What termination rights does Minnesota law provide to a Deer Solution franchisee?

According to Deer Solution's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Minnesota law provides franchisees with specific protections regarding termination and non-renewal of their franchise agreements. Specifically, Minn. Stat. Sect. 80C.14 Subdivisions 3, 4, and 5 mandate that Deer Solution must provide a franchisee with 90 days' notice of termination (with 60 days to cure) and 180 days' notice of non-renewal, except in certain specified cases. These rights are designed to give franchisees adequate time to address any issues leading to termination or to prepare for the end of their franchise term.

These provisions are further reinforced by amendments to the Deer Solution Franchise Agreement, ensuring that franchisees retain all rights and causes of action arising from the Minnesota Franchise Act and Minnesota Rules. The FDD explicitly states that no clause within the disclosure document or franchise agreement can diminish a franchisee's rights under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 80C, or their access to legal procedures, forums, or remedies provided by Minnesota law. This aims to prevent Deer Solution from inadvertently or intentionally overriding state law through the franchise agreement.

Moreover, the Minnesota Franchise Act includes non-waiver provisions, meaning a franchisee cannot be compelled to waive their rights under the Act. This protection extends to claims, including fraud in the inducement, and reliance on statements made by Deer Solution or its representatives. This ensures that franchisees can pursue legal remedies if they believe they were misled or defrauded during the franchise sales process. The Deer Solution FDD acknowledges these requirements and confirms that any conflicting terms in any document executed in connection with the franchise are superseded by these protections.

In practical terms, a prospective Deer Solution franchisee in Minnesota can be assured that their rights are safeguarded by state law, providing a degree of security against arbitrary termination or non-renewal. They should, however, carefully review the franchise agreement and disclosure document to fully understand their rights and obligations, and consult with an attorney to ensure they are fully informed of their legal protections under Minnesota law.