Antique Store Servicing Orlando, FL
Busby Antiques is buying Antiques, Gold Jewelry, Sterling Flatware, and Rare Collectibles in Orlando & Surrounding areas
Orlando is the heart of Central Florida, and if you’re looking for a trusted antique store near Orlando FL, I’m Chad Busby. I’ve been buying and selling antiques, gold jewelry, sterling silver, coins, and collectibles across the Greater Orlando area for over 25 years. I make house calls throughout Orange County and beyond, and I pay cash on the spot.
Most people think of theme parks when they hear “Orlando.” But the real Orlando, the one that existed long before Walt Disney bought his first acre of swampland, is a city with over 180 years of history. And that history means homes across Orlando are filled with valuable items that families have held onto for generations. That’s where I come in.
Have items to sell? Call or text me at (407) 529-6952 or send photos online for a free estimate.
About Orlando, Florida: From Fort Gatlin to the Theme Park Capital of the World
Orlando’s modern history starts in 1838, during the Second Seminole War. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin southeast of present day downtown to protect settlers. The fort was named after Dr. John S. Gatlin, an Army physician killed in Dade’s Massacre in 1835.
By 1843, a Georgia cattleman named Aaron Jernigan had claimed 160 acres near the fort under the Armed Occupation Act, and a small settlement grew up around his homestead. The community was called Jernigan for about a decade. In 1856, the settlement expanded northward toward Lake Eola and was renamed Orlando, reportedly in honor of a soldier named Orlando Reeves who died during sentinel duty (though historians still debate the exact origin of the name). The Town of Orlando was incorporated in 1875 with just 85 residents and 22 qualified voters (Florida Historical Society).
Before the Civil War, Orlando was a cotton and cattle center. After the war, citrus became king. The South Florida Railroad arrived in 1880, and Orlando boomed. By the early 1900s, Orange County was one of the most productive citrus regions in the state.
The next big wave came in the 1950s and 1960s. The space program at nearby Cape Canaveral brought engineers and scientists to the area. The Glenn L. Martin Company (later Martin Marietta, now Lockheed Martin) built a missile factory south of Orlando and became Florida’s single largest employer by 1961, with over 10,500 workers. Military families, aerospace engineers, and defense contractors flooded into new developments like Sky Lake and Pine Hills.
Then came November 15, 1965. Walt Disney arrived in town and announced plans to build the world’s most spectacular theme park on 27,000 acres of Central Florida farmland. Walt Disney World opened in October 1971, and the sleepy citrus town became the theme park capital of the world. Today, Orlando attracts over 75 million visitors per year and is one of the most visited cities on earth.
layered history means every neighborhood tells a different story. Pre war bungalows in College Park hold Victorian era silverware. Mid century homes in Conway have 1960s gold jewelry from aerospace families. The newer subdivisions in Lake Nona and Horizon West are filled with families who’ve inherited collections from parents up north. Orlando is the largest and most diverse market in my service area, and I’m here every week.
Orlando by the Numbers
| Florida Probate Fact | Key Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
Typical probate timeline | 6 months to 1 year for formal administration | |
Formal probate threshold | $75,000+ in assets required for formal administration | |
Will filing deadline | Must be filed within 10 days of learning of the death | |
Gold & coins in probate | Precious metals count as tangible personal property in FL estates | |
FL probate court caseload | In Miami-Dade, each probate judge took on ~2,780 new cases in FY 2023-24 | |
Summary administration threshold | Available when probate assets are $75,000 or less (or death over 2 years ago) |
Source note: All data sourced from Florida statutes, the Florida Bar, and publicly available court records. This is general information — not legal advice. Always work with a licensed Florida probate attorney. For attorney referrals in your area, visit The Florida Bar’s Find a Lawyer tool.
Orlando FL by the Numbers
| Stat | Data |
|---|---|
| 2020 Census Population | 307,573 (Wikipedia) |
| Metro Area Population | 2.6+ million (Orlando Kissimmee Sanford MSA) |
| City Area | ~119 square miles |
| County | Orange County |
| Incorporated | 1875 (town), 1885 (city) |
| Government Type | Strong Mayor / Council |
| Annual Visitors | 75+ million |
| Airport | Orlando International Airport (MCO) — 7th busiest in the U.S. |
What I Buy From Orlando Homeowners
- Gold Jewelry — Estate rings, chains, bracelets, broken gold, and vintage designer pieces. Broken gold still has real value.
- Sterling Silver — Flatware, tea sets, hollowware, coin silver. Orlando homes produce more silver than anywhere else in my service area, simply because the population is larger.
- Fine China and Crystal — All major brands. From formal Lenox to vintage Noritake.
- Vintage Toys — Star Wars, GI Joe, WWE, TMNT, toys from the 60s, and more.
- Comic Books — Golden Age, Silver Age, and graded books. See my guide to selling comics.
- Coins and Currency — Gold coins, silver dollars, Morgan dollars, proof sets, bullion.
Top Schools in Orlando FL
Orlando is served by Orange County Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the nation with over 200,000 students:
- Boone High School, Colonial High School, Edgewater High School, Dr. Phillips High School, Timber Creek High School, University High School — Just a few of Orlando’s many high schools.
- The Christ School, Bishop Moore Catholic High School, Trinity Preparatory School, Lake Highland Preparatory — Top private school options.
Higher Education
- University of Central Florida (UCF) — One of the largest universities in America, just east of Orlando.
- Rollins College — Florida’s first four year college, in nearby Winter Park.
- Valencia College — Multiple campuses across Orlando.
- Full Sail University — Specializing in entertainment, media, and technology.
Parks, Museums, and Culture in Orlando
- Lake Eola Park — The iconic heart of downtown Orlando. The fountain, the swan boats, the weekly farmers market, and community events year round.
- Orange County Regional History Center — Housed in the 1927 courthouse, with exhibits covering 12,000 years of Central Florida history.
- Orlando Museum of Art — At Loch Haven Park, with American art from the 19th century to today.
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Downtown Orlando’s world class performing arts venue.
- Harry P. Leu Gardens — 50 acres of botanical beauty on the shores of Lake Rowena.
- Dickson Azalea Park — A hidden gem in the Thornton Park neighborhood with old growth trees and a creek.
- Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake — Fishing, hiking, camping, and a nature center on the west side.
Local Restaurants and Bars in Orlando
Orlando’s food scene goes far beyond the tourist strip. Here are some locally owned favorites I recommend:
- The Ravenous Pig — Award winning gastropub in Winter Park. James Beard nominated.
- Hawkers Asian Street Food — Southeast Asian street food in Mills 50. A local institution.
- Se7en Bites — Biscuits, brunch, and Southern comfort food in the Milk District. One of Orlando’s most beloved bakeries.
- Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa — Inventive BBQ fusion in the Mills 50 district.
- Black Rooster Taqueria — Some of the best tacos in Central Florida, right on Mills Avenue.
- Maxine’s on Shine — Eclectic, creative American food in the Thornton Park area. Live music and a loyal following.
- Yellow Dog Eats — Barbecue, sandwiches, and live music in a funky setting (Gotha location).
- Hunger Street Tacos — Authentic Mexico City style tacos that have earned a massive following.
Orlando Neighborhoods Where I Do Business
Orlando is a big city with dozens of distinct neighborhoods. Here are the areas I serve most often:
- College Park — One of Orlando’s most charming historic neighborhoods. Pre war bungalows and established homes with decades of heirlooms.
- Thornton Park / Downtown — Upscale urban neighborhood near Lake Eola. Quality estate items.
- Mills 50 / Colonialtown — Diverse, trendy neighborhood with a mix of vintage homes.
- Conway / Belle Isle — South Orlando communities with military and aerospace family roots from the 1950s and 60s.
- Dr. Phillips / Sand Lake — Affluent west Orlando community. High value estate items.
- Windermere / Isleworth — Ultra affluent lakefront community southwest of Orlando.
- Lake Nona — Fast growing master planned community in southeast Orlando. New families with inherited collections.
- Baldwin Park — Mixed use community on the former Naval Training Center site near Winter Park.
- Pine Hills / Sky Lake — Neighborhoods developed during the Martin Marietta era of the 1950s and 60s.
- Delaney Park / SODO — Historic south downtown neighborhoods with character homes.
- Horizon West / Hamlin — Booming growth corridor shared with Winter Garden.
I also serve all surrounding cities: Oviedo, Winter Park, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Apopka, Winter Garden, and the full list of cities I serve.
Emergency Services and Hospitals in Orlando
Emergency Numbers
- Emergency: Dial 911
- Orlando Police Department — Non Emergency: (321) 235-5300
- Orlando Fire Department — Multiple stations across the city.
- Orange County Sheriff’s Office — Serves unincorporated Orange County areas.
Hospitals
- Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) — Level One Trauma Center in downtown Orlando. The flagship hospital of the Orlando Health system.
- AdventHealth Orlando — One of the largest hospitals in the state, on Rollins Street.
- Nemours Children’s Hospital — Dedicated pediatric hospital in Lake Nona.
- Orlando VA Medical Center — Serving veterans in Central Florida.
More Orlando Neighborhoods I Serve
I’m also a regular buyer in Colonialtown, Audubon Park, Mills 50, SODO, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Hunters Creek, MetroWest, Lake Nona, Park Lake/Highland, and Ivanhoe Village. If you’re in the greater Orlando area, I cover it.
Estate and Probate Services for Orlando Families
Orlando’s size and diversity mean I handle more estate situations here than anywhere else. From historic College Park homes to Windermere lakefront properties, every estate is different. I bring 25+ years of experience and treat every family with respect.
- Full Estate Buyouts — I evaluate and purchase entire estate contents. Furniture, jewelry, silver, coins, collectibles.
- Probate Estate Services — I work with attorneys, executors, and families throughout the probate process.
Guides for families: Inherited Antiques | Estate Sale vs. Buyer | Selling a Parent’s Belongings
Why Orlando Residents Choose Busby Antiques Over Pawn Shops
Let’s be real — Orlando has no shortage of pawn shops and “We Buy Gold” signs. Here’s why working with me is different:
- I’m a specialist, not a generalist. I have 25+ years of hands on expertise across gold, silver, coins, antiques, fine china, vintage toys, and comic books. A pawn shop reads off a chart. I know the market because I live in it every day.
- I show you everything. I weigh gold in front of you. I explain karat values. I tell you what collectibles are selling for on the open market. You see exactly how I arrive at my number.
- I pay more. Pawn shops are lending businesses. They need to offer you less so they can profit on the loan. I’m a direct buyer with my own eBay store and established resale channels. That means I can afford to pay you more.
- I come to you. Pawn shops make you haul your stuff across town. I drive to your Orlando home, evaluate on the spot, and handle everything.
- 28 5+ five star reviews speak for themselves. My reputation is built on being honest, fair, and knowledgeable.
Frequently Asked Questions — Antique Store Orlando FL
Do you make house calls in Orlando?
Absolutely. I’m in Orlando neighborhoods every week. There’s no charge for the visit and no obligation to sell. I serve 30+ cities across Central Florida, and Orlando is my biggest market.
How do I get a free antique appraisal in Orlando?
Call or text me at (407) 529-6952 and send photos of your items. I’ll give you a ballpark estimate within a few hours. For larger collections or full estates, I’ll schedule a free in home antique appraisal at your Orlando property.
What is the best antique store in Orlando FL?
Busby Antiques & Collectibles has been the trusted antique store Orlando FL families turn to for over 25 years. I specialize in buying gold, silver, coins, fine china, vintage toys, and comic books. My Oviedo shop is just a short drive from downtown Orlando via the 417, and I make free house calls throughout the metro area.
How much is my gold jewelry worth in Orlando?
Gold is currently trading near $4,800 to $5,000+ per ounce in March 2026 (source: Fortune). The value of your gold depends on karat (10K, 14K, 18K, 24K) and weight. I test and weigh everything in front of you and pay based on the current spot price. Read our guide on what you should know about selling broken gold jewelry.
Do you buy entire estates in Orlando?
Yes. Entire estate buyouts are one of my core services. I come to the Orlando property, evaluate everything in a single visit, and make one cash offer for the entire lot — gold, silver, coins, jewelry, furniture, china, toys, comics, all of it.
What if I’m settling an estate or dealing with probate in Orlando?
I work with families, executors, and estate attorneys throughout Orange County. I can provide written appraisals for probate proceedings and clear entire homes on your timeline. Our guide on estate sales vs. estate buyers breaks down your options.
What’s the difference between an antique and a vintage item?
An antique is typically 100+ years old, while vintage means roughly 20 to 99 years old. I buy both. For a deeper breakdown, check out antique vs. vintage: what’s the difference?
Can I bring items to your store?
Yes. Busby Antiques is at 838 Eyrie Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765, about 20 to 25 minutes from downtown Orlando via the 417. Call ahead at (407) 529-6952 so I’m ready for you when you arrive.
Serving Orlando and All of Central Florida
Orlando is the hub of my business, but I cover a wide territory across Central Florida. If you have friends or family nearby who need a trusted buyer, send them my way:
- Oviedo, FL (home base)
- Winter Park, FL
- Winter Springs, FL
- Casselberry, FL
- Apopka, FL
- Winter Garden, FL
- Palm Beach, FL
See the full list on our Areas We Serve page.
Ready to Sell Your Antiques in Orlando FL?
Orlando is a big city, but I treat every customer like a neighbor. I’m the antique store in Orlando FL with 25+ years of experience, 28 5+ five star reviews, and a promise to give you a fair deal. No corporation, no franchise. Just me, Chad Busby, and a handshake.
Call or text me today at (407) 529-6952 or send photos online. I’m the owner of Busby Antiques & Collectibles, and I’m ready to help you turn your Orlando treasures into cash.
As a trusted Disney collectibles buyer in Orlando, we specialize in evaluating and purchasing vintage Disney memorabilia from local collectors.