New York and Florida Legal Support at Your Fingertips: Remote Services Available Now!
New York and Florida Legal Support at Your Fingertips: Remote Services Available Now!
Whether you are a franchisor expanding your brand across state lines or a franchisee investing in a proven business model, working with an experienced franchise lawyer is essential. At Lawyer For Business, we provide comprehensive franchise legal services to clients in all 50 states, helping you navigate the complex requirements of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), franchise agreements, New York and Florida state registration laws, and compliance obligations.
Our firm represents emerging franchisors looking to structure and scale their franchise system as well as franchise buyers who want trusted legal guidance before signing an agreement. From drafting and reviewing franchise contracts to ensuring compliance with FTC rules and state franchise regulations, we protect your investment and position you for long-term success.
If you are franchising your business, expanding into new markets, or evaluating a franchise opportunity, our dual-licensed franchise lawyer brings decades of experience in franchise law, M&A, and business structuring to safeguard your rights and maximize your growth potential.
Andrea A. Willis, our experienced franchise lawyer, guides clients through every stage of the franchise process. Whether you are a franchisor expanding your brand or a franchisee partnering with an established brand, Attorney Willis provides comprehensive legal support tailored to your goals. Together with her husband, she owns and operates eight franchises in Florida, bringing firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities of franchise ownership. This unique combination of personal experience and legal expertise allows Andrea to deliver trusted, practical guidance to franchise clients.
At Lawyer For Business, our franchise services encompass a wide range of functions and duties, including:
When exploring a franchise opportunity, the Letter of Intent (LOI) is one of the most valuable tools a franchisor or franchisee can use before signing a formal franchise agreement. An LOI sets out the key business terms in plain language, ensuring both the franchisor and franchisee are aligned on the fundamentals before committing to a legally binding contract. A carefully crafted LOI will: i) clarify the deal terms early to avoid surprises in the FDD later; ii) strengthen negotiating power; iii) save time and money; iv) protect you with key provisions; and v) build a foundation of trust.
An LOI is not just a formality, it’s a strategic first step that can significantly improve the outcome of your franchise investment. An experienced franchise lawyer can help you negotiate an LOI that sets the stage for a smoother and more successful deal.
Franchise due diligence is the process a prospective franchisee undertakes to thoroughly investigate a franchise opportunity before signing a franchise agreement. It’s the most important step in protecting your investment, ensuring you understand not only the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) but also the financial, operational, and legal realities of the system you’re buying into. Key components of franchise due diligence: i) reviewing the FDD; ii) evaluating the Franchise Agreement; iii) financial analysis; iv) speaking with current and former franchisees; v) market and territory research; vi) legal and business entity review; and vii) understanding exit options.
Due diligence gives you the information you need to make an informed decision, spot red flags, and negotiate more favorable terms. Skipping this process can leave franchisors and franchisees locked into contracts with high fees, unrealistic obligations, or a weak relationship.
When you decide to invest in a franchise, two critical steps stand between you and ownership: reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and signing the franchise agreement. These legal documents outline your rights, obligations, and financial commitments as a franchisee, and once executed, they create a long-term, binding relationship with the franchisor. You will likely be asked to sign a personal guaranty, which you should thoroughly review with a franchise lawyer as it greatly impacts your personal liability for the deal and places your personal assets at risk.
Scale your brand and achieve sustainable success with the help of our dedicated franchise legal team. We understand the ins and outs of franchising under federal franchise laws, and we’re here to share our insights with you, from crafting ironclad franchise agreements to navigating regulatory compliance. We are also intimately familiar with state franchise requirements in Florida and New York.
Our comprehensive services for franchisors include the following.
We can meticulously draft and review franchise agreements to ensure that they protect your brand standards, intellectual property, and long-term interests.
We create accurate and compliant FDDs that meet federal FTC standards. Dual licensed Attorney Willis can also work with you for State regulatory compliance in New York and Florida. We are knowledgeable about New York’s strict disclosure requirements and Florida’s franchise exemption registration requirements, providing franchisors and prospective franchisees with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Stay ahead of the curve with up-to-date guidance on franchise regulations in New York and Florida. We’ll help make sure your franchise system aligns with key legal requirements.
Our assistance with crafting compliant marketing materials and ensuring adherence to advertising regulations can help you develop a solid foundation for franchise sales.
Should conflicts arise, we’ll represent your New York- or Florida-based interests tenaciously in negotiations or litigation, protecting your brand and business at all costs.
Experience hassle-free franchising with our seasoned franchise lawyer. We serve franchise businesses remotely.
Our experienced franchise attorneys excel at helping clients understand the complexities of franchise ownership. We empower franchisees by providing comprehensive legal guidance and agency, from reviewing agreements to resolving disputes.
Here are some of our essential services for franchisees.
Don’t settle for a one-sided deal. We can analyze franchise agreements to advise you of your rights and obligations before signing. We’ll also negotiate on your behalf to secure the most favorable terms possible.
We’ll thoroughly examine the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the franchise system’s financial considerations, risks, and potential rewards.
Each state’s franchise law grants specific rights to and imposes certain obligations on franchisees. Our team can explain these for New York and Florida in detail, empowering you to operate your business with confidence.
Reduce new-hire paperwork and ensure regulatory compliance in New York and Florida. We’ll help you create a smooth onboarding process that welcomes and prepares your employees for success.
Securing the right location is critical for franchise profitability, but too often, franchisees sign commercial leases that heavily favor landlords. At Lawyer For Business, we review, negotiate, and execute leases for franchise brick-and-mortar locations, protecting you from one-sided terms. We safeguard franchisees from:
Long-term commitments that are difficult to exit.
Lease terms that limit relocation or expansion options.
Hidden maintenance and repair costs unfairly placed on tenants.
By working with an experienced business and franchise attorney, you can avoid costly mistakes, secure favorable lease terms, and protect your long-term investment.
Registering a franchise in New York demands careful attention to detail and compliance with state regulations. Attorney Andrea Willis is well-versed in the nuances of New York franchise law and can guide you through the registration process with efficiency and assurance.
This helpful overview will give you a better idea of how a franchise lawyer can be indispensable when it comes to registering a franchise in New York.
To start, we’ll conduct a complete review of your franchise concept and business model to confirm that you’re ready for registration.
Our team can assist in preparing all necessary documentation, including the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), tailored to meet New York specific regulatory criteria.
We’ll oversee the filing process on your behalf, submitting the required documents to the appropriate regulatory authorities and meeting all relevant deadlines.
With our comprehensive knowledge of New York franchise laws, we can provide ongoing advice to promote continued compliance with regulatory obligations post-registration.
If any challenges or inquiries arise from regulatory authorities, we’ll act swiftly to address the issue and facilitate a timely resolution.
While New York law doesn’t prescribe a specific format for franchise agreements, certain elements must be in place for a relationship to be considered a franchise under the New York Franchise Sales Act (NYFSA).
Here are the general requirements:
New York only requires one of these elements, unlike federal franchise law, which requires both.
Beyond these core elements, a well-drafted franchise agreement should typically include:
This is not an exhaustive list. The specific terms of your agreement will vary depending on your unique business model.
To ensure that your franchise agreement is comprehensive and compliant, it’s strongly recommended that you consult an experienced franchise attorney. They can verify that your agreement adheres to NYFSA requirements, protects your interests, and establishes a strong foundation for a successful franchise relationship.
The disclosure requirements for franchises in New York are primarily governed by the New York Franchise Act (NYFA). Franchisors operating in New York must adhere to these regulations to ensure transparency and protect franchisees. The key disclosure requirements include:
Franchisors must provide prospective franchisees with a comprehensive FDD at least 14 days before signing any agreements or accepting payments. The FDD contains essential information about the franchisor, the franchise system, the franchise agreement, and other relevant details.
The FDD must include audited financial statements of the franchisor for the preceding fiscal year, along with other financial information, to provide insight into their financial health and stability.
Franchisors must disclose any past or pending litigation involving the franchisor or its officers, directors, or affiliates, as well as any litigation-related judgments or settlements.
Franchisors must disclose all initial and ongoing fees, expenses, and costs associated with establishing and operating the franchise, including royalties, advertising fees, and other financial obligations.
Franchisors must disclose any territorial rights granted to the franchisee, as well as any conditions or limitations on renewal or transfer of the franchise agreement.
The FDD must include any other material facts or information that could affect the prospective franchisee’s decision to invest in the franchise.
Failure to comply with these disclosure requirements can result in legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and potential rescission of the franchise agreement.
Registering a franchise in Florida requires precision and strict compliance with state franchise laws. Attorney Andrea Willis, an experienced Florida franchise lawyer, provides trusted legal guidance through Florida’s unique franchise exemption process, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and confidence for franchisors and franchisees.
Florida law allows certain franchises to qualify for an exemption under Section 559.802 of the Florida Statutes. To maintain this exemption, franchisors must meet the statutory requirements and submit a Franchise Exemption application each year before offering or selling a franchise in the state or to Florida residents.
Buying a franchise is one of the biggest business decisions you can make. Before signing a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), it’s essential to work with a Florida franchise lawyer who understands franchise law and can protect your investment. Here’s how we can help:
We will carefully review franchise fees, royalties, renewal obligations, and hidden costs that could limit profitability. Many of these risks are buried in the fine print of the FDD, and our experienced Florida franchise lawyer can help you understand them before you commit.
Franchise agreements are legally binding contracts that dictate your business rights and restrictions. A business lawyer in Florida can explain complex FDD language in plain terms so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to when you buy a franchise.
Florida has unique franchise regulations and exemption requirements. Our experienced franchise lawyer ensures compliance with state laws while reviewing your FDD, reducing your exposure to unnecessary legal or financial risks.
When you know where the FDD is overly restrictive or one-sided, you can push back with confidence. Our knowledgeable franchise attorney can identify unfair provisions and help you negotiate better terms with the franchisor before you sign the agreement.
Disputes over territory rights, supply agreements, or termination clauses can lead to expensive litigation. Having a Florida business lawyer with personal franchise experience review your FDD up front minimizes the chance of conflict and sets your franchise up for long-term success.
Thinking about buying a franchise in Florida? Schedule a consultation with Andrea A. Willis, an experienced franchise lawyer, to review your FDD and protect your investment before you sign.
Effective franchise attorneys need certain skills and a wide knowledge base. The lawyers at Lawyer For Business have a thorough understanding of franchise law, through professional experience and personal experience. Attorney Andrea Willis, an experienced franchise lawyer and owner of eight franchises with her husband, brings a unique dual perspective to every client relationship. Her firsthand knowledge as both a franchise operator and legal advisor allows her to effectively represent the interests of franchisees and franchisors alike, providing practical, real-world guidance that goes beyond the legal fine print.
Don’t explore your new franchising opportunity alone. Contact Lawyer For Business today to discuss your needs and set yourself up for a successful franchising experience wherever you happen to be.
The earlier you consult a knowledgeable franchise lawyer, the more successful your venture stands to be. Trust Lawyer For Business to provide the outstanding legal guidance and support you need. Contact us now!
In the state of New York, franchise disclosure documents, franchise renewal applications, and amendments must be filed through the New York State Department of Law, located at:
Investor Protection Bureau
28 Liberty Street, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10005
If you need help registering or renewing a franchise, contact one of our skilled legal professionals.
The application approval timeline depends on the quality of the registration and FDD paperwork. Within two weeks of submission, you should receive a letter acknowledging your application. While you may receive a request for updates or changes within 30 days of submission, a skilled lawyer can ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
The initial FDD filing fee in the state of New York is $850. To renew a franchise annually requires $250. Renewals must be completed within 120 days of the completion of the fiscal year. When material changes occur in FDD disclosures, the renewal may be due earlier.
The franchise exemption application fee for Florida is $100.00, paid annually.