I lead the business brokering division of Millenia Partners based in Orlando, FL. Over the past year, I’ve helped guide the owners of three different auto repair businesses through the process of selling their companies and one trend emerged: longtime owners heading into retirement while a new generation of buyers steps in to take over.
In Apopka, one of the top performing AAMCO franchises in the country sold in April for 96% of asking price. The business generated approximately $2.3 million in annual revenue. The seller, who had operated the location for more than two decades, exited into retirement while a local buyer stepped in to run the shop directly. The deal closed in roughly two months with all employees retained, reflecting both the strength of the business and the depth of buyer demand for stable, cash-flowing service operations.
This business had multiple offers to consider, which shows that well performing shops have asking price on their side.
In Jupiter, the sale of East Coast Automotive followed a similar path. The longtime husband and wife owners prioritized finding a buyer who would preserve the shop’s reputation as a trusted part of the community. The result was a transition focused on continuity, prioritizing customer relationships, keeping the business identity intact, and positioning the shop for growth under new ownership.
On April 28, St. Augustine Auto Repair completed a full lifecycle. Sawyer had previously assisted the owner in acquiring the underlying real estate in 2020, then in 2026 brought a new buyer who purchased both the real estate and business from the former buyer. The deal closed in approximately five months, with the seller and staff remaining involved post-closing. Financing comprised an SBA loan and a seller’s note, showing the growing flexibility in how these transactions are financed.
It’s important to me to maintain good relationships with both buyers and sellers, beyond just a transaction. This is one of several times I’ve had the privilege of working with someone on multiple transactions throughout their time in business.
These three deals point to a market that is in the midst of change with the increased sophistication of vehicles and more demanding emissions requirements. Many owners who started in the business over decades ago are now approaching retirement age, creating a steady pipeline of acquisition opportunities. Meanwhile, buyers are seeking businesses they can step into immediately, with trained staff and proven systems already in place.
That dynamic is reshaping how deals come together. Employee retention is becoming standard and sellers are increasingly staying involved through transition periods (typically 30-60 days). Transactions are being structured around the specific goals of each owner, whether that means maximizing sale value, preserving legacy, or getting creative on financing for tax purposes.
These are established businesses with solid earnings and experienced teams. When they come to market, we see a lot of strong buyer interest, but each deal still needs to be structured around what the seller wants out of the exit.
The activity also reflects broader momentum across Florida and the Southeast US, where the resilient automotive service industry continues to attract buyers seeking stable cash flow. With the economic landscape changing, it’s more important than ever for owner-operators to begin planning their exit so that they still have time to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
About the Author
Luke Sawyer is a business broker and commercial real estate agent with a degree in Corporate Finance from the University of North Florida. Having founded and sold multiple companies, he brings firsthand ownership experience to every transaction and specializes in connecting buyers and sellers of auto repair businesses.
luke@sellmysunshinebusiness.com
www.millenia-partners.com
