Registering a Franchise in Florida

2. Florida Legal Context

• No State Registration: Unlike states such as California or New York, Florida does not require franchisors to register their FDD before offering franchises.
• Federal Compliance: Franchisors selling in Florida must follow the FTC Franchise Rule (16 C.F.R. §436), which requires providing a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to franchisees at least 14 days before any agreement is signed or money is exchanged.
• State Enforcement: Even though Florida does not regulate franchise registration, the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA, Fla. Stat. §501.201) prohibits deceptive or unfair franchise sales practices.
• Business Filings: Franchisors must still register their business entities and trademarks through Sunbiz (Florida Division of Corporations) and may need state or local business licenses depending on industry.

3. Real-World Application

Examples of franchise registration in Florida:

• A Tampa restaurant franchisor expands across Florida without registering an FDD with the state, but complies with FTC disclosure rules.
• A Miami franchisor avoids penalties by updating its FDD annually before offering franchises in Florida.
• An Orlando gym franchisor secures state and local licenses for its headquarters but does not have to file franchise registration documents with Florida.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Understanding Florida’s franchise registration rules is crucial for both franchisors and franchisees.

Why it matters:

• For franchisors: You must still comply with federal laws, even without state registration requirements.
• For franchisees: You must carefully review the FDD, since the state does not pre-screen it.
• For both: FDUTPA provides legal remedies if a franchise sale involves fraud or misrepresentation.

Common mistakes franchisors make in Florida:

• Believing no regulation applies because Florida doesn’t require registration.
• Failing to update FDDs annually, as required under federal law.
• Making verbal promises not reflected in the FDD, risking FDUTPA liability.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota franchisee successfully rescinded a contract after proving the franchisor misrepresented earnings despite providing an FDD.
• A Jacksonville franchisor avoided costly litigation by working with counsel to ensure FDD compliance before expanding in Florida.
• A Fort Lauderdale franchisor was sued under FDUTPA for misleading sales tactics, even though Florida did not require registration.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we assist franchisors and franchisees with franchise registration and compliance. Our services include:

• Advising franchisors on federal FDD compliance before selling in Florida
• Ensuring FDDs are updated annually with accurate information
• Counseling franchisees on reviewing FDDs and spotting red flags
• Protecting businesses from FDUTPA claims in franchise sales
• Assisting with related filings, trademarks, and business registrations

We make sure franchisors and franchisees in Florida comply with the law and avoid costly disputes.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do franchisors have to register with Florida to sell franchises?
A: No. Florida is a non-registration state.

Q: What laws still apply to franchisors in Florida?
A: The FTC Franchise Rule and Florida’s consumer protection laws (FDUTPA).

Q: Does Florida review FDDs for accuracy?
A: No. Franchisees must carefully review the FDD with legal counsel.

Q: How often must an FDD be updated?
A: Annually, and whenever material changes occur.

Q: Why hire a lawyer for franchise registration?
A: A lawyer ensures federal compliance, helps franchisees understand FDDs, and protects franchisors from FDUTPA liability.

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.