Under the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing agreement, is the franchisee considered an independent contractor?

According to the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to present themselves to the public as independent contractors. This means that while franchisees operate under the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing brand and system, they are legally separate entities.

This designation has several implications for franchisees. They are responsible for their own business's liabilities, debts, and legal obligations. They must also handle their own employment matters, including hiring, training, and managing employees, and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Furthermore, as independent contractors, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees are responsible for their own taxes, including income tax and self-employment tax. They do not receive the same benefits as employees, such as health insurance or retirement plans, unless they provide these benefits themselves. This independence also allows franchisees a degree of autonomy in their day-to-day operations, as long as they adhere to the standards and guidelines set forth in the franchise agreement.