Do you want to start a business in Florida by buying a franchise? If YES, here are 20 best franchise opportunities in Florida and their cost. Florida is the southeastern-most U.S. state, with the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. This state which has been nicknamed the Sunshine State boasts of hundreds of miles of beaches.
The sun and beaches are not the only favorable aspects of the city of Florida, as the state perennially ranks as one of the best states to do business in with its favorable business tax policies, world-class infrastructure, flexible enterprise zones, tax credits for R&D and abundance of major cities such as Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa.
The state’s economy relies mainly on tourism (because of the sun and beaches), agriculture, and transportation. Florida is also renowned for its amusement parks, orange crops, winter vegetables, the Kennedy Space Center, and as a popular destination for retirees because of the warm climate.
Florida’s corporate business tax is one of the lowest in the nation, allowing you to invest more money into your business. For this reason, a lot of businesses thrive in the state. Most of these businesses have grown so huge that they are now selling franchises to other intending entrepreneurs.
If you are interested in starting a business in Florida and you are considering buying a franchise, we have brought to your attention a list of very successful franchises thriving in the city of Florida that you can consider.
20 Best Franchise Business Opportunities in Florida
Pet Supplies Plus
Pet Supplies Plus is a leader in the pet supplies retail industry. They have clean, attractive stores that offer pet owners great value, exceptional service, and a fun place to shop. Pet supplies plus prides themselves on being the go-to store for expert advice and best-in-class customer experience.
Jack Berry and Harry Shallop opened their first supermarket-style pet food and supply store in Redford, Michigan, in the late 1980’s, and by 1990, they were franchising Pet Supplies Plus. In addition to food and supply sales, the stores offer services such as grooming, self-serve pet washes and adoptions events.
Pet Supplies Plus has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to their franchisees to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $440,600 – $1,315,200
- Net-worth Requirement – $600,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $200,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $49,900 – $49,900
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 2-3%
- Ad Royalty Fee – $3K/mo.
- Veteran Incentives – 20% off franchise fee
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Grimald’s pizza is a New York styled pizza which is made using only premium ingredients and an over 100-year-old pizza-making tradition that uses coal-fired brick ovens. Their custom built coal-fired brick ovens are the center stage in each restaurant where the pizza makers work in an open kitchen to create an entertaining and truly authentic New York pizzeria experience for their guests.
Along with the hand-crafted pizzas and calzones, the pizzeria offers an array of freshly made salads and appetizers, decadent house-made desserts and a premium bar, complete with a curated wine list and their signature Tuscan red blend, Mille Gradi. The combination of this award-winning menu, pizza-making history and inviting New York themed atmosphere is what sets the Grimaldi’s concept apart from the rest and makes the brand so exceptional.
Financial Information
- Total Investment: $1,544,800 – $1,755,000
- Royalty Fee: 6%
- Advertising Fee: 2% of gross sales
Del Taco
Del Taco first opened its doors in 1964, when Ed Hackbarth’s taco stand and hamburger stand combined to serve guests quality and fresh Mexican and American favorites. Today, Del Taco is the second largest quick-service restaurant concept in the Mexican category with over 550 restaurants in 16 states.
In June of 2015, Del Taco was acquired by Levy Acquisition Corp. and began being traded on the NASDAQ with the ticker symbol of TACO. This transition into a public company poises Del Taco Restaurants Inc. for tremendous growth as well as a strong national competitor and a continued leader in the QSR+ space.
The MQSR category is one of the fastest growing industry segments, and Del Taco attracts a broad customer base across age groups, income levels and demographics, by providing popular Mexican menu items such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas with American favorites like hamburgers, crinkle cut fries and shakes.
The brand delivers fresh, quality food on par with the Fast Casual segment but it serves at the speed and price of a Quick Service Restaurant. With a menu featuring made-to-order items made with fresh ingredients, an unbeatable Buck and Under value menu and a focus on product innovation, Del Taco successfully meets guests’ evolving tastes and demands for quality food served at a great value.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $500,000
- Net Worth: $1,000,000
- Franchise Fee: $35,000
- Total Investment: $859,000 – $2,016,500
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie academy is yet another franchise that thrives in the city of Florida. George and Pauline Miller founded Kiddie Academy Child Care Learning Centers in 1981 to provide education-based child care. Kiddie Academy provides its franchisees with curriculum and helps them obtain all the licenses and permits necessary to build and operate the business.
Kiddie Academy has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $425,000 – $4,163,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $700,000
- Total Investment: $400,000 – $961,000 (Leased) / $1,706,000 – $4,869,000 (Purchased)
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $225,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $135,000 – $135,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 7%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 2%
- Veteran Incentives – $25,000 off franchise fee
LemonShark Poke
LemonShark Poke is an upscale, fast casual poke restaurant with clean modern architecture and a little Hawaiian flair that has gained a cult-like fellowship in Florida.
Their first two restaurants opened in Redlands and San Bernadino, CA in 2016 to rave reviews and huge success. As of June 2018, LemonShark has awarded 80 franchises in the first two months of franchising: San Diego, CA; Los Angeles, CA; NYC, NY; Chicago, IL; Austin and Dallas TX; and Orlando, FL.
The restaurant is staffed for rapid growth with over 50+ corporate employees already in place from the franchise restaurant industry, and real estate professionals on staff to assist franchisees to find only the very best locations.
Finance Information
- Investments: $235,000 – $475,000
- Franchise fee: 35000
- Royalty fee: 3-6%
- Minimum Cash: $70,000
- Net Worth: $1,200,000
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
The first-ever Potbelly began as an antique store in Chicago in 1971. Business was going well enough, but when owner Peter Hastings had the bright idea to serve lunch to his customers, he got an overwhelming response. Six years later, the place reopened strictly as a sandwich shop. Hastings christened it Potbelly in honor of the old potbelly stove he held over from the antiques collection.
The restaurant serves simple ingredients done right- toasty warm sandwiches, craveable salads, delicious soup, fresh baked cookies, and hand-dipped milkshakes and smoothies. Potbelly Sandwich Shop has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable and payroll.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $503,950 – $849,000
- Net-worth Requirement – $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $200,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $40,000 – $40,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 6%
- Ad Royalty Fee – to 4%
Signarama
Signarama is the largest sign franchisor in the world, including Florida. The sign industry has become more than a $49 billion market and Signarama has been ranked by Entrepreneur as the top franchise in the industry for nine straight years.
The company has been successfully helping entrepreneurs launch full-service sign centers for over 27 years and are now approaching 1,000 stores in over 60 countries. Their vast experience and expertise delivers to franchisees the training, consulting, equipment, and support necessary to run a successful Signarama store.
Financial Information
- Liquid capital required – $50,000
- Net worth required – $44,500
- Investment – $185,000 – $195,000
- Franchise fee – $49,500
Taboonette® Middleterranean® Kitchen
Taboonette® is revolutionizing the falafel shop by filling pitas plates and bowls with their trademark Middleterranean® creations inspired by the healthy diets of the Middle East and Mediterranean. World recognized Chef Efi Naon has won over critics and customers in the toughest market in the world: Florida.
The restaurant concept originated as a full service restaurant. Due to overwhelming consumer demand and constant requests from fans, this fast casual version, Taboonette® was created and launched near Union Square in NYC in 2014. Since then the lines and the fans have grown longer and larger. With their distinctive flavors, healthy dishes, quick service, and a relaxed ambiance, the rush of restaurant goers has become a regular sight in Taboonette®.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $150,000
- Net Worth: $750,000
- Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Royalty Fee: 6% of Gross Sales
Arby’s Franchise
Arby’s is the second-largest sandwich restaurant brand in the world with more than 3,400 restaurants in seven countries. Arby’s is winning in Florida by serving quality food, affordably priced, with the speed and convenience guests demand.
They have a meaty menu guests crave, a marketing approach that is bold and authentic, and a restaurant design that is helping drive significant returns for franchisees. Arby’s unique positioning between QSR and Fast Casual also gives the brand a competitive edge. Arby’s is also winning by being priced less, and having the speed and convenience consumers expect.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $500,000
- Net Worth: $1,000,000
- Franchise Fee: $6,250 – $37,500
- Total Investment: $271,950 – $1,773,000
- Royalty Fee: 4%
- Advertising Fee: Minimum of 4.2%
Batteries Plus Bulbs
Batteries Plus Bulbs is a needs-based retail business that provides batteries, light bulbs, phone/device repair and key cutting/key fob programming. No other retailer offers all of these in one place, making it a solutions destination for customers. Plus, as a franchise owner, you’ll earn revenue from many streams, including both retail and commercial sales.
The first Batteries Plus store opened in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1988. In 2013, the company changed its name to Batteries Plus Bulbs. Stores offer a selection of nearly 60,000 batteries, light bulbs and related products, along with phone-repair services at their We Fix It Repair Centers.
Batteries Plus Bulbs has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover startup costs, equipment and inventory.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment – $189,250 – $366,350
- Net-worth Requirement – $350,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement – $100,000
- Initial Franchise Fee – $37,500 – $37,500
- Ongoing Royalty Fee – 5%
- Ad Royalty Fee – 1%
- Veteran Incentives – $10,000 off franchise fee
Ziggi’s Coffee
In 2003, husband and wife duo, Brandon and Camrin Knudsen, left the West Coast with one goal in mind: Open Colorado’s finest locally-owned coffee shop. Both having parents who ran their own businesses growing up, Brandon and Camrin knew they wanted to follow a similar path and be part of something they could build together from the ground up. After loads of sacrifices and investments, Ziggi’s was born.
As of today, Ziggi’s has expanded across Colorado and the U.S. with locations that have become staples within the communities they serve. The coffee shop industry Veterans still thrive on being part of the day-to-day operations of each store and find joy in mentoring their franchisees, managers and staff in becoming great business leaders. They are excited for what the future holds for Ziggi’s Coffee.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $100,000
- Net Worth: $350,000
- Total Investment: $275,000 – $550,000
Pinch A Penny Pool Patio and Spa
Pinch A Penny® is the nation’s largest franchised retail pool, patio and spa company offering everything needed to operate and enjoy a swimming pool or spa. Pinch A Penny® carries a wide variety of products such as pool chemicals, pool equipment, patio furniture, pool toys and pool floats. Pinch A Penny® stores also contribute to their local communities by supporting many local organizations.
With average unit sales of more than $1.2 million, Pinch A Penny Franchise Owners consistently rank in the top 10% of most satisfied Franchise Owners as surveyed by Franchise Business Review. With more than 250 locations across the Southeastern U.S., Pinch A Penny Pool Patio and Spa stores have been serving the needs of pool and spa owners in their communities with products, services, and maintenance for more than 40 years.
Financial Information
- Net Worth: $350,000
- Franchise Fee: $37,500 – $50,000
- Total Investment: $249,100 – $589,800
Pronto Insurance
Pronto Insurance is a leader in the non-standard auto insurance industry, even in Florida. Founded in Texas by the Varela family in 1997, Pronto Insurance began franchising in 2009. In 2017, they expanded into California and later into Florida, growing the brand to a total of 265 locations, with a special focus on serving large and growing Hispanic markets.
Seeing the opportunity for growth in those states and beyond, Pronto Insurance was acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. in 2018 in order to expand within existing markets and to seek out other markets with a Hispanic target audience. As a franchise owner with Pronto Insurance, you can capitalize on the incredible demand for our insurance products as you build a fulfilling life for yourself and your family.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $70,000
- Net Worth: $300,000
- Franchise Fee: $20,000 – $30,000
- Total Investment: $44,225 – $107,600
Sbarro, LLC
Established in 1956 and celebrating a proven 60 year track record, Sbarro is acclaimed to be the worlds’ sixth largest quick service pizza restaurant chain, operating or franchising more than 800 locations in 39 states and 31 countries. Their current international presence includes franchisees operating eateries in Aruba, Brazil, Belarus, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Russia, Turkey, Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
In the near future, Sbarro will also be available in Paraguay, Honduras and Guatemala adding to the list of countries offering their famous XL NY Style Pizza. An award-winning franchise company, Sbarro is known for selling XL NY pizza by the slice with dough made in-house daily & 100% Whole Milk Mozzarella.
They are currently seeking new business partners that have the passion and desire to join them in the Premium Pizza QSR Market throughout the United States and Canada.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $125,000
- Net Worth: $350,000
- Franchise Fee: $25,000
- Total Investment: $349,500 – $673,500
International Workplace Group
International Workplace Group is the leading global flexible workspace provider with brands like Regus and Spaces and is seeking driven, committed franchise partners to capitalize on the significant demand for flexible, contemporary coworking spaces across the U.S. IWG created the coworking concept 30 years ago and has been the industry’s global leader with over 3,300 locations across the world.
The proven and scalable operating model can provide franchisees with a highly attractive return on their investment. Franchisees will also benefit from a built-in network of 2.5 million customers, including some of the most successful entrepreneurs and multi-billion-dollar companies, that instantly become available to franchise owners.
IWG is seeking qualified franchisees with the organizational and financial capabilities to open a minimum of five locations no smaller than 10,000 square feet over a two- to three-year period. Qualified franchisees should have at least three years of outside sales management experience and two years of community marketing experience with a sales team of at least five people.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $350,000
- Net Worth: $1,000,000
- Franchise Fee: $50,000
- Total Investment: $650,000 – $1,700,000
Green Home Solutions
Green Home Solutions Franchise Owners are passionate about providing healthy indoor environments for homeowners and businesses in their communities. Their low-investment, high-margin Business model makes it an attractive way for you to own a business of your own, as you help create a cleaner world.
If you are looking for a low start-up investment, home-based franchise opportunity that is in-demand and has huge market potential, look no further. Air quality improvements is a $5.6 billion industry and is predicted to grow even bigger as homeowners look for ways to live cleaner and greener. Green Home Solutions is the leader in helping people and businesses breathe easier with plant-based products that improve, rather than harm, the environment.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $75,000
- Franchise Fee: $9,000 – $20,000
- Total Investment: $56,100 – $124,100
FLOYD’s 99 Barbershop
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop is a category leader with over 18 years of expertise in men’s haircutting and grooming. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop franchise was established by brothers Paul, Bill and Rob O’Brien, on the principle of providing great service, they created a one-of-a-kind barbershop based on a client-first approach.
Their brand is positioned in the mid-priced segment of the industry but delivers service comparable to the industry’s higher priced boutiques and salons. The brother’s passion for service and dedication to client excellence has shaped Floyd’s 99 into a category leader and created an authentic brand that draws loyal clientele to return again and again.
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop is offering an opportunity to be a part of their successful franchise. Their shops are designed to have a fun, engaging neighborhood hangout feel with great music, high energy, and a full menu of services for men and women.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $500,000
- Net Worth: $1,500,000
Big Blue Swim School
Big Blue Swim School focuses on creating Big Moments for children aged six months to 12 years. In purpose-built facilities designed to create a safe, welcoming environment for families, their teachers work with kids to develop swim skills that include stroke, breath, and propulsion, creating confident swimmers and building important life skills like courage, hard work, and perseverance.
Their lessons encourage children to face their fears and build self-assurance – giving students the tools they’ll need to face life’s challenges through childhood into adulthood.
An attractive, scalable franchising opportunity, Big Blue was founded by former competitive swimmers John Lonergan and Chris DeJong. It’s being financed by Level 5 Capital Partners, founded in 2009 by Fortune 1000 technology executives and dedicated to backing exceptional entrepreneurs in the health, wellness, and family markets.
Financial Information
- Net Worth: $1,500,000
- Franchise Fee: $75,000
- Total Investment: $1,825,500 – $3,687,000
- Royalty Fee: 6%
- Advertising Fee: New Pool Opening Marketing Fee ($50,000)
Riko’s Pizza
Riko’s is known for its thin-crust pizza made from high quality, fresh ingredients. Their specialty pies range from Hawaiian and meat-lovers to veggie, margarita and the ever-popular hot oil pizza. Salad pizzas, wings and desserts round out the popular menu.
The restaurant believes in giving back to their communities and they support philanthropies that serve their families, friends and neighbors. They are currently looking for franchise owners who share in their philosophy and commitment to excellence.
The ideal candidates should also have restaurant operations experience, and a direct connection and commitment to the local community. Best of all, they have program options for single-unit as well as multiple-unit franchise owners.
Financial Information
- Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
California Tortilla
California Tortilla is a unique fast casual Mexican restaurant franchise that serves “California style” Mexican food. They focus on one aspect that many other Fast Casuals continue to ignore; quality. They source the best ingredients from local farm to table purveyors, and they use only premium proteins, and their salsa, guacamole, queso and sauces are made fresh daily and are never frozen. In fact, there’s no freezer on site at all.
The restaurant is on the look out for individuals who share their passion for providing a best-in-class experience, products and customer service. They want to partner with entrepreneurs who are hungry to succeed, grow into multiple locations and bring customers a quality product unlike anything they’ve experienced before. A strong restaurant background is a plus, though is not necessarily a firm prerequisite to get the franchise.
Financial Information
- Cash Investment: $250,000
- Net Worth: $1,000,000
- Franchise Fee: $40,000
- Total Investment: $402,000 – $697,000
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Advertising Fee: 2%