Off-Market Deal Flow: A Niche Environmental Business in Florida

Today’s featured off-market business presents an interesting opportunity for those looking to enter the environmental services sector. Our research led us to this company in Deerfield Beach, FL which specializes in lake management services; an important industry in Florida’s water-rich environment. With a history spanning over two decades, this business looks like as a key player in maintaining and preserving aquatic ecosystems for commercial and residential clients.

Business Overview

• Industry: Lake Management Services
• Location: Deerfield Beach, FL
• Year Established: 2000
• Employees: 12 (est.)
• Revenue: $2,702,000 per year (est.)
• Primary Service: Aquatic vegetation control and lake maintenance

Financial Estimates

Based on industry benchmarks for lake management and environmental service firms, typical EBITDA margins range from 15% to 25%. Using this range, we estimate the EBITDA for Advanced Aquatic Services to be:

• Low-end (15% margin): $405,300
• High-end (25% margin): $675,500

These estimates provide a rough valuation framework for potential buyers considering a business like this.

For a lake management services business like this one, the EBITDA multiple will vary depending on factors such as recurring revenue, customer concentration, and growth potential. Based on industry data, businesses in environmental services typically sell for 3x to 6x EBITDA.

Here’s a breakdown of how multiples might look based on business size and characteristics:

• Smaller, owner-dependent businesses (<$1M EBITDA): 3x to 4x EBITDA
• Mid-sized businesses with strong contracts ($1M — $5M EBITDA): 4x to 5x EBITDA
• Larger, well-established firms with diversified contracts ($5M+ EBITDA): 5x to 6x EBITDA

Valuation Estimates

With an estimated EBITDA of $405,300, the estimated value range would be:

• Low-end (3x EBITDA): $1.22M
• Mid-range (4x EBITDA): $1.62M
• High-end (5x EBITDA): $2.02M

Given that this is a small business, it’s likely reliant on a few key contracts, the valuation would likely fall in the 3x to 4x range, putting the estimated business value between $1.2M and $1.6M.

Market & Competitive Landscape

The company operates in a niche yet essential industry. Florida’s extensive lakes, retention ponds, and waterways create consistent demand for lake management services. Competitors in the area include:

• Aquatic Systems (Pompano Beach, FL)
• Biolakes Inc (Boca Raton, FL)
• Lake Masters Inc (Davie, FL)
• Lake & Wetland Management (Boynton Beach, FL)

The presence of multiple competitors indicates an active and sustainable market, yet Advanced Aquatic Services’ two-decade history suggests strong customer loyalty and operational stability.

Key Considerations for Buyers

1. Recurring Revenue Model — Many lake management services operate on recurring contracts, providing stable cash flow.
2. Regulatory Compliance — Businesses in this field must comply with environmental regulations, which can be both a challenge and a barrier to entry for new competitors.
3. Growth Opportunities — Expanding services to include additional ecological consulting or restoration work could drive further revenue.
4. Geographic Expansion — Leveraging the business’s existing expertise to move into neighboring counties or municipalities could unlock further growth.

For buyers looking to enter a specialized service business with predictable revenue and long-term contracts, this business presents a compelling opportunity. Its established presence in the Florida market, coupled with strong industry demand, makes it an attractive acquisition target.

The business is off-market, but paid subscribers receive contact information for the featured business along with a lead list of similar businesses located around the United States.