Franchise Lawyers Serving
Spadea Lignana is your go-to partner for franchise law in Orlando, offering top-notch legal counsel to franchisors and franchisees. With over 1,200 franchises in the city generating about $2.5 billion annually and employing more than 25,000 people, Orlando’s franchise market is thriving, growing at a rate of 5% per year in sectors like food and beverage, hospitality, health and wellness, and retail.
Our team of experienced franchise lawyers is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex legal landscape of franchising. Whether you’re launching a new franchise or managing an existing one, we provide the expertise and support you need to ensure compliance and success in Orlando’s dynamic market. Contact us today for reliable franchise legal services tailored to your needs.
Florida Franchise Filing Fees
$100
Initial
$100
Renewal*
$0
Amendments**
*Renewal filings must be submitted before the expiration date each year.
**Florida does not require the submission of amendment filings.
Overview of Franchise Laws in Orlando
In order to successfully operate a franchise business in Orlando, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the local laws and regulations that govern this industry. The state of Florida has specific statutes that apply to franchises, ensuring fairness and transparency for both franchisors and franchisees.
One key regulation is the Florida Franchise Act (Chapter 817), which requires all parties involved in a franchise agreement to provide full disclosure regarding important aspects such as fees, obligations, territory rights, trademarks, advertising requirements, termination provisions, and more. This act aims at protecting the interests of both parties by promoting fair dealing practices.
In addition to state-level regulations like the Florida Franchise Act, there may be additional local ordinances or zoning restrictions within Orlando that could impact your franchise operations. It is essential for any prospective or existing franchisor or franchisee operating here to seek professional legal advice from experienced attorneys who specialize in this field.
Legal Challenges for Franchisors
The world of franchising can present various legal challenges for both new entrants into the market as well as established franchisors looking to expand their reach. As a franchisor operating in Florida or planning on entering this market segment here are some common legal challenges you may face:
- Territory Disputes: Determining exclusive territories for each unit while avoiding conflicts with neighboring franchisees can be a complex task. Our experienced franchise lawyers can help you navigate this process and ensure that your territory rights are protected.
- Trademark Protection: Protecting your brand’s trademarks is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your franchise system. We can assist you in registering and enforcing your trademarks, safeguarding them from infringement or unauthorized use.
- Compliance with Franchise Laws: Staying compliant with both state and federal regulations is essential for any franchisor. Our legal team will guide you through the intricacies of these laws, ensuring that all necessary documents are properly drafted, filed, and updated as required.
The Value of Legal Expertise in Creating Franchise Agreements
A well-drafted franchise agreement serves as the foundation for a successful franchisor-franchisee relationship. It outlines the rights, obligations, and expectations of both parties involved. Engaging an experienced franchise lawyer during this critical stage is vital to protect your interests and mitigate potential disputes down the line.
In addition to drafting comprehensive agreements tailored to meet specific business needs, our attorneys at Spadea Lignana also emphasize the importance of including a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This document provides prospective franchisees with detailed information about your business model, financial performance representations (if applicable), fees involved, litigation history (if any), and other relevant disclosures mandated by law.
Contact Spadea Lignana Today
If you are seeking reliable legal counsel for all matters related to franchising in Orlando or anywhere else across Florida, look no further than Spadea Lignana. Our team of dedicated professionals has extensive experience assisting clients in navigating complex legal issues within the realm of franchising.
To get started, simply fill out our online form or give us a call today. Our expert franchise lawyers are ready to provide you with the guidance and support you need to achieve your franchising goals in Orlando.
Notes
The filing fee for initial filings must be made via check made payable to “FDACS”. Renewal filings are completed online and Florida accepts payment of the filing fee via ACH or credit card. For ACH payments, you will be required to complete and submit an ACH authorization form to us before we will submit the filing for you, and the state will charge a $1.00 convenience fee for payments submitted via ACH. For credit card payments, you will be required to complete and submit a credit card authorization form to us before we will submit the filing for you.
We will provide the Florida initial or renewal form to you via email or DocuSign for your signature. If we provide the form via email, you must print it, sign it, and scan it back to us via email so we may complete the filing on your behalf.
Florida is a filing state and approval of the FDD is not required. The filing is typically approved within two weeks.
The filing fee for initial filings must be made via check made payable to “FDACS”. Renewal filings are completed online and Florida accepts payment of the filing fee via ACH or credit card. For ACH payments, you will be required to complete and submit an ACH authorization form to us before we will submit the filing for you, and the state will charge a $1.00 convenience fee for payments submitted via ACH. For credit card payments, you will be required to complete and submit a credit card authorization form to us before we will submit the filing for you.
We will provide the Florida initial or renewal form to you via email or DocuSign for your signature. If we provide the form via email, you must print it, sign it, and scan it back to us via email so we may complete the filing on your behalf.
Florida is a filing state and approval of the FDD is not required. The filing is typically approved within two weeks.
Florida has the most golf courses of any state in America.
My Improv
With 87.3 million visitors in 2011 (a record number), Florida is the top travel destination in the world.
State of Florida
Everglades National Park– a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is the only place on the planet where crocodiles and alligators co-exist.
Visit Florida
Flat Fee Program for Franchisors
Spadea Lignana’s CORE program for franchisors is a cost-effective and practical solution for the ongoing legal needs of franchisors, including but not limited to, FDD updates, state registrations and franchise agreement executions. Through a proprietary cloud-based system we can effectively and efficiently manage FDD Disclosures and Franchise Agreement executions for fair flat fees billed monthly. We believe that hourly billing, although necessary in certain circumstances like complex M&A deals and litigation, can weigh on the relationship between client and attorney. By coming up with a fair flat monthly fee, the uncomfortable negotiating of whether or not a 6 minute increment in your bill for replying to an email was legitimate goes away.
Attorneys Who Understand FL Franchise Law
Franchise laws vary from state to state, and it can be difficult to understand the requirements. Spadea Lignana has streamlined the process to ensure you remain compliant as you grow nationally.
We also work with franchisors all over the southeast including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
