Where will arbitration take place for disputes related to the Hydrodog Franchise Agreement?

According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, arbitration will take place in Hillsborough County, Florida. This is detailed in Item 17, which outlines dispute resolution procedures. However, this is subject to applicable state law, meaning that depending on the franchisee's location, state laws may override this provision.

This means that if a dispute arises between a Hydrodog franchisee and the company that proceeds to arbitration, the proceedings will be held in Florida, which may require the franchisee to travel and incur travel-related expenses. Franchisees should consider the potential costs and logistical challenges of arbitrating disputes in a distant location.

It is common in franchising for the franchisor to specify a particular location for arbitration, often their home state. This can create a home-court advantage for the franchisor. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this clause and consult with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations regarding dispute resolution under the Franchise Agreement.