Is a Canopy Lawn Care franchisee responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations?

According to Canopy Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes adhering to local, state, and federal codes, as well as regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other environmental bodies related to the Lawn Care Business.

Canopy Lawn Care franchisees may need to obtain specific permits, registrations, certifications, or licenses from local and state authorities to operate their Lawn Care Business. Franchisees are advised to consult with local agencies and/or their attorney to ensure they meet all requirements. It is also the franchisee's responsibility to ensure that their employees and anyone providing services related to the Lawn Care Business have all the necessary licenses and permits.

The FDD specifies that failure to maintain proper licensing and permits constitutes a material breach of the Franchise Agreement. Additionally, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires franchisees to keep a copy of Material Safety Data Sheets in each vehicle they operate, providing essential safety and health information for employees. Prospective Canopy Lawn Care franchisees should thoroughly research these requirements before investing in the franchise to ensure they can meet all legal and regulatory obligations.

In certain instances, Canopy Lawn Care may be required to have a representative sit on the franchisee's board to facilitate the acquisition of necessary permits, registrations, or licenses. In such cases, Canopy Lawn Care will not acquire any ownership or voting rights. However, as a condition, the franchisee must use a third-party professional services organization to handle payroll and assist with state employment law compliance. Once the franchisee obtains their own permits, registrations, and licenses, Canopy Lawn Care will resign from the board.