Can the arbitrator modify any lawful term of the Augusta Lawn Care franchise agreement?

According to Augusta Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the arbitrator is not permitted to modify any lawful term of the franchise agreement. The document explicitly states that the arbitrator cannot make any award that extends, modifies, or suspends any lawful term of the agreement or any reasonable standard of business performance set by Augusta Lawn Care. This limitation ensures that the arbitrator's decisions adhere strictly to the existing contractual terms and standards established by the company.

This provision is significant for prospective franchisees as it clarifies the scope and limitations of arbitration. It assures that the arbitrator's role is to interpret and apply the existing agreement, not to rewrite or alter its terms. This protects Augusta Lawn Care's established business practices and standards, preventing an arbitrator from imposing changes that could negatively impact the franchise system.

For a franchisee, this means that the arbitration process will focus on whether either party has violated the existing terms of the agreement, rather than questioning the validity or fairness of those terms themselves. While arbitration can offer a quicker and less expensive alternative to litigation, franchisees should be aware that the arbitrator's powers are limited by the franchise agreement. This clause ensures that the fundamental terms of the agreement remain intact throughout any dispute resolution process.