Buying an engineering or architecture firm in Space Coast and Volusia

• A backlog of signed work several months deep, with proposals out for more.
• Continuing public contracts the firm has kept through more than one selection round.
• Several licensed professionals, so no single person signs everything and the firm can survive a departure.
• Repeat clients spread across developers, contractors and public agencies, so a slowdown in one doesn't stop the firm.
• A clean record on claims and solid professional liability insurance.
• Project managers who track hours against fees, so fixed-fee jobs stay profitable.
• Current design software, drone or scanning equipment for survey work, and well-kept project files.
• Younger engineers or architects working toward licenses: the firm's future signers.

• Backlog and proposals still out, by client.
• Which licensed people sign and seal the work, and whether they'll stay. Consider employment agreements or a share of ownership.
• Professional liability insurance and claims. Claims can come years after a project, so arrange coverage for past work.
• Public contracts: how they were awarded, whether they transfer, and any certifications (small, women- or minority-owned) that depend on the current owners. A firm holding federal small business contracts must recertify its size and status within 30 days after an acquisition (13 CFR 125.12).
• Work in progress and unbilled fees on long projects.
• Reliance on one developer or government client, and how the firm did in the last construction slowdown.

• Who signs and seals the firm's work today, and do they plan to stay?
• How many months of signed work do you have lined up?
• Which public agencies do you have continuing contracts with, and when do they renew?
• Have you had any professional liability claims in the last ten years?
• How much of your work comes through you personally?
• Do any contracts depend on certifications tied to you as the owner?
• What software or equipment is due for replacement soon?

This region covers Brevard, Volusia and Flagler counties: Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, DeLand, Deltona, New Smyrna Beach and Palm Coast. Brevard's economy is built around space. Rockets launch often from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and aerospace and defense manufacturers and their suppliers employ engineers, technicians and machinists across the county. Port Canaveral is a major cruise port.

Volusia depends more on tourism, beaches and big events, with Daytona's motorsports and motorcycle rallies drawing crowds. Health care and a large retired population matter too. Flagler County, around Palm Coast, is mostly residential. Machine shops, electrical and engineering firms, home service companies, marine businesses and restaurants all have a place here.

Brevard's fortunes follow the space and defense programs. A company that sells to aerospace firms should be able to show you how many customers it depends on and how secure their work is. Business in Volusia spikes around big events and the winter season, so look at revenue by month.

The whole coast faces storm risk. In 2022, Hurricane Ian brought flooding to much of Volusia, and Hurricane Nicole, which came ashore near Vero Beach six weeks later, washed away beaches and seawalls along the Volusia coast. Beachfront property needs careful insurance and structural checks. The Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River make boating and fishing part of daily life, which keeps the marine trades busy. Palm Coast and the Palm Bay area have added many new homes, and companies serving those areas have grown with them.