Franchise Your Business in California
Franchising in California means complying with both the FTC Franchise Rule and the California Franchise Investment Law (CFIL). California is one of the most complex registration states in the U.S., requiring franchisors to register their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) before offering or selling franchises.
Working with a California franchise lawyer ensures your FDD, agreements, and compliance systems are built on a solid legal foundation that also supports your long-term growth.
Why Work With a California Franchise Lawyer?
California franchisors face compliance challenges that extend beyond federal requirements. Our attorneys guide you through:
- Preparing and registering your FDD with the California DFPI → California Franchise Law & FDD Registration Guide
- Renewing your FDD annually and filing amendments after material changes
- Structuring franchise agreements that comply with the CFIL
- Protecting trademarks and brand assets → Trademark Protection
- Addressing financial assurance requirements such as fee deferrals, escrows, or bonds
- Preparing for multi-state growth while staying compliant at home → Franchise Legal Services Nationwide
For a full overview of nationwide compliance, see → Why You Need a Franchise Lawyer
California Franchise Law – What You Need to Know
The California Franchise Investment Law (CFIL) regulates the offer and sale of franchises in the state. Key requirements include:
- Registration – FDD must be filed and approved before sales.
- Renewals – Due within 110 days of fiscal year-end.
- Amendments – Required for material changes.
- Financial Assurance – DFPI may impose fee deferrals, escrows, or bonds.
- Negotiated Sales – Special disclosure rules apply when agreements are materially changed.
Failure to comply may result in enforcement actions, fines, or franchisee rescission claims. Our team ensures your FDD and agreements meet both federal and California requirements while protecting your growth strategy.
Our Franchise Legal Services
At The Internicola Law Firm, we provide fixed-fee legal programs that support California franchisors at every stage:
Franchise Launch
Legal programs to franchise your business the right way, including FDD drafting, agreements, trademarks, and go-to-market planning.
→ Franchise My Business
Franchise Growth Counsel
Ongoing counsel and compliance support to keep your FDD, registrations, and deal documents aligned with your growth goals.
→ Franchise Growth Counsel
FranIQ® Compliance Platform
Technology to track FDD deadlines, California filings, and multi-state registrations in real time.
→ Learn About FranIQ
Talk to a California Franchise Lawyer Today
Franchising is one of the most powerful ways to scale a business — but in California, it starts with the right legal foundation.
Ranked the #1 Franchise Law Firm in the U.S. by Entrepreneur Magazine (2025), our team has helped over 300 brands nationwide franchise their businesses, protect their brands, and grow with confidence.
Call (800) 976-4904 or → Schedule Your Free Franchise Strategy Call.
California Franchise Lawyer FAQs
Yes. California is a registration state. Your FDD must be filed and approved with the DFPI before offering or selling franchises. For details, see our California Franchise Law & FDD Registration Guide.
Non-compliance can trigger rescission rights for franchisees, civil penalties, and restrictions on selling franchises in California. A franchise lawyer ensures your agreements are compliant and enforceable.
California is home to some of the nation’s most recognized franchises, including:
- In-N-Out Burger (Baldwin Park, CA)
- Pinkberry (Los Angeles, CA)
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Los Angeles, CA)
These brands show how California entrepreneurs can scale — but each relied on a strong legal foundation.
Yes. Many franchisors launch in California and grow across the U.S. The key is preparing a compliant FDD, addressing California’s financial assurance requirements, and planning for multi-state filings.