DEPARTMENTS
2025 Franchise Legislative Activity Update
The following is a detailed summary of all current legislative activity impacting franchising that the AAFD has been actively involved in to date, highlighting key initiatives and efforts undertaken to ... Read More →
2024 Year in Review: Advancing Franchise Protections for the Largest Investor Class – Franchisees
January: California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation clarifies that franchisors cannot charge franchisees fees that were not disclosed. (Link, Note: you must scroll down to the last question ... Read More →
SUPPLIERS
The AAFD continues to push the FTC for transparency & accountability
FTC Request for Information Executive Summary On October 23, 2024, the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) sent a letter to Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, ... Read More →
PART 2: Top Concerns Raised by Franchisees – FTC Spotlight Issues 7 to 12
Part 2 of 2 articles In this article, we will explore the remaining six issues (7 to12) outlined in the FTC’s Spotlight report, which is based on the 2023 ... Read More →
PART 1: Top Concerns Raised by Franchisees – FTC Spotlight Issues 1 to 6
Part 1 of 2 articles In response to the FTC staff's 2023 Request for Information (RFI), the Commission gathered 5,291 comments, of which 2,216 were made publicly available. The majority ... Read More →
The FTC Speaks. The Day Franchisees Have Been Waiting For
The FTC has spoken. This development marks a significant achievement for franchisee organizations, including the AAFD, and their members who have courageously responded to the FTC's Request for Information and ... Read More →
FTC Ensures Franchisees’ Complaints Are Heard and Protects Against Illegal Fees
Important news from the FTC: On July 12, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission and its staff took a suite of actions to address growing concern about unfair and deceptive practices ... Read More →
Legislative update: California Bill – SB919
California State Senator Tom Umberg has introduced Senate Bill 919 which would require the registration of franchise sellers. The bill would also allow franchisees to sue the franchise seller if ... Read More →
Federal judge in Texas blocks the NLRB’s revised Joint Employer Rule from taking effect
In case you missed it, on March 8 a Federal judge in Texas blocked the NLRB’s revised Joint Employer Rule from taking effect, ruling that the new standard was too ... Read More →
NLRB Joint Employer Fact Sheet
Recently the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) posted the following Fact Sheet concerning the final Joint Employer Rule effective December 26th, 2023. This fact sheet is being provided for informational purposes only and is ... Read More →
AAFD voices its opposition to Assembly Bill 1228
Read AAFD official letter voicing its opposition to Assembly Bill 1228, which mandates a minimum wage increase to $20 per hour for employees in franchised fast-food establishments. This significant legislation ... Read More →
Recent Franchisee Wins: Accountability Challenges and Positive Steps Forward
In recent franchise news, two significant announcements have shed light on positive developments for franchisees. One franchisee achieved a landmark arbitration victory against Choice Hotels, while the state of Indiana ... Read More →
AAFD Submits Comment to Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) thanks the Federal Trade Commission for its Request for Information, specifically the Solicitation for Public Comments on Provisions of Franchise Agreements and ... Read More →
Is Franchising Fair?
The AAFD, co-hosted the session with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address the industry’s concerns about the existing franchise model in anticipation of the FTC’s request for comment due ... Read More →
It’s time for franchisees to engage and drive the franchise industry
On April 20th, Lydia DePillis from the New York Times wrote “Franchisers, Facing Challenges to Business Model, Punch Back” – a thorough piece on the years’ long troubles franchisees have ... Read More →
AAFD Comment Letter to Federal Trade Commission on Non-Compete Rule
The AAFD submitted its support in a Comment letter to Federal Trade Commission on the proposed Non-Compete Rule, which would ban non-compete agreements in most instances. We also advocate that ... Read More →
GAO Report: Examining FTC’s Oversight of Franchising
To gain insight into the challenges franchisee owners face, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review the FTC’s oversight of franchising. As part of this review, GAO an ... Read More →
Listening Session with Federal Trade Commission to Address the Industry’s Unfair and Imbalanced Franchise Model over Franchisees
American Association of Franchisees and Dealers Co-Hosted “Is Franchising Fair?” Listening Session with Federal Trade Commission to Address the Industry’s Unfair and Imbalanced Franchise Model over Franchisees Franchisee Testimonials ... Read More →
FTC announces Request for Information on Franchising
AAFD has been raising the red flag to the federal government and their associated agencies for since AAFD’s inception in on the inequities in the franchisor and franchisee relationship. The ... Read More →
AAFD Addresses Non-Compete Clauses with the Federal Trade Commission
Current Non-Compete Clauses Hurt Franchisees While Only Benefiting the Bottom Line of Franchisors Palm Desert, CA (February 17, 2023) – The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, a national trade ... Read More →


















