Franchise opportunities in Florida: real costs and the franchise rules that apply

Florida does not review or register FDDs. Instead, franchisors file a notice or exemption under the state's business-opportunity law before offering franchises. Your operative protection at the offer stage is the federal FTC Franchise Rule: the franchisor must deliver its FDD at least 14 days before you sign anything or pay any money.

Florida franchisors typically file an annual exemption notice under the Sale of Business Opportunities Act (Fla. Stat. § 559.802) with the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Plain-words summary, not legal advice. Laws change — confirm current requirements with a franchise attorney before you sign.

In these states a franchisor must register its FDD with the state before offering or selling. Everywhere in the US, the FTC Franchise Rule requires FDD delivery at least 14 days before you sign or pay.

• California
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New York
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Filing states (notice or exemption only, no FDD review): Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah.

Separately, 19 states have franchise relationship laws limiting termination or non-renewal after you sign: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.