Field Guide

Alaska

Alaska is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Alaska

Maine

In order to sell franchises in Maine if you do not have a federally registered trademark with the USPTO, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. Maine requires you to obtain a surety bond or establish an escrow account of at least $30,000 in order to be approved for registration, unless you are headquartered in Maine. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

If you have a federally registered trademark on the USPTO’s principal register, you are automatically qualified for the Federally Registered Trademark Exclusion and no filing or fees are required.

Maine can be a difficult state to register in due to the surety bond requirement that must be from a Maine bank.

Learn more about franchising in Maine

Vermont

Vermont is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Vermont

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in New Hampshire

Washington

In order to sell franchises in Washington, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

Washington is one of the more difficult states to register in. In some cases, it can take months to secure an approval. If you want to do deals in Washington, the sooner you file the better.

Learn more about franchising in Washington

Idaho

Idaho is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Idaho

Montana

Montana is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Montana

North Dakota

In order to sell franchises in North Dakota, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

North Dakota is a moderately difficult state to register in. In some cases, it can take months to secure an approval. If you want to do deals in North Dakota, the sooner you file the better.

Learn more about franchising in North Dakota

Minnesota

In order to sell franchises in Minnesota, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

Minnesota is a moderately difficult state to register in. In some cases, it can take months to secure an approval. If you want to do deals in Minnesota, the sooner you file the better.

Learn more about franchising in Minnesota

Illinois

In order to sell franchises in Illinois, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

Illinois is a moderately difficult state to register in. In some cases, it can take months to secure an approval. If you want to do deals in Illinois, the sooner you file the better.

Learn more about franchising in Illinois

Wisconsin

In order to sell franchises in Wisconsin, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

Wisconsin is a relatively easy state to register in. In some cases, it can take one week to secure an approval.

Learn more about franchising in Wisconsin

Michigan

In order to sell franchises in Michigan, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. Michigan is a “notice filing state” meaning the state requires a notice filing but does not actually review the FDD.

Michigan is one of the easier states to file in but it does take on average about six weeks to receive approval.

Learn more about franchising in Michigan

New York

In order to sell franchises in New York, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved. Additionally, if you are a NY based franchisor, you can not sell franchises anywhere without a NY approval.

New York is one of the more difficult states to register in. In some cases, it can take months to secure an approval. If you want to do deals in New York, the sooner you file the better.

Learn more about franchising in New York

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Massachusetts

Rhode Island

In order to sell franchises in Rhode Island, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

Rhode Island is a relatively easy state to register in. In some cases, it can take several weeks to secure an approval.

Learn more about franchising in Rhode Island

Oregon

Oregon is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Oregon

Nevada

Nevada is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Nevada

Wyoming

Wyoming is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Wyoming

South Dakota

In order to sell franchises in South Dakota, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. South Dakota is a “notice filing state” meaning the state requires a notice filing but does not actually review the FDD.

South Dakota is one of the easier states to file in and takes on average six weeks to receive approval.

Learn more about franchising in South Dakota

Iowa

Iowa is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Iowa

Indiana

In order to sell franchises in Indiana, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

Indiana is a relatively easy state to register in. In some cases, it can take six weeks to secure an approval.

Learn more about franchising in Indiana

Ohio

Ohio is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Ohio

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Pennsylvania

New Jersey

New Jersey is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in New Jersey

Connecticut

In order to sell franchises in Connecticut, we must either file for registration or file for a one-time notice exemption if you have a federally registered trademark.

If you do not have a trademark that is registered with the USPTO, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

Connecticut is a fairly easy state to be able to sell franchises in so long as you have a federally registered trademark. If we need to file for registration rather than file the one-time federal trademark exemption in Connecticut, it can take six to eight weeks to secure an approval.

Learn more about franchising in Connecticut

California

In order to sell franchises in California, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change“, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

California is one of the more difficult states to register in. In some cases, it can take months to secure an approval. If you want to do deals in California, the sooner you file the butter.

Learn more about franchising in California

Utah

In order to sell franchises in Utah, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. Utah is a “notice filing state” meaning the state requires a notice filing but does not actually review the FDD.

Utah is one of the easier states to file in and takes on average three weeks to receive approval.

Learn more about franchising in Utah

Colorado

Colorado is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Colorado

Nebraska

In order to sell franchises in Nebraska, we must secure approval for a one-time notice filing so long as you have a compliant FDD. Nebraska is a “notice filing state” meaning the state requires a notice filing but does not actually review the FDD.

Nebraska is a relatively simple state to file in. Although in some cases, it can take six weeks to secure approval.

Learn more about franchising in Nebraska

Missouri

Missouri is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Missouri

Kentucky

In order to sell franchises in Kentucky, we must secure approval for a one-time filing so long as you have a compliant FDD. Kentucky is a “notice filing state” meaning the state requires a notice filing but does not actually review the FDD.

There are no filing fees due to the state.

Kentucky is a relatively simple state to file in. In some cases, it can take four weeks to secure approval.

Learn more about franchising in Kentucky

West Virginia

West Virginia is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in West Virginia

Virginia

In order to sell franchises in Virginia, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

Virginia is a moderately difficult state to register in. In some cases, it can take months to secure an approval. If you want to do deals in Virginia, the sooner you file the better.

Learn more about franchising in Virginia

Maryland

In order to sell franchises in Maryland, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

Maryland is one of the more difficult states to register in. In some cases, it can take months to secure an approval. If you want to do deals in Maryland, the sooner you file the better.

Learn more about franchising in Maryland

Delaware

Delaware is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Delaware

Arizona

Arizona is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Arizona

New Mexico

New Mexico is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in New Mexico

Kansas

Kansas is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Kansas

Arkansas

Arkansas is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Arkansas

Tennessee

Tennessee is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Tennessee

North Carolina

In order to sell franchises in North Carolina if you do not have a federally registered trademark with the USPTO, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

If you have a federally registered trademark on the USPTO’s principal register, you are automatically qualified for the Federally Registered Trademark Exclusion and no filing or fees are required.

North Carolina is a fairly easy state to be able to sell franchises in so long as you have a federally registered trademark. If we need to file for an approval in North Carolina, it typically takes several weeks.

Learn more about franchising in North Carolina

South Carolina

In order to sell franchises in South Carolina if you do not have a federally registered trademark with the USPTO, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

If you have a federally registered trademark on the USPTO’s principal register, you are automatically qualified for the Federally Registered Trademark Exclusion and no filing or fees are required.

South Carolina is a fairly easy state to be able to sell franchises in so long as you have a federally registered trademark. If we need to file for an approval in South Carolina, it typically takes several weeks.

Learn more about franchising in South Carolina

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia is considered a “federal state”, meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises. However, keep in mind the proximity to Maryland and Virginia. If your prospective franchisee is a resident of one of those states, even if they want to open in DC, then you must disclose them with an FDD approved in those states.

And like all federal states, there could be specific local franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees in DC.

Don’t assume just because it is governed as a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word on the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant law stands.

Learn more about franchising in the District of Columbia

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Oklahoma

Louisiana

In order to sell franchises in Louisiana if you do not have a federally registered trademark or a trademark that is registered with your home state, we must submit a one-time filing for approval.

If you have a federally registered trademark on the USPTO’s principal register, you are automatically qualified for the Federally Registered Trademark Exclusion and no filing or fees are required.

Louisiana is a fairly easy state to be able to sell franchises in so long as you have a federally registered trademark. If we need to file for an approval in Louisiana, it typically takes several weeks.

Learn more about franchising in Louisiana

Mississippi

Mississippi is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Mississippi

Alabama

Alabama is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Alabama

Georgia

Georgia is considered a “federal state” meaning that no registration is required in order to sell franchises.

However, even in federal states, there could be state specific franchise laws known as franchise relationship laws or business opportunity laws that govern the relationship between you and your future franchisees.

Don’t assume just because a state is a federal state, that the franchise agreement between you and your franchisee is the last word governing the relationship. In the event of a dispute, issue or question please call us first so we can give you the latest updates on where the relevant state law stands.

Learn more about franchising in Georgia

Hawaii

In order to sell franchises in Hawaii, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. If after receiving approval, your franchise offering has a “material change”, you would then need to file an Amendment and have it approved.

In some cases, it can take months to secure an approval in Hawaii. If you want to do deals in Hawaii, the sooner you file the better.

Learn more about franchising in Hawaii

Texas

In order to sell franchises in Texas, we must secure approval for a one-time filing so long as you have a compliant FDD. Texas is a “notice filing state” meaning the state requires a notice filing but does not actually review the FDD.

Texas is a relatively simple state to file in. However, in some cases it can take four weeks to secure approval.

Learn more about franchising in Texas

Florida

In order to sell franchises in Florida, we must get an initial approval which needs to be renewed annually. Florida is a “notice filing state” meaning the state requires a notice filing but does not actually review the FDD.

Florida is one of the easier states to file in and takes on average four weeks to receive approval.

Learn more about franchising in Florida

Puerto Rico

Learn more about franchising in Puerto Rico