Florida Business Broker & M&A Advisor License Requirements
Becoming a licensed business broker or M&A advisor in Florida requires meeting specific education, exam, and experience standards. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and regulatory pathway for Florida as of 2025–2026.
License Type Required in Florida Real estate broker license required. Florida business brokers operate under the Real Estate Broker License, regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) / Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).
Education Requirements
Pre-license (salesperson): 63 hours of approved coursework
Broker upgrade: 72 hrs broker pre-license course
Experience Required 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker.
Exam note: Must score 75 or higher out of 100 to pass
Continuing Education 14 hours per 2 years required to maintain active Florida broker license. Include mandatory ethics and law topics.
M&A Advisor Requirements in Florida Florida is one of the most active business brokerage markets in the US, driven by tourism, healthcare, and hospitality sectors. The Florida Business Broker Association (FBBA) is the primary industry body. M&A advisors on larger deals (above $10M) typically affiliate with FINRA-registered broker-dealers. Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) oversees securities activity. The SEC M&A Broker exemption applies to qualifying private company sales.
Industry Certifications (Optional but Career-Critical)
CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for deals $5M+
CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA
Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA
How to Get Started as a Business Broker in Florida 1. Complete 63 hrs pre-license coursework 2. Pass the Pearson VUE — Florida broker exam (100 questions) 3. Obtain your Florida salesperson/associate license 4. Work under a licensed broker for 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker 5. Complete 72 hrs broker pre-license course and pass the broker exam 6. Pursue CBI certification via IBBA to establish market credibility