As an advocate for small businesses, the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is pleased to report progress of pro-franchisee legislation introduced during the Florida legislative session. Sponsored by state Sen. Jack Latvala (R-16) and Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-28), the Protect Florida Small Business Act will level the playing field for owners of franchised small businesses and provide legal protections that will lead to more economic growth and jobs in communities across the state.
On Tuesday, April 4, the legislation was approved 7-2 by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee.
“We applaud the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and Sen. Latvala for championing this important legislation to protect small businesses across Florida. This is a monumental first step toward Florida joining 22 other states that have enacted similar protections for franchise owners in the restaurant, convenience store, hotel and retail industries,” said Keith Miller, chairman of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations. “We are grateful to CFA Director and Dunkin’ Donuts Independent Franchise Owners’ Ed Shanahan for testifying on behalf of CFA about the importance of this measure.”
If enacted, the Protect Florida Small Business Act will provide additional safeguards for franchisees, including protecting against unjust terminations, unfair restrictions on sales and transfers and unsubstantiated non-renewal of franchise agreements.
“Local businesses owned and operated as franchises are a staple of Florida’s economy, adding $35 billion per year and providing jobs for over 400,000 individuals. Even though they invest hard-earned personal resources to build successful local businesses, franchise owners too often are at the mercy of out-of-state corporations that have unchecked power to choose not to extend or renew their operating agreements,” Miller said. “We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors and other legislators to pass this crucial bill into law and protect Florida’s small-business owners.”
For more information on the Protect Florida Small Business Act, visit www.protectFLbusiness.com.