Does the Virginia notice regarding franchise termination apply to all Focus Cfo franchisees?

According to Focus Cfo's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Virginia notice regarding franchise termination does not apply to all franchisees. The notice applies specifically to Focus Cfo franchisees who are residents of Virginia or who locate their franchises in Virginia. This means that if a franchisee does not reside in Virginia or operate their franchise within the state, the specific protections and stipulations outlined in the Virginia notice would not be applicable to their franchise agreement.

Specifically, the Virginia notice addresses the "Termination by franchisor without cause" section of Item 17(e) in the FDD. It clarifies that under the Virginia Retail Franchising Act, it is unlawful for a franchisor to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause. The notice also states that no statement signed by a franchisee can waive claims under state franchise law or disclaim reliance on statements made by the franchisor.

For a prospective Focus Cfo franchisee, this means that if you are considering operating in Virginia, you have additional protections under Virginia law regarding franchise termination and waivers of rights. If you are not operating in Virginia, these specific protections do not apply, and the standard terms of the Focus Cfo franchise agreement will govern the termination process. Franchisees should consult with a legal professional to fully understand their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement and applicable state laws.