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Franchise law guide

Minnesota Franchise Law Guide: Chapter 80C Registration & the Department of Commerce

What a prospective franchisee should know about Minnesota franchise registration and disclosure before signing.

Last reviewed: May 26, 2026 by the BizLeaseCheck Editorial Team

General information, not legal advice.

Analyze a franchise disclosure document (FDD) All franchise-law states

Overview

Minnesota regulates the offer and sale of franchises under the Minnesota Franchise Act (Minn. Stat. Chapter 80C), administered by the Department of Commerce, Securities Division.

No person may offer or sell a franchise subject to registration in Minnesota without an effective registration statement on file, and the federal 14-day disclosure rule still applies.

What to check

Minnesota law is the Franchise Act (Minn. Stat. Chapter 80C)High confidence

Chapter 80C requires an effective registration statement before a franchise subject to registration is offered or sold in Minnesota.

The Department of Commerce, Securities Division administers the law; franchise rules are in Minnesota Rules Chapter 2860.

Minnesota Statutes — Chapter 80C
Registration is filed online and renewed annuallyHigh confidence

Initial, amendment, renewal, and exemption applications are filed online via the Department’s ComOnline system.

A franchise registration is effective for 12 months from the date of the commissioner’s order, and a report must be filed before the period ends.

Minnesota Department of Commerce — Register a franchise
What this means for a franchiseeNeeds lawyer verification

Confirm the franchisor’s Minnesota registration is effective and that you received the FDD at least 14 days before signing.

Minnesota Rules Chapter 2860 addresses prohibited practices and the relationship; confirm termination and non-renewal standards with a franchise attorney.

Minnesota Department of Commerce — Franchises

Key takeaways

  • Minnesota regulates franchises under the Franchise Act (Minn. Stat. Chapter 80C).
  • An effective registration statement is required before a covered franchise is sold.
  • The Department of Commerce administers filings via ComOnline.
  • Registration is effective for 12 months and must be renewed.
  • You should receive the FDD at least 14 days before signing (federal rule).

Official resources

FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436) 16 CFR Part 436 — full rule (eCFR) Minnesota Statutes — Chapter 80C Minnesota Department of Commerce — Franchises

Legal-review notes

Guide confidence marker: High confidence.

  • Confirm current Minnesota registration fees, ComOnline procedures, and report deadlines with the Department of Commerce.
  • Verify the current Minnesota Rules Chapter 2860 relationship, termination, and non-renewal standards before relying on them.

Frequently asked questions

Does Minnesota require franchise registration?

Yes. Under the Minnesota Franchise Act (Chapter 80C), no person may offer or sell a covered franchise in Minnesota without an effective registration statement on file, unless an exemption applies.

How long is a Minnesota franchise registration effective?

A registration is generally effective for 12 months from the commissioner’s order, with a report required before the period ends and annual renewal.

Which agency regulates franchises in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Securities Division, via the ComOnline filing system.