What is a Franchise?

2. Florida Legal Context

Franchises in Florida are regulated under both federal and state law:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Franchise Rule (16 C.F.R. §436)
  • Requires franchisors to provide a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before selling franchises.
  • The FDD includes 23 items, such as fees, obligations, litigation history, and financial performance representations.
• Florida Law
  • Florida is considered a “non-registration state”, meaning franchisors do not need to register the FDD with the state before offering franchises.
  • However, Florida enforces its Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA, Fla. Stat. §501.201) against fraudulent or misleading franchise sales.
  • Franchise relationships may also be impacted by Florida contract law and federal intellectual property law (for trademarks).

3. Real-World Application

Examples of franchises in Florida:

• A Tampa entrepreneur purchases a fast-food franchise, paying an upfront franchise fee and ongoing royalties.
• A Miami cleaning service franchise provides marketing support, training, and brand recognition to local owners.
• An Orlando gym franchisee operates under strict brand guidelines while receiving operational support from the franchisor.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Franchising can be a powerful way to grow — or enter — a business, but it carries significant legal and financial commitments.

Why it matters:

• For franchisees: You’re investing in a long-term contract, often 10–20 years, with ongoing obligations.
• For franchisors: You must comply with disclosure rules and protect your brand.
• Legal risk: Misunderstanding fees, royalties, or restrictions can lead to disputes.

Common mistakes Florida entrepreneurs make:

• Signing a franchise agreement without legal review.
• Underestimating required fees (franchise fees, royalties, advertising costs).
• Believing they will have “complete independence” — franchises require strict compliance.

Ignoring territorial restrictions that limit growth.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota restaurant franchisee terminated early after underestimating ongoing royalty costs.
• A Jacksonville franchise investor avoided litigation by carefully reviewing the FDD and negotiating contract terms.
• A Fort Lauderdale franchisor expanded nationally by complying with the FTC rule and providing full disclosure.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we help entrepreneurs and franchisors navigate the complex world of franchise law. Our services include:

• Reviewing and explaining Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs)
• Negotiating franchise agreements on behalf of franchisees
• Advising franchisors on legal compliance before offering franchises
• Protecting trademarks and brand assets tied to franchises
• Litigating franchise disputes in Florida state and federal courts

We ensure your franchise investment — or franchise system — is legally sound and strategically structured.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I need a lawyer to buy a franchise in Florida?
A: Yes. Franchise agreements are long, complex, and binding for many years. Legal review is essential.

Q: Is Florida a franchise registration state?
A: No. Franchisors do not need to register their FDD with Florida, but they must comply with federal FTC rules.

Q: How much does it cost to buy a franchise?
A: Costs vary widely, from a few thousand dollars to millions, depending on the brand.

Q: Can I negotiate a franchise agreement?
A: Sometimes. Larger franchisors may be less flexible, but certain terms (territory, fees, or exit clauses) may be negotiable.

Q: What’s the biggest risk of franchising?
A: Loss of independence and being locked into a long-term, non-negotiable agreement with strict rules.

8. How to Retain Our Law Firm

We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:

• Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
• 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
• 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)

All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.

9. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program

Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.

BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.

At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.

What you get with BELAW:

• On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
• Document review and compliance audits
• Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
• Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
• Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
• Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
• Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
• Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts

We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.

We make it easy to get started:

• Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
• Or fill out the secure contact form below

A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.

10. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain

We make it easy for you to retain us:

• Call or text: (813) 254-1777
• Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
• Or submit your request using the form below

Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

11. Who You Are Hiring

When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.

A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.

Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.

He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.

Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.

12. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach

We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.

Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.

13. Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.