HB 1219 Summary: Small Business Parity Act

• Creates the "Small Business Parity Act" (s. 686.101-686.109) to regulate franchisor conduct and protect franchisees against unfair treatment, fraud, and unfair business practices.

• Prohibits franchisors from denying surviving spouses, heirs, or estates of deceased franchisees the opportunity to participate in franchise ownership for at least 180 days, provided they meet reasonable qualifications.

• Allows franchisees to sell, transfer, or assign franchises with franchisor consent, which cannot be withheld if the purchaser meets the franchisor's reasonable qualifications for new franchisees; requires franchisors to provide and consistently apply qualification lists.

• Voids and makes unenforceable franchise agreements that violate the act's provisions, including those containing venue or choice-of-law clauses favoring out-of-state forums for franchisees based in or operating in Florida.

• Provides remedies including damages recovery, reasonable attorney fees, declaratory judgments, and injunctive relief for persons injured by violations; applies to franchises entered into after July 1, 2018, with limited application to existing contracts.