If a dispute is not subject to arbitration, in which county and state must Hydrodog franchisees consent to jurisdiction and venue?

According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for any claims or disputes not subject to arbitration, Hydrodog franchisees must consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the state court located in Hillsborough County, Florida. This means that if a franchisee has a legal dispute with Hydrodog that is not resolved through arbitration, the lawsuit must be filed in a state court within Hillsborough County, Florida. The franchisee also waives any objection to this jurisdiction and venue.

This requirement could pose a significant burden for franchisees located outside of Florida, as they would be required to travel to Florida and potentially hire Florida-based attorneys to litigate any disputes. This could increase the cost of resolving disputes and create a disadvantage for franchisees who are not familiar with Florida law or the Hillsborough County court system.

It is important for prospective Hydrodog franchisees to carefully consider this jurisdiction and venue provision before signing the franchise agreement. They should consult with an attorney to understand the implications of this provision and to determine whether it is acceptable to them. Franchisees may also want to negotiate with Hydrodog to change the jurisdiction and venue provision to a location that is more convenient for them.