To sell a daycare in South Florida for top dollar, you need to understand what buyers are really paying for: licensed capacity, steady enrollment, qualified staff and a lease they can count on. Child care centers are among the most sought-after small businesses in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, but they also come with licensing rules that make preparation essential. Here is how buyers look at a child care business in 2026 and how to get yours ready.

What Buyers Pay For When You Sell a Daycare in South Florida

Buyers value a daycare primarily on its seller’s discretionary earnings (SDE) or EBITDA, then adjust the multiple up or down based on risk. The factors that move value most are enrollment as a share of licensed capacity, tuition rates compared with nearby centers, a waitlist, the mix of private-pay families versus School Readiness or VPK funding, staff tenure and credentials, and the condition and inspection history of the facility. A center running near capacity with a waitlist and a long, assignable lease will attract more buyers and stronger offers than one that depends on the owner to fill every role. A professional business valuation shows where your center falls.

Licensing on a Change of Ownership

Florida child care licenses do not simply transfer to a buyer. Under Section 402.308, Florida Statutes, a facility must reapply for and receive a license before a new owner assumes responsibility, and the licensing agency then has 45 days to grant or deny the reapplication. In Palm Beach County, child care facilities are licensed locally through the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County, while other counties use the Department of Children and Families or their own local licensing office. Build that timeline into the purchase agreement so the closing date lines up with the new license.

Funding Agreements, Staff and the Lease

If your center participates in VPK or School Readiness, the buyer will need provider agreements of their own with the local Early Learning Coalition, so confirm the steps and timing early. Staff are the heart of a daycare’s value: directors and teachers must meet Florida background screening and training requirements, and buyers want to know key people will stay after closing. Finally, the lease often decides the deal. Buyers and SBA lenders typically want enough remaining term, plus renewal options, to cover the loan period, and the landlord must consent to the assignment.

How to Prepare Your Child Care Center for Sale

Start 12 to 24 months before you plan to exit. Clean up your financials and separate personal expenses, document enrollment and tuition history month by month, keep inspection reports organized and resolve any open findings, and make sure your director can run daily operations without you. Keep the sale confidential: families and teachers who hear rumors may leave, and enrollment is your value. A broker markets the center only to qualified buyers who have signed an NDA. Learn more about our process for selling a business in South Florida, and how seller financing can widen your pool of buyers.

Who Buys Daycares in South Florida

Buyers include experienced operators adding a second or third location, regional child care groups, first-time owners using SBA financing, and educators ready to own their own center. Many buyers relocating to Florida look specifically for child care centers because demand is steady and the work is mission-driven.

Get a Confidential Daycare Valuation

Thinking about selling your daycare or preschool? John Diaz, business broker with South Florida Business Sales | KW Business Sales, offers a free, confidential business valuation. Call 844-456-4647 to start the conversation. Hablamos español.