For Focus Cfo franchisees in Maryland, when is the initial franchise fee due?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
law.
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- To the extent the Franchise Agreement requires, and the Disclosure Document discloses that a Franchisee must agree to a period of limitations of less than three (3) years, this limitation to a period of less than three (3) years shall not apply to any claims arising under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
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- Item 5 of the Disclosure Document and Section 4 of the Franchise Agreement is amended to provide that the initial franchise fee and other initial payments are due and payable when all of Focus CFO's pre-opening obligations to Franchisee have been met.
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Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 37–126)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Focus Cfo's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee for franchisees in Maryland is not due until Focus Cfo has completed its pre-opening obligations to the franchisee. This deferral of fees is a result of the Maryland Securities Commissioner requiring a financial assurance based on Focus CFO's financial condition.
This means that a prospective Focus Cfo franchisee in Maryland will not be required to pay the initial franchise fee, which consists of a $17,000 payment to obtain the franchise and an $18,000 one-time initial training fee, upfront. Instead, the payment is deferred until Focus Cfo has fulfilled its pre-opening responsibilities as outlined in the franchise agreement.
This deferral could be advantageous for franchisees as it reduces the initial financial burden and risk. It also provides an incentive for Focus Cfo to promptly complete its pre-opening obligations, ensuring that the franchisee can begin operations as soon as possible. This condition applies specifically to franchisees who are residents of Maryland or locate their franchises in Maryland.