By agreeing to the Hydrodog franchise agreement, do franchisees consent to personal jurisdiction in Florida for arbitration hearings?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 21.4 Venue and Jurisdiction.
All arbitration hearings will take place exclusively in Hillsborough County, Florida, or at such other location as we may designate in our sole discretion, and will be held no later than ninety (90) days after the Arbitrators have been selected.
You, we, and our respective officers, directors, Owners and the Personal Guarantors, unconditionally agree and submit to personal jurisdiction in the State of Florida in connection with any arbitration hearings under this Agreement and any suits brought to enforce the decision of the Arbitrators.
You, we, and our respective officers, directors, Owners and the Personal Guarantors, expressly waive any rights to contest venue and jurisdiction in the State of Florida and any claims that venue and jurisdiction are invalid.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees, along with their officers, directors, owners, and personal guarantors, explicitly agree to personal jurisdiction in Florida for any arbitration hearings related to the franchise agreement. This means that by signing the agreement, franchisees are consenting to be subject to legal proceedings in Florida concerning arbitration matters.
Furthermore, Hydrodog specifies that all arbitration hearings will take place exclusively in Hillsborough County, Florida, unless the company designates another location at its discretion. These hearings are to be held within 90 days after the selection of the arbitrators. Franchisees also waive any rights to contest the venue and jurisdiction in Florida, relinquishing any claims that the venue or jurisdiction is invalid.
This clause has significant implications for prospective Hydrodog franchisees. Regardless of where their franchise is located, they may be required to travel to Florida for arbitration hearings and legal proceedings. They also give up the right to argue that Florida is an inconvenient or inappropriate location for these proceedings. This could potentially increase the cost and complexity of resolving disputes with Hydrodog, as franchisees would need to hire legal representation familiar with Florida law and be prepared to litigate in the Florida court system.