Category: franchise

Selling or Transferring a Franchise in Florida: Approval Conditions, Rights of First Refusal, and Transfer Disputes

Selling or buying an existing franchise in Florida? How transfer approval, rights of first refusal, Item 17 and post-sale covenants work, and where disputes arise.
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Trademarks in a Franchise System: Clearance, Item 13 Disclosure, Quality Control, and Enforcement

How franchisors protect, disclose and enforce their trademarks: clearance, FDD Item 13, quality control, maintenance filings and holdover franchisees.
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FDD Annual Updates and Amendments: When a Franchisor Must Revise Its Disclosure Document

When must a franchisor update or amend its FDD? The 120-day annual update, quarterly material changes, the 7-day rule and Florida exemption renewal.
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FDD Item 19 Explained: How to Read a Franchise’s Financial Performance Representation

What FDD Item 19 must disclose under the FTC Franchise Rule, what a blank Item 19 means, red flags in earnings claims, and questions to...
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The Role of Franchise Advisory Councils in Dispute Prevention

How do franchise advisory councils help prevent disputes in Melbourne, Florida? The franchise advisory council give franchisees and franchisors a regular way to raise concerns...
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Franchising Your Business in Florida: Key Legal Requirements

What are the legal requirements for converting your business into a franchise in Florida? To convert your business into a franchise, you must comply with...
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Understanding Franchise Disclosure Documents: Red Flags Buyers Should Never Ignore

What red flags in a Franchise Disclosure Document should buyers never ignore? Watch for vague financial performance claims, high failure rates, ongoing litigation history, incomplete...
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Non-Compete Clauses in Franchise Agreements: Are They Enforceable in Florida?

You just exited your franchise in Panama City, but the franchise agreement includes a two-year non-compete that prohibits you from operating any similar business within...
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Multi-Unit Franchise Agreements in Panama City: Key Legal Considerations

You’re looking at a multi-unit franchise deal in Panama City, and the franchisor is pitching rapid expansion, protected territory, and discounted fees for opening five...
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Breaking Free: Legal Options for Exiting a Franchise Agreement in Melbourne, FL

Your franchise isn’t working. The numbers the franchisor showed you in the FDD don’t match what you’re actually earning, the territory protection you thought you...
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What to Include in a Franchise Disclosure Document: A 23-Point Guide for Prospective Franchisees

A Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legally required snapshot of everything you need to know before buying into a franchise. Federal regulations make franchisors...
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What Really Happens When a Franchise Agreement Is Violated?

Violating a franchise agreement triggers severe consequences, including financial penalties, loss of your business, and litigation.  The complicated nature of these agreements, combined with federal...
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