financing (if needed)
Strong negotiation and deal structure are critical here.
4. Due Diligence (30–60 days)
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Buyer reviews all financials, legal documents, contracts, and operations
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Resolving questions and clarifications
Transparency during due diligence builds trust and closes deals.
5. Closing (30 days)
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Finalizing the purchase agreement
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Securing landlord approvals, licenses, or permits
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Transferring assets and funds
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Official closing and ownership handover
Congratulations — the business officially changes hands!
What Can Speed Up the Sale?
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Accurate, organized financials
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Competitive and realistic pricing
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Seller financing options
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Working with an experienced business broker like KMF
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Having clear transition and training plans ready
Preparation + experience = faster, stronger sales.
What Can Slow Down the Sale?
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Overpricing the business
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Poor record-keeping
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Legal issues or unresolved disputes
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Unwillingness to negotiate terms
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Economic downturns or sudden market changes
A poorly prepared business can sit unsold for years.
Final Thoughts
While every sale is different, most businesses in Florida can expect a 6–12 month timeline from listing to closing.
The key is being prepared, staying flexible, and working with the right experts.
At KMF Business Advisors, we help you:
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Price your business correctly
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Market confidentially and effectively
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Attract and qualify serious buyers
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Negotiate strong offers
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Guide you through due diligence and closing
Thinking about selling your business?
Schedule a free, confidential consultation with KMF Business Advisors today — and start your successful exit journey.