In Michigan, can Goldfish Swim School prohibit a franchisee from joining a franchisee association?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FOR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
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- THE STATE OF MICHIGAN PROHIBITS CERTAIN UNFAIR PROVISIONS THAT ARE SOMETIMES IN FRANCHISE DOCUMENTS. IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS ARE IN THESE FRANCHISE DOCUMENTS, THE PROVISIONS ARE VOID AND CANNOT BE ENFORCED AGAINST YOU.
- A prohibition of your right to join an association of Franchisees.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 76–77)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School FDD, if a franchisee is operating in Michigan, Goldfish Swim School cannot enforce a provision that prohibits the franchisee from joining an association of franchisees.
The FDD states that Michigan prohibits certain unfair provisions that are sometimes included in franchise documents. If any of these provisions are present in the Goldfish Swim School franchise documents, they are considered void and unenforceable against the franchisee.
This protection ensures that Goldfish Swim School franchisees in Michigan have the right to associate with one another, share information, and collectively address issues with the franchisor without fear of reprisal. This is a significant benefit for franchisees as it allows them to have a stronger voice and potentially negotiate better terms or resolve disputes more effectively.