By Michael Shea, Transworld Business Advisors of Tampa
When it comes to buying or selling a small business in Florida, one question always comes up:
“What’s it worth?”
That answer isn’t something you want to guess at—and you definitely don’t want to base it on generic internet listings or national averages. If you want the most accurate, Florida-specific business sale data, there’s only one place to look: the Business Brokers of Florida (BBF) database.
What Is the BBF, and Why Do Their Comps Matter?
The Business Brokers of Florida (BBF) is the largest cooperative of business brokers in the state, and it maintains the most comprehensive and reliable database of closed business sales in Florida. This isn’t theoretical pricing—it’s real-world, verifiable data from actual completed transactions.
As a member of BBF, I have access to this exclusive database, and it allows me to pull “comps” (comparable sales) for any business category—from restaurants to medical practices to service companies and everything in between.
Why Accurate Comps Make a Difference
Whether you’re buying, selling, estate planning, or just evaluating your business, comps are essential. Here’s why:
✅ Sellers: Price It Right the First Time
Overpricing a business drives away qualified buyers and causes listings to sit stale. Underpricing leaves money on the table. With BBF comps, you’ll see what similar businesses in your area and industry actually sold for—giving you the data to price strategically and realistically.
✅ Buyers: Avoid Overpaying
If you’re considering buying a business, you need to know whether the asking price is fair. BBF comps give you the confidence to negotiate from a position of knowledge—not guesswork.
✅ Estate Planning: Know Your Value
Business owners doing succession or estate planning often need an accurate estimate of value. Using BBF comps can support appraisals and decisions based on what businesses like yours have sold for—not just what they’re listed at.
What You Won’t Get from Public Listings
Many public business-for-sale websites show only asking prices, which can be wildly inflated and don’t reflect real sale prices. The BBF database, on the other hand, includes:
-
Final sale prices
-
Time on market
-
Down payments and terms
-
Seller financing data
-
Industry-specific benchmarks
It’s the only source in Florida with this level of detail—and it’s not available to the general public.
Want BBF Comp Data? I’ll Pull It for Free.
If you’re thinking about selling, buying, or just want to know what your business might be worth, I’ll pull comps from the BBF database for you—no obligation and no cost. This isn’t a generic report—it’s tailored to your industry, your area, and your goals.
Let’s talk.
Reach out at www.YourFloridaBusinessBroker.com, or give me a call directly. I’m Michael Shea with Transworld Business Advisors of Tampa, and I’m here to help you make smart, data-driven decisions about your business.