Introduction

People look for a Financial Advisor in Miami for practical reasons: complex tax situations, irregular income (business owners and commission-based roles), high housing costs, cross-border family finances, and the need to plan around market volatility without making costly mistakes.

This guide explains what a Financial Advisor does, what it typically costs in Miami, and how to compare providers confidently. You’ll also find a curated shortlist of established advisory brands with Miami presence, plus a quick comparison table and FAQs tailored to local search.

To build the list, we prioritized firms with strong public visibility, clear service scope, and recognizable reputations. Review summaries and star ratings are included only when they’re consistently available and attributable; otherwise they’re marked as Not publicly stated.


About Financial Advisor

A Financial Advisor helps you make informed decisions about money across investing, retirement, taxes (planning and coordination), insurance needs, and long-term goals. Depending on the advisor and their licensing, they may provide financial planning, manage investments, recommend specific products, or coordinate with your CPA and attorney.

You may need a Financial Advisor when your finances become “multi-variable”—for example, you’re receiving equity compensation, selling a business, moving states, supporting family members, or trying to balance retirement saving with a major purchase. Many people also hire an advisor after a life change like marriage, divorce, inheritance, or a job change.

Average cost in Miami: pricing varies widely and is often similar to other major U.S. metros. Common fee models include:

  • Assets under management (AUM): often a percentage of assets managed (commonly around 0.50%–1.50% annually, varies by assets and service level).
  • Hourly planning: commonly $200–$500+ per hour (varies).
  • Flat-fee financial plan: commonly $1,500–$7,500+ depending on complexity.
  • Retainer/ongoing planning: commonly $200–$1,000+ per month depending on scope.

Licensing/certifications (typical in the U.S., may apply in Miami):

  • Investment advice for compensation is generally provided by an RIA (Registered Investment Adviser) firm or an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) under state or SEC registration (depending on circumstances).
  • Brokerage activity is typically associated with FINRA-registered broker-dealers and licensed representatives.
  • Insurance and annuity recommendations may require an active state insurance license.
  • Common professional marks include CFP®, CFA®, and CPA/PFS (availability varies by advisor).

Key takeaways

  • A Financial Advisor can focus on planning, investments, or both—always confirm what’s included.
  • Fees in Miami vary by assets, complexity, and whether you want one-time planning or ongoing management.
  • Credentials and registrations matter; ask how the advisor is regulated and compensated.

How We Selected the Best Financial Advisor in Miami

We used a practical set of selection criteria designed for local, commercial-intent searches:

  • Years of experience: Preference for established firms and teams (individual experience varies by advisor).
  • Verified customer review signals (publicly available only): Where reliably attributable to a specific Miami location; otherwise marked Not publicly stated.
  • Service range: Ability to support common needs (retirement, investment management, planning coordination, business owner planning).
  • Pricing transparency: Clear explanations of fee model (AUM, hourly, flat-fee, commission, or a mix).
  • Local reputation: Recognizable brand presence and professional footprint in the Miami market.

All details below are based on publicly available information when confidently known. If a specific data point (like a direct office phone, advisor email, or location-level rating) isn’t consistently published, it’s listed as Not publicly stated.


About Miami

Miami is a global financial and cultural hub with a mix of long-time residents, transplants, entrepreneurs, and international families. That diversity increases demand for financial planning that accounts for varying income types, real estate decisions, retirement timelines, and multi-jurisdiction complexity.

In practice, many Miami households look for help with portfolio construction, retirement planning, tax-aware investing, and coordination across professionals (CPA, attorney, mortgage). Business owners and executives may also seek guidance on liquidity events, equity compensation, and risk management.

Key neighborhoods served (varies by firm and advisor):

  • Brickell
  • Downtown Miami
  • Coral Gables
  • Coconut Grove
  • Miami Beach
  • Doral
  • Kendall
  • Wynwood / Edgewater
  • Aventura (Miami-Dade area; exact coverage varies / depends)

Top 5 Best Financial Advisor in Miami

#1 — UBS Wealth Management USA (Miami)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated (advisor-specific)
  • Services Offered: Wealth management, financial planning, investment advisory (availability varies by advisor), retirement planning, estate planning coordination, lending solutions (varies / depends)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (fees and/or commissions may apply depending on services)
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.ubs.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, complex wealth needs, clients who want a large global platform

#2 — Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (Miami)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated (advisor-specific)
  • Services Offered: Financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, workplace/stock plan guidance (varies), banking and lending options (varies / depends)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (fee-based and/or commission structures may apply depending on relationship)
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.morganstanley.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, professionals and executives seeking a broad set of planning and investment capabilities

#3 — Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (Miami)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated (advisor-specific)
  • Services Offered: Wealth management, financial planning, retirement planning, investment solutions, banking integration (varies / depends)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (program fees and/or commissions may apply depending on services)
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.ml.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Established households wanting planning plus integrated banking options (varies)

#4 — Raymond James (Miami)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated (advisor-specific)
  • Services Offered: Financial planning, investment advisory, retirement planning, portfolio management, guidance for individuals and business owners (varies by advisor and affiliation)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (advisor compensation and fee model vary by practice)
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.raymondjames.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Clients who prefer a relationship with an individual advisor practice under a well-known brand

#5 — Northern Trust Wealth Management (Miami)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated (team- and advisor-specific)
  • Services Offered: Wealth management, investment management, trust and estate services (varies), family office-style support (varies / depends), planning coordination
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (often relationship-based; minimums may apply)
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.northerntrust.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, trust/estate complexity, multi-generational planning (varies)

Comparison Table

Professional Rating Experience Price Range Best For
UBS Wealth Management USA (Miami) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated (advisor-specific) Varies / depends Premium, complex wealth needs
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (Miami) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated (advisor-specific) Varies / depends Premium, executives/professionals
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (Miami) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated (advisor-specific) Varies / depends Planning + banking integration (varies)
Raymond James (Miami) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated (advisor-specific) Varies / depends Advisor-led relationship under known brand
Northern Trust Wealth Management (Miami) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated (team-specific) Varies / depends Premium, trust/estate complexity

Cost of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Miami

In Miami, the most common way people pay a Financial Advisor is through AUM fees for ongoing investment management and planning. Hourly consultations and flat-fee plans are also common—especially if you want a second opinion, a one-time retirement plan, or help organizing a financial roadmap before committing to ongoing management.

Typical price ranges (varies):

  • AUM: commonly 0.50%–1.50% per year of managed assets (tiered schedules are common)
  • Hourly: commonly $200–$500+ per hour
  • Flat-fee plan: commonly $1,500–$7,500+
  • Ongoing retainer: commonly $200–$1,000+ per month

Emergency pricing: financial advisory “emergency” service is not standardized like home services. Some advisors may offer expedited appointments or after-hours support, but pricing and availability are Not publicly stated and often limited to existing clients.

What affects the cost

  • Your net worth and account size (AUM tiers may decline as assets increase)
  • Scope of planning (retirement only vs. full financial plan with multiple goals)
  • Complexity (business ownership, multi-state taxes, concentrated stock, cross-border considerations)
  • Service model (one-time plan vs. ongoing relationship)
  • Compensation structure (fee-only vs. commission vs. hybrid; varies / depends)
  • Minimums and add-on services (trust work, lending, specialized planning)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a Financial Advisor cost in Miami?

Most pricing is either AUM-based (often around 0.50%–1.50% annually) or planning fees (hourly or flat-fee). Exact costs vary by assets, complexity, and whether you want ongoing management.

How to choose the best Financial Advisor in Miami?

Start with your goals (retirement, investing, business planning, estate coordination). Then compare the advisor’s registration/licensing, compensation model, planning process, and how clearly they explain fees and conflicts.

Are licenses required in Miami?

If an advisor provides investment advice for compensation, they’re typically registered at the state or SEC level (depending on the firm). Brokers and their reps are generally FINRA-registered, and insurance products require appropriate insurance licensing.

What’s the difference between a financial planner and a Financial Advisor?

“Financial planner” often refers to planning-focused services, while “Financial Advisor” can include planning plus investments or product recommendations. Titles vary—always ask what services are provided and how the advisor is paid.

Is it better to hire a fee-only Financial Advisor in Miami?

Fee-only can reduce certain conflicts because compensation comes from client fees rather than commissions. However, “better” depends on your needs; the key is understanding total costs and incentives.

Do Miami Financial Advisor firms have minimum investment requirements?

Many do, especially for ongoing wealth management programs. Minimums are not always advertised publicly and can depend on the service tier—ask upfront before onboarding.

Who offers 24/7 service in Miami?

24/7 access is not common for new clients and is often limited to existing relationships. Availability is Not publicly stated for many firms; ask what support looks like during market volatility or urgent events.

Can a Financial Advisor help with retirement planning in Miami?

Yes. Retirement planning is a core service for many advisors, often covering contributions, withdrawals, Social Security timing, portfolio risk, and tax-aware distribution strategies (implementation varies by firm/advisor).

Should I hire a local Miami advisor or an online advisor?

A local Miami advisor can be helpful if you value in-person meetings and local context. Online advisors can be cost-effective and convenient. Choose based on complexity, service expectations, and communication preferences.

What should I bring to the first meeting with a Financial Advisor?

Bring recent statements (bank/investment/retirement), debt details, insurance summaries, estimated expenses, tax returns (if you’re comfortable), and a list of goals and concerns. The clearer your inputs, the better the recommendations.


Final Recommendation

If you want a premium, full-service wealth management relationship—especially with complex investment, lending, or trust/estate coordination needs—start by comparing larger platforms like UBS, Morgan Stanley, or Northern Trust. These are often better fits when service depth matters more than finding the lowest fee.

If you prefer a more advisor-led relationship where the individual practice is central, Raymond James can be a strong starting point—then evaluate the specific advisor’s planning depth, fee structure, and communication style.

For households that want planning plus the convenience of integrated banking, Merrill may be worth considering—confirm what’s included in the relationship and how costs are assessed.

No matter which provider you shortlist, ask for a clear explanation of: fee model, conflicts of interest, what you receive (deliverables), and how ongoing communication works.


Get Your Business Listed

If you’re a Financial Advisor in Miami and want your details added or updated, email contact@professnow.com. You can also registe & Update yourself at https://professnow.com/.