Opening Your Franchise: Tips
Franchising is a great way to get into entrepreneurship life, with little risk and a lot of help. Starting a franchise means that you are paying to use a name or trademark and sell a company’s product or service that you know already does well.
Often, a franchisor offers help in the way of marketing, sales, and maybe even some service areas. Depending on the type of business, their assistance can be helpful and worth the investment. Sometimes they claim to cover you under their insurance, but chances are you need to have your own business entity that you will use, and then do business as the franchise. This means you need your own licenses.
Franchises have their own rules and regulations by which they must abide, both federally and at the state level. That's why we have compiled a list of registration requirements per state to help you launch your franchise.
Alabama - Delaware
Alabama
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Alabama, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info:franchiselawsolutions.com
Alaska
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Alaska, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/alaska-franchise-registration/
Arizona
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Arizona, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/arizona-franchise-registration/
Arkansas
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Arkansas, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/arkansas-franchise-registration/
California
Registration Needed in This State: Yes-$675 initial fee, then $450 annually
In the state of California, you need to register annually. This means you must file your franchise disclosure. Be sure to double-check the state’s definition of franchise, as this can change.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/california-fdd-registration/
Colorado
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Colorado, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/colorado-franchise-registration/
Connecticut
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$400 registration, or if you have a federally registered trademark, you only need to file once
In the state of Connecticut, if you have a trademark that is federally registered, you can claim an exemption. If not, then you must file.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/connecticut-franchise-registration/
District of Columbia (D.C.)
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the District of Columbia, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/delaware-franchise-registration/
Delaware
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Delaware, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/delaware-franchise-registration/
Florida - Iowa
Florida
Registration Needed in This State: No, but $100 annual filing fee
In the state of Florida, you do not need to register, but there is an annual filing fee and exemption notice regulated by the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Again, you must still follow federal franchise laws.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/florida-franchise-registration/
Georgia
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Georgia, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/georgia-franchise-registration/
Hawaii
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$250 annually
In the state of Hawaii, you need to register annually. This means you must file your franchise disclosure. Be sure to double check the state’s definition of franchise, as this can change.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/hawaii-franchise-registration/
Idaho
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Idaho, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/idaho-franchise-registration/
Illinois
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$500 initially, then $100 annually
In the state of Illinois, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/illinois-franchise-registration/
Indiana
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$500 initially, then $250 annually
In the state of Indiana, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/indiana-franchise-registration/
Iowa
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Iowa, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/iowa-franchise-registration/
Kansas - Montana
Kansas
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Kansas, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/kansas-franchise-registration/
Kentucky
Registration Needed in This State: No, franchise filing one time
In the state of Kentucky, you must follow the state laws even though it is not a registration state, and you may file an exemption if your franchise meets the definition decided by the Federal Trade Commission’s Regulation on Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising and Business Opportunity Ventures.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/kentucky-franchise-registration/
Louisiana
Registration Needed in This State: No, unless your trademark is federally registered then franchise filing one time
In the state of Louisiana, you do not need to register or file if your trademark is federally registered, or file your disclosure. If it is not federally registered, then you must comply with state franchise laws.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/louisiana-franchise-registration/
Maine
Registration Needed in This State: No, unless your trademark is federally registered then franchise filing one time
In the state of Maine, you do not need to register or file if your trademark is federally registered, or file your disclosure. If it is not federally registered, then you must comply with state franchise laws.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/maine-franchise-registration/
Maryland
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$500 initially and then $250 annually
In the state of Maryland, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/maryland-franchise-registration/
Massachusetts
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Massachusetts, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/massachusetts-franchise-registration/
Michigan
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$250 annually
In the state of Michigan, while they do require filing and registration, they do not require you to have a copy of your disclosure statement. You simply file a notice of intent annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/michigan-franchise-registration/
Minnesota
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$400 initially, and then $400 annually, unless materially changed then $300 annually
In the state of Minnesota, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/minnesota-franchise-registration/
Mississippi
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Mississippi, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/mississippi-franchise-registration/
Missouri
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Missouri, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/missouri-franchise-registration/
Montana
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Montana, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/montana-franchise-registration/
Nebraska - Oregon
Nebraska
Registration Need in This State: Franchise filing $100 initially In the state of Nebraska, you only need to file, not register. So, you simply file a notice.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/nebraska-franchise-registration
Nevada
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Nevada, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/nevada-franchise-registration/
New Hampshire
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of New Hampshire, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/new-hampshire-franchise-registration/
New Jersey
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of New Jersey, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/new-jersey-franchise-registration/
New Mexico
State Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of New Mexico, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/new-mexico-franchise-registration
New York
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$750 initially, and then $150 annually
In the state of New York, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually. New York also has a lot more comprehensive laws for franchises that are physically located within the state.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/new-york-franchise-registration
North Carolina
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$250 annually In the state of North Carolina, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/north-carolina-franchise-registration/
North Dakota
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$250 initially, and then $100 annually
In the state of North Dakota, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/north-dakota-franchise-registration/
Ohio
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Ohio, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/ohio-franchise-registration/
Oklahoma
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Oklahoma, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/oklahoma-franchise-registration/
Oregon
Registration Needed in This State: No, franchise regulation state
In the state of Oregon, as long as you have a disclosure statement that complies with federal rules, you do not need to register. There are specific state franchise laws you must follow.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/oregon-franchise-registration/
Pennsylvania - Wyoming
Pennsylvania
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Pennsylvania, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/pennsylvania-franchise-registration/
Rhode Island
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$600 initially, and then $450 annually
In the state of Rhode Island, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/rhode-island-franchise-registration/
South Carolina
Registration Needed in This State: No, franchise filing
In the state of South Carolina, if you have a trademark that is federally registered, you may be able to file an exemption. Without a registered trademark, you have to follow federal franchise rules and disclosure laws and may have to register.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/south-carolina-franchise-registration/
South Dakota
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$250 initially, and then $150 annually
In the state of South Dakota, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/south-dakota-franchise-registration/
Tennessee
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Tennessee, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/tennessee-franchise-registration/
Texas
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$25 initially
In the state of Texas, there are no franchise laws, but you will have to file an exemption from the Business Opportunity laws in the state. As always, you must comply with federal disclosure laws.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/texas-franchise-registration/
Utah
Registration Needed in This State: Franchise filing $100 annually
In the state of Utah, you need to file an exemption notice annually and maintain a franchise disclosure.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/utah-franchise-registration/
Vermont
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Vermont, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/vermont-franchise-registration/
Virginia
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$500 initially, and then $250 annually
In the state of Virginia, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/virginia-franchise-registration/
Washington
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$600 initially, and then $100 annually
In the state of Washington, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/washington-franchise-registration/
West Virginia
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of West Virginia, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow Federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/west-virginia-franchise-registration/
Wisconsin
Registration Needed in This State: Yes--$400 annually
In the state of Wisconsin, you must first file your disclosure and then update your registration at least annually.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/wisconsin-franchise-registration/
Wyoming
Registration Needed in This State: No
In the state of Wyoming, you do not need to file a disclosure or register with the state. Keep in mind that you do still have to follow federal franchise laws, which include having to disclose a valid disclosure agreement, among other regulations.
More info: franchiselawsolutions.com/franchising/wyoming-franchise-registration/
Franchise Registration. Wrapping Up
When it comes to each state, most of them have their own specific branch that makes and manages franchise rules and regulations. You must pay attention to both state and federal laws to comply. The last thing you want to do is get in trouble because you missed out on a small regulation or filing and registration requirement.
Be sure to pay attention to BOTH federal and state requirements before beginning your franchise journey as well as any insurance requirements. As usual, you should check with your state offices and a lawyer or lawful delegate. The data given here is to give direction and is for information only, and is not fully inclusive.