Franchise Your Business in Virginia
Franchising your business in Virginia means complying with both the FTC Franchise Rule and the Virginia Retail Franchising Act. Because Virginia is a franchise registration state, franchisors must file their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with the Virginia State Corporation Commission before offering or selling franchises.
Working with a Virginia franchise lawyer ensures your FDD, franchise agreements, and compliance systems are built on a solid legal foundation that also supports your long-term growth strategy.
Why Work With a Virginia Franchise Lawyer?
Our attorneys guide Virginia franchisors through:
- Requirements for preparing and registering your FDD
- Renewing your FDD annually and filing amendments after material changes
- Structuring franchise agreements that comply with the Retail Franchising Act
- Aligning Item 19 financial disclosures with your sales strategy
- Protecting your trademarks and brand assets
- Planning for multi-state expansion while maintaining Virginia compliance
For a national overview of why franchise legal counsel matters, see our Franchise Lawyer Hub.
Virginia Franchise Law – What You Need to Know
The Virginia Retail Franchising Act regulates the offer and sale of franchises in Virginia. Key requirements include:
- Registration – FDD must be filed and approved before offers or sales.
- Renewals – Due annually, 30 days prior to expiration.
- Amendments – Required for material changes.
- Disclosure – FDD must be disclosed to franchisees at least 14 days before signing.
Failure to comply may result in penalties, rescission claims, or escrow requirements. Our team ensures your filings, agreements, and disclosures meet both federal and Virginia standards while supporting your growth trajectory.
Our Franchise Legal Services
- Franchise Launch – Legal programs to franchise your business the right way, including FDD drafting, franchise agreements, and trademark protection.
- Franchise Growth Counsel – Ongoing legal counsel and compliance support to keep your FDD, registrations, and agreements aligned with your growth goals.
- FranIQ® Compliance Platform – Track FDD deadlines, Virginia filings, and multi-state registrations in real time.
Talk to a Virginia Franchise Lawyer Today
Franchising is one of the most powerful ways to scale a business — but in Virginia, 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
Virginia Franchise Lawyer FAQs
Yes. Virginia is a registration state. Your FDD must be filed and approved before you can sell franchises. → Virginia Franchise Law & FDD Registration Guide
Non-compliance may lead to penalties, rescission, or escrow of fees. A Virginia franchise lawyer ensures your registration and sales process are compliant and growth-focused.
Yes. Many franchisors launch in Virginia and then expand across the U.S. Our team helps you structure your FDD for compliance and scale.
Virginia has produced nationally recognized franchise brands, including Five Guys (Northern Virginia) and Great American Cookies — proof that Virginia entrepreneurs can scale successfully with the right legal support.
Franchise Lawyers in Virginia and Nationwide
In addition to supporting franchisors here in Virginia, our legal team represents franchise brands across the United States. Many of our Virginia clients expand regionally to states like Maryland, North Carolina, and New York, and nationally to markets like California, Texas, and Florida.
Call (800) 976-4904 or → Schedule Your Free Franchise Strategy Call.