Can the arbitrator disregard the terms of the Augusta Lawn Care franchise agreement?

According to Augusta Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the arbitrator is explicitly required to follow the law and adhere to the terms of the franchise agreement. This means the arbitrator cannot arbitrarily ignore or change any part of the agreement when resolving disputes.

Specifically, the document states that the arbitrator cannot stay the effectiveness of a pending termination of the agreement, assess punitive or exemplary damages, certify a class or consolidated action, or make any award that extends, modifies, or suspends any lawful term of the agreement or any reasonable standard of business performance that Augusta Lawn Care sets. This ensures that the arbitration process respects the original contract and prevents the arbitrator from imposing remedies or decisions that go beyond the scope of the agreement.

This provision is designed to protect Augusta Lawn Care's interests by ensuring that the arbitrator's decisions are grounded in the agreed-upon terms and legal principles. However, it also provides a degree of predictability for the franchisee, as the outcome of arbitration should be consistent with the contract they signed. Prospective franchisees should understand that while arbitration offers an alternative to litigation, it is still bound by the terms of the franchise agreement.