Short answer
- Six to twelve months from listing to closing is typical; BizBuySell's median is about 200 days on market.
- SBA deals now add time for an independent valuation and, at $3M+, a Quality of Earnings report.
- Price and preparation decide whether you're on the short or long end.
The realistic timeline
BizBuySell puts the median time on market at about 200 days, and six to twelve months from listing to closing is a realistic range. Some businesses sell in a month. Some never sell. What separates them is almost always price and preparation.
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Preparation: recast financials, valuation, clean-up | 1 to 3 months (longer if books need work) |
| Marketing and buyer screening | 2 to 6 months |
| Letter of intent to signed purchase agreement | 1 to 2 months |
| Diligence, SBA underwriting and closing | 2 to 4 months |
What the 2026 SBA rules add
Most Florida businesses under about $5M sell to buyers using SBA loans. Since October 1, 2026, every SBA-financed sale needs an independent credentialed valuation, and purchases of $3M or more need a lender-ordered Quality of Earnings report, which typically takes two to four weeks. Buyers commonly ask for about 90 days of exclusivity in the letter of intent to get through underwriting.
What slows a sale down
- Pricing above what a lender will finance. The business sits, or the deal retrades at the bank.
- Messy books. Every unsupported add-back adds a round of questions.
- Owner dependence. Buyers take longer to get comfortable when the business is you.
- Leases and licenses. Landlord consents and license transitions can't be rushed.
- Unpaid taxes. In Florida, buyers protect themselves from your unpaid state taxes with holdbacks or a DOR compliance certificate. Get ahead of it.
How to shorten it
- Price on earnings after replacing yourself, tested against 1.25x SBA coverage.
- Have three years of clean financials and support for every add-back ready on day one.
- Line up your attorney and CPA before you go to market.
- Talk to your landlord about assignment early.
- Know your answer on seller financing and transition before the first buyer asks.
FAQ
How long does it take to sell a small business?
Six to twelve months from listing to closing is typical. BizBuySell puts the median time on market at about 200 days.
What is the fastest way to sell a business?
Price it at what a buyer's lender will finance, have clean financials and support for add-backs ready on day one, and line up your attorney and CPA before marketing.
Do SBA loans slow down a business sale?
They add steps: an independent valuation on every deal, full underwriting, and a Quality of Earnings report for purchases of $3M or more. Buyers often ask for about 90 days of exclusivity.
Sources
- How long it takes to sell a business (BizBuySell)
- SBA SOP 50 10 8.1 summary (Accredited)
- LOI exclusivity for SBA deals (Acquisition Stars)
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. SBA rules and Florida law change; confirm current terms with your lender, attorney and CPA.