The strong odds are that those Valentine's Day flowers are coming through South Florida.
Credit: TD Bank
If Valentine’s Day had a supply-chain capital, it would be South Florida. Nearly 90 percent of the flowers entering the United States for the holiday pass through our region, a staggering statistic that quietly turns us into one of the busiest seasonal hubs in the country. For local small businesses, from florists and wholesalers to logistics companies, retailers, restaurants and hospitality operators, that short window leading up to February 14 can make or break the year.
The ripple effects are everywhere. Flower imports drive a surge in trucking, cold storage, packaging and last-mile delivery. Florists push inventory to the limit; retailers staff up quickly and hospitality businesses brace for a wave of Valentine’s reservations tied to floral-heavy celebrations. With so much revenue packed into a matter of days, cash flow, staffing and credit lines are often stretched thin, especially for small operators without a full finance team behind them.
That pressure has even spawned a new vocabulary online, with small business owners borrowing relationship terms like “red flags” and “dealbreakers” to describe their financial stress. According to TD Bank, many of these warning signs are easy to miss in the moment. Late payments from customers, relying on personal credit to cover expenses, or not having a clear picture of current cash flow can start to feel normal during peak season, until they compound into much bigger problems.
“With so many of the nation’s flowers passing through South Florida, even small shifts in demand can create real pressure on local businesses,” Chris Ward, Head of U.S. Small Business at TD Bank, tells Browardist. “To prepare, small business owners should review their finances and ensure they have a clear cash flow forecast, an updated business plan and adequate staffing in place to support demand.”
Among other tips, Ward points out that preparedness does not have to mean complex systems or major overhauls. Simple steps like separating personal and business finances, reviewing revenues and expenses weekly during peak periods, and building even modest cash reserves can create breathing room when sales spike and expenses hit all at once. Technology can also help. Accounting software and real-time dashboards give owners visibility into spending and staffing so they can adjust quickly if demand shifts.
A key takeaway for South Florida businesses tied to Valentine’s Day is timing. “A practical next step is to revisit those financial and operational plans now, so they’re ready heading into Valentine’s Day and other peak periods,” Ward said. “Reviewing last year’s cash flow statements can offer useful insights into seasonal patterns and help business owners make more informed decisions.”
As millions of roses and bouquets move through Miami this Valentine’s Day, the flowers may only stay briefly. The financial impact on local small businesses, however, can last all year, especially for those who plan ahead.
For more information and guidance for small businesses, visit td.com.
