Selling a franchised business is different from selling an independent one. Your franchise agreement controls who can buy, what the buyer must qualify for, what the transfer costs and how long it takes. John Diaz guides South Florida franchise owners through the resale — from valuation to franchisor approval to closing — confidentially.

The buyer is not only buying your business — they are joining your franchise system. That adds steps an experienced broker plans for from day one.

The franchisor must approve your buyer. Most look at liquid capital, net worth, credit, experience and background.

Many franchise agreements let the franchisor match a buyer’s offer. We review your agreement so it is handled correctly and on time.

Most systems charge a transfer fee and require the new owner to complete training before closing — both affect your timeline.

Some franchisors require reimaging, equipment or technology upgrades as a condition of transfer. Knowing this early protects your price.

Buyers place value on the years left on your agreement. Many transfers require the buyer to sign the franchisor’s current agreement.

Your landlord must usually consent to assigning the lease. A secure lease with renewal options makes your franchise more valuable.

A clear plan keeps the sale confidential, keeps the franchisor on side and keeps your business running strong until closing.

We start with your franchise agreement and FDD transfer terms: approval rules, right of first refusal, transfer fee, training and any upgrade requirements.

We recast your financials to show true owner earnings (SDE or EBITDA) and weigh brand strength, territory, remaining term and transfer costs. See our valuation reports.

Many franchisors have a resale department. We follow your agreement’s notice requirements and confirm buyer criteria, fees and timing up front.

Your business name and address are never published. We market through the Business Brokers of Florida MLS, the Keller Williams network and our buyer database — details only after a signed NDA.

We screen every buyer for liquidity, experience and financing against the franchisor’s requirements before they meet you or see your financials.

Price, deposit, financing, seller transition, non-compete and contingencies — negotiated to protect your proceeds and your timeline.

We manage document requests while the buyer completes the franchisor’s application, discovery day and training.

We coordinate the landlord, franchisor, attorneys and lender so the transfer, lease assignment and closing happen together.

Organized records shorten the sale and support your price. Start gathering these now:

• Three years of business tax returns and P&L statements, plus year-to-date
• Royalty and sales reports from the franchisor portal
• Franchise agreement, amendments and any transfer correspondence
• Lease, amendments and landlord contact
• Equipment and furniture list
• Payroll summary and staffing chart (no names needed)
• Health, licensing and inspection records
• Proof any franchisor default or compliance notices are resolved

See the full Documents Required Checklist and Preparing Your Business for Sale.

Employees, customers and competitors should hear about your sale when you decide — not before. Every buyer signs a confidentiality agreement, your business name and street address are never advertised, and information is released in stages to qualified buyers only.

Owners in the franchise system often know each other. We handle franchisor and peer conversations with the same discretion.

Selling the business you built is a major decision. You deserve a broker who understands franchise systems, prices your business with real data and keeps the deal moving through franchisor approval to the closing table.

Two decades of helping South Florida owners and buyers negotiate, structure and close transactions.

KW Reserve Business Brokerage, part of Keller Williams, with offices in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens and Coral Gables.

Listings syndicated through the BBF MLS so qualified buyers across the state can find them — confidentially.

Fully bilingual service for owners, buyers and international investors. Se habla español.

Keep reading: 12 Steps to Selling Your Business · How to Price Your Business · Seller Financing · Franchise