Guide to Selling a Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice in Tampa, FL

If you own a pediatric physical therapy practice in Tampa, you are in a strong position. The market is currently very active, with significant buyer interest from private equity firms and larger strategic operators looking to expand in Florida. This guide will walk you through the current market landscape, what buyers are looking for, and how to begin thinking about the process. We want to give you the clarity needed to make the best decision for your future.

Market Overview

The U.S. physical therapy market is a nearly $50 billion industry, and it’s projected to grow significantly over the next decade. This growth is driven by a greater focus on preventive care and the rising prevelance of chronic conditions in children. For practice owners, this translates to sustained demand and high investor confidence. Here in Florida, the market is especially dynamic. We see this with recent deals like H2 Healths acquisition of a 4-location practice in the Tampa area. This local activity shows that buyers are not just looking at national trends. They are actively investing in our communities. This is a positive signal for any Tampa-based owner considering their options.

Key Considerations for Your Practice

When a potential buyer looks at your practice, they are looking for more than just profit. They are assessing risk and future potential. Preparing in advance in these key areas can dramatically change the outcome of a sale.

Here are three areas that buyers will scrutinize:

1. Your Operational Health. Buyers want to see smooth operations. This means low therapist turnover, strong clinical outcomes, and efficient internal processes. They will look for a practice that doesnt depend entirely on the owner to function day to day. A well-run practice with a strong team is a much more attractive asset.
2. Your Financial Stability. Consistent revenue growth and healthy profit margins are important. Buyers will also dive deep into your payer mix. A practice that relies too heavily on a single insurance provider, even Medicaid, can be seen as risky. A diversified mix of payers signals stability.
3. Your Information Systems. Can you easily pull financial and operational reports? Buyers expect clean, accessible data. Messy books or a lack of performance metrics can create friction during due diligence and may even lower the valuation. Having well-organized information shows you run a professional operation.

Market Activity

The M&A market for therapy practices is moving quickly. The first quarter of 2025 saw the highest number of recorded deals since mid-2022, a clear sign of momentum. We are seeing two main types of buyers. Strategic buyers, who are often larger therapy companies, are looking to expand their footprint. Private equity firms are also very active, both in making new investments and in selling their existing platforms to other investors. This activity, especially the rise in private placements, shows that capital is flowing into the pediatric therapy space. For a practice owner in Tampa, this means there is a healthy and competitive pool of potential buyers right now.

The Sale Process Unpacked

Selling your practice is a structured process, not a single event. Understanding the stages can help you feel more in control. While every deal is unique, the journey generally follows a clear path. Getting any of these steps wrong can lead to leaving money on the table or, even worse, a failed deal.

Understanding Your Practice’s Value

One of the first questions every owner asks is, “What is my practice worth?” The answer starts with a metric called Adjusted EBITDA. Think of this as your true cash flow. It’s your earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, but “adjusted” to remove any one-time expenses or personal perks an owner might run through the business. This adjusted number gives a buyer a clean look at the practice’s profitability. That number is then multiplied by a “multiple” to get your practice’s enterprise value. For a single clinic or small group, this multiple might be in the 3x to 6x range. For a medium-sized practice with strong growth, it could be 5x to 9x or higher. This is not a simple formula. The final multiple depends heavily on your growth, payer mix, and how well you tell your practice’s story.

Life After the Sale

A successful transaction goes beyond the sale price. It also secures a positive future for you, your staff, and the patients you serve. Planning for what comes next is just as important as preparing for the sale itself.

Your Future Role

Do you want to leave clinical practice entirely, or would you prefer to stay on for a few years? Many buyers want the previous owner to remain involved, either in a clinical role or helping with business development. Deciding on your ideal future early in the process helps us find a buyer whose vision aligns with yours.

Protecting Your Team

You have likely spent years building a talented and dedicated team. The right buyer will recognize their value and have a plan to retain and support them. Part of a good deal is ensuring your legacy of care and your team’s culture are protected through the transition. This is often a key point of negotiation.

Structuring the Deal

The structure of the sale has major effects on your final, after-tax proceeds. You might take an all-cash offer, or you could “roll over” some of your equity into the new, larger company. This rollover gives you a stake in the future success of the combined business, offering the potential for a “second bite at the apple” when the new company is sold again years later. The right structure depends entirely on your personal and financial goals.