5 Steps to Buying a Franchise or Business in Orlando, FL

Orlando in 2025 is more than just the theme park capital of the world—it is a booming hub for innovation, migration, and "Main Street" success. With major players like Siemens Energy relocating to Lake Nona and the upcoming Lilium Vertiport transforming regional transit, the economic engine of Central Florida is firing on all cylinders.

For entrepreneurs, this growth signals opportunity. However, whether you are a corporate refugee seeking to be your own boss or an investor expanding your portfolio, the path to ownership is fraught with complexities. If you are looking to buy a business, Orlando offers incredible potential; however, you need a structured and professional approach to succeed.

Here is your roadmap to navigating the local market and closing the deal with confidence.

1. Define Your Criteria: Franchise vs. Independent

Before you browse a single listing, you need to define what "success" means to you. In the Orlando market, buyers typically face a primary choice:

• Franchises: These offer a "business in a box" with proven systems, brand recognition, and marketing support. However, they often come with strict operational rules and ongoing royalty fees.

• Independent Businesses: These offer total creative control and typically higher profit margins since you aren't paying royalties. The trade-off is that you are responsible for building your own systems and brand reputation.

Financial Readiness: In 2025, financial preparation is critical. You need to determine your liquid capital and explore your funding options early. While SBA loans remain the gold standard for acquisition financing, new rules in 2025 have tightened underwriting standards. Knowing your buying power before you fall in love with a business is essential.

2. The Search: Finding the "Hidden Gems"

Many first-time buyers make the mistake of relying solely on public websites for information. While these sites are a good starting point, they represent only a fraction of the market.

• The "Hidden Market": Many of the most profitable and well-run businesses in Central Florida never appear on public listing sites. Owners often prioritize confidentiality to prevent employees, customers, and competitors from knowing the business is for sale.

• The Broker Advantage: Experienced business brokers Orlando act as your filter and key to this private inventory. At FCBB Lake Nona, we match buyers with opportunities that align with their specific skills and financial goals—often before those businesses are publicly advertised.

Pro Tip: You will be asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before viewing sensitive details. This is standard industry practice and protects the value of the business you are hoping to buy.

3. Valuation: Understanding What You Are Paying For

How do you know if an asking price is fair? Unlike real estate, where square footage is typically compared, business valuation is primarily driven by cash flow.

• SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings): For most Main Street businesses, value is based on SDE—the total financial benefit the owner derives from the business (including salary, perks, and profit).

• Market Multiples: A professional broker helps you understand the "multiple" applied to that SDE based on the industry and current Orlando market trends.

This step is where the expertise of a broker is invaluable. We help you interpret the financial statements to ensure the price reflects the business's true earning potential, not just the seller's sentimental value.

4. Due Diligence: Trust but Verify

Once your Letter of Intent (LOI) is accepted, the clock starts on due diligence. This is your "trust but verify" phase. While FCBB facilitates this process, it is critical that you hire your own legal and financial professionals to audit the details.

Key items to verify include:

• Financial Records: Tax returns, Profit & Loss (P&L) statements, and bank statements.
• Operational Risks: Employee contracts, customer concentration (i.e., does one client account for 50% of revenue?), and supplier agreements.
• Lease Agreements: With Orlando commercial real estate in high demand, ensuring the lease is transferable and the terms are favorable is non-negotiable.

5. Closing and Transition: The Final Handoff

The closing table is where the deal becomes official, but the work is not yet done. A successful purchase includes a structured transition plan.

• The Training Period: Most deals include a training period (typically 2 to 4 weeks) during which the seller stays on to teach you the ropes, introduce you to key clients, and ensure a smooth transition of operations.

• Escrow and Funding: A neutral third party (usually an attorney) handles the escrow to ensure funds are only released when all conditions of the sale are met.

Buying a business is a journey, but you don't have to walk it alone. Whether you are eyeing a tech startup in Lake Nona or a service business in Winter Park, having a guide ensures you get to the finish line safely.

Frequently Asked Questions