Is the 90-day notice of non-renewal for City Publications franchises in Minnesota a minimum requirement?

According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota franchisees are entitled to specific protections under Minnesota law regarding franchise termination and non-renewal. Item 17 of the FDD is amended for franchises governed by Minnesota law to ensure compliance with Minn. Stat. Sec. 80C.14, Subds. 3, 4, and 5. These statutes mandate that, except in certain specified cases, City Publications must provide a franchisee with 90 days' notice of termination (with 60 days to cure) and 180 days' notice of non-renewal of the Franchise Agreement.

This amendment ensures that City Publications franchisees in Minnesota receive at least the minimum notice periods required by Minnesota law. The 90-day notice for termination and 180-day notice for non-renewal serve as minimum protections, meaning City Publications cannot provide less notice than these periods unless specific exceptions apply under the statute. This is a significant benefit for franchisees as it provides them with ample time to address any issues leading to termination or to prepare for the end of their franchise term in the case of non-renewal.

Prospective City Publications franchisees in Minnesota should be aware of these statutory protections and understand their rights regarding termination and non-renewal. It is important to carefully review the specific conditions and exceptions outlined in Minn. Stat. Sec. 80C.14, Subds. 3, 4, and 5 to fully understand the circumstances under which these notice periods apply. Franchisees should also consult with a legal professional to ensure they are fully informed of their rights under Minnesota law.