Maryland Franchise Law Guide: Registration, Disclosure & the Franchise Reform Act
What a prospective franchisee should know about Maryland franchise registration and disclosure — and the changes proposed in 2026 — before signing.
Last reviewed: May 26, 2026 by the BizLeaseCheck Editorial Team
General information, not legal advice.
Overview
Maryland regulates the offer and sale of franchises under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, administered by the Securities Division of the Office of the Attorney General.
Franchisors generally must register before offering or selling a franchise in Maryland, and the federal 14-day disclosure rule applies. Maryland’s franchise law was the subject of active 2026 legislation, so verify the current requirements.
What to check
The Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law (Business Regulation Article, Title 14, Subtitle 2) generally requires franchisors to register before offering or selling a franchise in Maryland, unless an exemption applies.
The Securities Division within the Office of the Attorney General (the Securities Commissioner) administers and enforces the law.
Maryland General Assembly — franchise legislationMaryland’s 2026 legislative session included Senate Bill 415, the Franchise Reform Act, which would alter the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law — including time periods for Securities Commissioner action, indexing a registration exemption to inflation, and the limitations period for certain claims.
Because this bill was pending in committee, do not assume any specific change is in effect; confirm the current statute and the bill’s status.
Maryland SB 415 (2026) — Franchise Reform ActConfirm that the franchisor’s Maryland registration is effective and that you received the FDD at least 14 days before signing.
Given the pending reforms, have a franchise attorney confirm Maryland-specific requirements and any required addendum.
Maryland General Assembly — franchise legislationKey takeaways
- Maryland requires franchise registration with the Securities Division of the Attorney General’s Office.
- The law is the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law (Business Regulation, Title 14).
- A 2026 Franchise Reform Act (SB 415) was pending — verify what, if anything, is in effect.
- You should receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing (federal rule).
- Confirm the franchisor’s Maryland registration is effective before you sign.
Official resources
Legal-review notes
Guide confidence marker: Needs lawyer verification.
- Verify the current Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law text and whether 2026 SB 415 (Franchise Reform Act) has been enacted before relying on specific requirements.
- Confirm the Securities Division’s current registration procedures and any required Maryland addendum.
Frequently asked questions
Does Maryland require franchise registration?
Yes. Under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, franchisors generally must register with the Securities Division of the Attorney General’s Office before offering or selling a franchise in Maryland, unless an exemption applies.
Is Maryland changing its franchise law in 2026?
Maryland’s 2026 session included Senate Bill 415, the Franchise Reform Act, proposing changes to the registration and disclosure law. Confirm the bill’s status and the current statute before relying on any specific change.
Which agency regulates franchises in Maryland?
The Securities Division within the Office of the Maryland Attorney General (the Securities Commissioner).