Which state's laws does the Bumble Roofing franchise agreement require to be applied?

According to the 2025 Bumble Roofing Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement requires the application of the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, the California Addendum indicates that this provision may not be enforceable under California law. This means that while the standard agreement specifies Virginia law, franchisees operating in California may have the right to have California law applied to certain disputes, particularly those arising under the California Franchise Investment Law or the California Franchise Relations Act.

Several other states also have addenda that modify the application of law. The Illinois Addendum states that Illinois law governs the agreements between the parties to the franchise. The New York Addendum states that the New York Franchise Law shall govern any claim arising under that law. The Rhode Island Addendum states that any provision in a franchise agreement requiring the application of the laws of another state is void with respect to a claim otherwise enforceable under the Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act.

For a prospective Bumble Roofing franchisee, this means the governing law can vary depending on the state in which they operate their franchise. It is crucial to carefully review the state-specific addendum for their state to understand which laws will govern the franchise agreement and any potential disputes. Franchisees should seek legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations under both the standard franchise agreement and the applicable state laws. This is especially important in states like California, Illinois, New York, and Rhode Island, where specific provisions may override the general application of Virginia law.