South Florida Financial Services M&A Surge: What Business Owners Need to Know in 2026

South Florida's Financial Services Sector Is on the Move

If you own a financial services business in South Florida — whether it's an accounting firm, insurance agency, wealth management practice, or financial advisory — 2026 may be the most opportune moment in recent memory to evaluate your options. From Fort Lauderdale to Miami and across Broward County, a powerful wave of mergers, acquisitions, and premium listings is reshaping the landscape for financial services business owners.

At Shilalis Business Brokerage, we're seeing firsthand how buyer demand is outpacing supply in this sector — and what that means for valuations, deal structures, and timing for sellers who are ready to make a move.

Recent Transactions Driving the Conversation

The past several months have produced a string of notable deals that signal just how active the South Florida financial services M&A market has become:

• Baker Tilly acquires Berkowitz Pollack Brant: In December 2025, national accounting powerhouse Baker Tilly announced its acquisition of Miami-headquartered Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs — one of South Florida's most respected accounting and advisory firms. The deal underscores the appetite that regional and national firms have for established South Florida practices with deep client relationships.
• Ascend acquires KSDT: In September 2025, Ascend — a fast-growing accounting consolidator — acquired KSDT, Miami's seventh-largest accounting firm. This transaction is part of a broader national trend of private equity-backed platforms aggressively rolling up regional CPA firms.
• Rehmann expands into Florida: Michigan-based Rehmann LLC acquired Teeling & Co., a Florida-based CPA firm, in November 2025, further demonstrating that out-of-state buyers are actively targeting Florida's financial services market.
• Broward County Commercial Insurance Agency listed at $1.8M: A well-established commercial insurance agency in Broward County recently came to market at $1,800,000, offering immediate cash flow and a strong book of business — a prime example of the caliber of listings currently available in the region.

Key Deal Terms and Valuation Drivers

Understanding what drives valuations in the financial services sector is critical for both buyers and sellers. Here are the primary factors shaping deal terms in today's South Florida market:

Revenue Multiples Are Climbing

Accounting firms and financial advisory practices are increasingly valued on a multiple of annual recurring revenue (ARR) or gross revenue. In South Florida, well-run practices with strong client retention are commanding multiples of 1.0x to 1.5x gross revenue — and in some cases higher for niche specialties or firms with significant AUM (assets under management).

Client Retention Is King

Buyers — especially institutional acquirers and PE-backed platforms — place enormous weight on client retention rates. Practices with long-tenured client relationships, low churn, and diversified revenue streams are the most attractive acquisition targets. If your firm has a retention rate above 90%, you're in a strong negotiating position.

Seller Financing and Earnouts Are Common

Many financial services deals in South Florida include a combination of upfront cash, seller financing, and performance-based earnouts. This structure allows buyers to manage risk while giving sellers the opportunity to maximize total proceeds if the business continues to perform post-sale.

Florida Market Insights: Why Financial Services Businesses Are Selling Now

Several macro and regional factors are converging to make 2026 an exceptional year for financial services business transactions in Florida:

• Demographic tailwinds: Florida continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and retirees from across the country, fueling demand for wealth management, tax advisory, and insurance services — and making South Florida practices especially valuable to acquirers.
• Baby Boomer succession wave: A significant portion of financial services business owners in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Coral Springs are approaching retirement age. Many are choosing to sell now while valuations are strong rather than risk a market downturn.
• Private equity consolidation: PE-backed platforms are aggressively rolling up accounting firms, insurance agencies, and RIAs (Registered Investment Advisors) across Florida. This institutional demand is pushing valuations higher and creating competitive bidding situations for quality practices.
• Technology disruption creating urgency: AI-driven accounting tools and embedded finance platforms are changing the competitive landscape. Some owners are choosing to sell before technology disruption impacts their business model, while others are investing in tech to increase their valuation before going to market.
• Favorable tax environment: Florida's lack of a state income tax continues to attract buyers and investors, making it one of the most desirable states in the nation for business acquisitions.

Implications for Buyers: Opportunities in South Florida's Financial Services Market

For buyers looking to enter or expand in South Florida's financial services sector, the current market offers compelling opportunities — but also requires strategic thinking:

• Act quickly on quality listings: Well-priced, profitable financial services businesses in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Aventura are receiving multiple offers. Buyers who are pre-qualified and ready to move decisively have a significant advantage.
• Consider add-on acquisitions: If you already own a financial services business, acquiring a complementary practice — such as adding an insurance agency to an accounting firm — can dramatically increase your revenue and client base.
• Evaluate the client book carefully: Due diligence should focus heavily on the quality and transferability of client relationships. Ask about client concentration, average tenure, and any key-person dependencies.

Implications for Sellers: Is Now the Right Time to Exit?

For financial services business owners in South Florida who are considering a sale, the current environment is highly favorable. Here's what you should know:

• Valuations are near peak levels: The combination of strong buyer demand, PE consolidation activity, and Florida's economic growth has pushed valuations to historically high levels. Waiting too long could mean selling into a less favorable market.
• Preparation matters: Buyers — especially institutional ones — conduct thorough due diligence. Having clean financials, documented processes, and a strong management team in place will maximize your sale price and reduce deal friction.
• Confidentiality is critical: Selling a financial services business requires extreme discretion. Clients and employees must not learn of a potential sale prematurely. Working with an experienced business broker ensures your sale process remains confidential.

Ready to Explore Your Options? Shilalis Business Brokerage Can Help

Whether you're a financial services business owner in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, or anywhere across South Florida who is considering a sale, or a buyer looking for your next acquisition, Shilalis Business Brokerage has the expertise, market knowledge, and network to guide you through every step of the process.

Our team specializes in confidential business sales across South Florida's most active markets. We understand the unique dynamics of financial services transactions — from valuation to deal structuring to closing — and we're committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Visit biz.shilalis.com today to learn more about our services, browse current listings, or schedule a confidential consultation. The South Florida financial services market is moving fast — and we're here to help you move with it.