Florida is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world and thousands of Brits live there all year round. They are able to enjoy a lifestyle that includes a high standard of living, great weather, lovely homes with private swimming pools, beautiful beaches and a host of outdoor sports activities.

How to live in Florida year round!

Move to Florida!

One of the easiest ways of living year round in Florida is by means of an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa which requires the purchase of a qualifying business. You can choose from a wide range of businesses that can provide you with a good income and a new life in the sun. Investment in the business can be from as little as $100,000 and with the help of a good business broker in Florida you should be able to find that right business and the opportunity to do something that you really want to do.  

It may seem a daunting prospect, coming to a new country and buying and operating a totally new business, but many hundreds of British buyers do it every year and you could be one. 

There are many businesses to choose from and your business broker should be able to help you select the ones with good financial records necessary to qualify for the visa. A good broker should be able to show you businesses in any part of Florida, not just a certain area and your broker should have experience in selling many E-2 visa qualifying businesses. 

The visa application is processed through the US embassy in London and there are experienced visa specialists available who can guide you through the entire process. Processing times can vary according to the workload at the embassy, but it can take as little as four or five months from the day you start your search to the day when you take over your new business in the Sunshine State of Florida 

What Kind of Business to Buy?

There are many different types of businesses available ranging from retail to service industries and most businesses include a training period provided by the seller to get you started and to make sure that you understand the operating procedure for the business that you select.  

Re-sale franchises such as Sub Shops, Pizza Stores, Pool Supplies, Maid Services etc, are also popular and usually include a training period provided by the franchisor. Franchises are usually operated to a high standard with excellent marketing and point of sale systems in place and can be an easy introduction to a new trade for a potential investor. 

Naturally, with the beautiful weather that Florida enjoys year round, outdoor businesses are in great demand. Lawn Services and Pool Services are the most popular. These can be residential or commercial or combinations of both. With more than 1 million private pools in Florida and new homes springing up everywhere there is plenty of new business to be found for the ambitious business owner. 

Retail businesses such as flower shops, convenience stores, and fashion boutiques are popular and are widely available in all parts of Florida. These are usually located in strip malls or within the large covered malls such as Florida Mall or Mall of Millenia in Orlando. 

For those with cooking skills or catering experience there is a huge range of available restaurants. These can vary from a simple stall in a food court to a large full service restaurant, just ready for you to operate in your own personal style. 

A good business broker who is familiar with the E-2 Visa process will be able to provide you with a selection of fine businesses to view. Your broker will narrow your choice to the type of business that you prefer – in your chosen part of Florida and in the price range that suits your budget.

                        _______________________________ 

John Wise

JOHN WISE is a licensed Realtor and business specialist with REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA which is part of  Century–21 Sunshine Realty based in Orlando and the Gulf Coast. 

http://www.realestateprofessionals.co.uk/

For many years John has assisted British clients to relocate to Florida and he describes some of the businesses most in demand- 

• Pool Service- hard but enjoyable work in which the business takes care of private or commercial pools. Easy to run and expand and can produce good profits.
• Lawn or Tree Service-most homeowners prefer to get someone else to look after their lawns and gardens. Hard work in the summer but easy in the winter months.
• Re-Sale Franchises- household names and professional franchise training and support can often help you get started quicker with your new business.
• Retail- we sell retail businesses of all kinds. The most popular are gift shops and flower shops but with the help of our MLS – listing service we can track down any kind of business that you require.
• Food Related- Coffee shops and Tea Rooms are always in demand and we have restaurants of every kind available.
• Contractor- If you have a trade we have a business for you. We sell lots of painting, plumbing, mechanic, air conditioning, electrical, building, carpentry businesses. 
• Manufacturing- small and medium size manufacturing companies can often be easy to run and produce good profits. 
• Taxi and Limousine services- these are usually available throughout Florida. 
• Hair, Nail and Tanning Salons and Day Spas- some of our most popular types of business. 

Where to Live in Florida?

Most of our British clients choose to live in one of three areas of Florida- 

1. The Gulf Coast. This is the west coast of Florida which has fine white beaches and a calm, turquoise sea. Starting from the south, the most popular cities are- Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
   
2. Central Florida. Orlando is the popular choice with a huge variety of areas to live and house prices from which to choose. You can live in South Orlando, close to the attractions in Kissimmee and Polk or Osceola County or to the middle and north of Orlando in Orange or Seminole Counties with popular schools and lovely residential areas.
   
3. The Atlantic or East Coast. Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach are the most popular areas on this coast and enjoy a very high standard of living and the popular Atlantic Beaches well known for their proximity to the Bahamas and the fine diving and charter fishing. Further North, Stuart, Jupiter, Vero Beach, Melbourne and Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral are all growing rapidly. Further North still, Daytona Beach is a popular choice as is Flagler and quaint St. Augustine which is the oldest city in America.

How do I get Started?

You have probably already been to Florida on holiday so you may have some idea of where you would like to live and what sort of business would suit you, so the next step is to contact a Realtor and Business Specialist familiar with the E-2 Visa process and requirements and who is a member of the Florida Business Brokers Association and The Business Brokers of Florida.

Florida

These organizations have a Multi Listing Service which gives you access to almost every business listed with any business brokerage in Florida.

This can save you months of searching and the service is generally available to you, the buyer entirely free of charge. So don’t delay, get started now and you can soon be Living the Florida Lifestyle!