What is the address for the Maryland Securities Commissioner that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees may need?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Based on the financial condition of our guarantor, AB Assetco LLC, the Maryland Securities Commissioner has required a financial assurance. Therefore, all initial fees and payments owed by franchisees shall be deferred until the franchisor completes its pre-opening obligations under the franchise agreement.
The Franchise Agreement requires you to sign a general release as a condition of renewal or transfer of the franchise, modification of the territory of the franchise, or licensing an additional territory. This release will not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
A franchisee may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within three (3) years after the grant of the franchise.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 87–88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing does not include the address for the Maryland Securities Commissioner. While the document mentions that the Maryland Securities Commissioner required a financial assurance based on the financial condition of AB Assetco LLC, the guarantor, it does not provide contact information for the Commissioner.
However, the FDD does state that a franchisee may bring a lawsuit in Maryland for claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, and that any such claims must be brought within three years after the grant of the franchise. This implies that franchisees may need to interact with Maryland regulatory bodies.
Prospective Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees in Maryland should contact the franchisor directly to obtain the current contact information for the Maryland Securities Commissioner. This information may be necessary for compliance with state regulations and for addressing any legal claims related to the franchise agreement.