Does the release in the Floyds 99 Franchise Disclosure Document cover claims arising from any relationship with Franchisor Affiliates?
Floyds_99 Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ADDENDUM TO THE FLOYD'S 99 FRANCHISING, LLC FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT FOR THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
In Items 17.c and 17.m of the Franchise Agreement, any releases you sign will not apply to any claims that may arise under the Minnesota Franchise Act.
ADDENDUM TO THE FLOYD'S 99 FRANCHISING, LLC FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT FOR THE STATE OF INDIANA
In Items 17.c. and 17.m., any releases you sign will not apply to any claims that may arise under the Indiana Franchise Disclosure Law and the Indiana Deceptive Practices Act.
**ADDENDUM TO THE FLOYD'S 99 FRANCHISING, LLC FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT FOR THE STATE OF MARYLAND
- b. Pursuant to the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 02.02.08.16L, the general release required as a condition of renewal, sale and/or assignment/transfer shall not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
- c. You may bring any cause of action against us in any court of competent jurisdiction, including the state or federal courts of Maryland.
- d. Any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law must be brought within three years after the grant of the franchise.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 58–229)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Floyds 99 Franchise Disclosure Document, the release's coverage of claims arising from relationships with Franchisor Affiliates varies by state. In Indiana and Minnesota, any releases signed by the franchisee will not apply to claims arising under their respective state franchise laws. Specifically, in Indiana, this includes the Indiana Franchise Disclosure Law and the Indiana Deceptive Practices Act. In Minnesota, this refers to claims under the Minnesota Franchise Act.
For franchisees in Maryland, the general release required for renewal, sale, or transfer does not apply to any liability under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. Additionally, a franchisee in Maryland can bring a cause of action against Floyds 99 in any court of competent jurisdiction, including Maryland state or federal courts, provided claims under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law are brought within three years of the franchise grant.
In Virginia, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Washington, the FDD includes addenda that address specific legal considerations and franchisee rights, but do not directly address the applicability of releases to claims against Franchisor Affiliates. Therefore, prospective franchisees should consult with legal counsel to understand the full scope and limitations of any release they may be asked to sign, particularly concerning claims against Floyds 99 Franchising, LLC or its affiliates.