What is the Franchise Disclosure Document?

EPGD Law Franchise

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal disclosure document which is provided to franchisee applicants interested in purchasing a franchise. The document is required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and contains important information about the franchisor and the franchise system of which potential buyers should be aware prior to making the financial investment. It is intended to help prospective franchisees assess the potential risks and benefits involved in the relevant franchise.

What does the FDD include?

The FDD must contain a minimum of 23 itemized disclosures of the franchisor, including, for example, information regarding the services and products offered, the relevant market condition, a description of the franchise system and its managing representatives, the estimated initial investment required to purchase the franchise, the recurring costs and fees applicable during the franchise term, the franchisor’s intellectual property information, and a general description of the terms and requirements the franchisees will have to comply with. In addition, the FDD includes copies of all agreements to be executed with respect to the franchise purchase, such as the Franchise Agreement, as well as the franchisor’s most recent audited financial statements.

When does the FDD need to be provided?

The FDD must be provided to a prospective franchisee at least 14 days before any agreement is signed or any payment is accepted. There are various remedies available to franchisees who were not provided sufficient time to review an FDD prior to signing the franchise agreement, including rescission and termination. In addition to FTC regulations, many States have enacted their own requirements, laws, and regulations with respect to franchising and the offering and sale of franchises. Many States also require registration before a franchise is even offered or the FDD is provided. It is therefore important to be fully aware of the various detailed requirements imposed on franchisors before advertising the franchise, issuing the FDD, or offering a franchise for sale.

EPGD Business Law is located in beautiful Coral Gables. Call us at (786) 837-6787, or contact us through the website to schedule a consultation.

*Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns. Contacting us through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.*

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Eric Gros-Dubois

Founding partner Eric Gros-Dubois established EPGD Business Law in 2013. With over a decade of experience expanding the firm and leading it to its current success, Eric now primarily manages the corporate division of EPGD. Given Eric’s educational background, holding both a JD and MBA, combined with his own unique experience of starting a business from scratch and growing it to a multi-million dollar firm, he brings a specialized and invaluable perspective to those seeking legal assistance for themselves and their businesses. Having now instilled his same values in our team of skilled corporate associates, Eric leads a firm that is always ready, willing, and equipped to handle any and every legal matter that a business owner may have.

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