Does Minnesota law allow Beehive Homes to require a franchisee to waive a jury trial?

According to Beehive Homes' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota law does not allow Beehive Homes to require a franchisee to waive their right to a jury trial. Specifically, Minnesota Statutes, Section 80C.21 and Minnesota Rules 2860.4400(J) explicitly prohibit Beehive Homes from including any provision in their franchise agreement that requires a franchisee to waive a jury trial. This protection ensures that franchisees in Minnesota retain their constitutional right to have disputes decided by a jury of their peers.

This provision is designed to protect franchisees from potentially unfair or overreaching contract terms imposed by the franchisor. By preventing Beehive Homes from requiring a jury trial waiver, Minnesota law aims to level the playing field and ensure that franchisees have access to a fair legal process. This means that if a dispute arises between Beehive Homes and a franchisee operating in Minnesota, the franchisee has the right to have the case heard by a jury, rather than being forced to accept a decision made solely by a judge or through alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration.

Furthermore, the FDD states that nothing in the Franchise Disclosure Document or agreements can reduce any of the franchisee's rights as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or the franchisee's rights to any procedure, forum, or remedies provided by the laws of the jurisdiction. This reinforces the protection of franchisee rights under Minnesota law and ensures that franchisees are not disadvantaged by the franchise agreement. This protection is specific to Minnesota, and franchise laws vary by state, so franchisees in other states may not have the same protection.