SB 750, the deceptively titled “Protect Florida Small Business Act,” appears to have met its demise. Although it passed the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries by a vote of 7–2, the bill will be not be scheduled for a hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee. This marks the end of SB 750’s journey in the 2017 Florida legislative session. SB 750 drew sharp criticism from franchisors and franchisees alike for its expansive and invasive regulation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. If passed, the bill would have severely curtailed a franchisor’s ability to protect its brand and goodwill and undermined the viability of franchising in Florida.
