Texas Franchise Filing Requirements
Texas requires franchisors to file their FDD with the Secretary of State before offering or selling franchises. Texas is a filing state, not a registration state, so the state does not conduct a substantive review of the FDD. Texas also has a Business Opportunity Act that may apply in certain situations.
Franchisors must file their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with the Texas Secretary of State, Statutory Documents Section before offering or selling any franchise in Texas.
What Franchisors Must Do in Texas
Key Requirements
- File FDD with the Texas Secretary of State before offering franchises
- Provide FDD to prospects at least 14 days before any agreement or payment
- Submit audited financial statements as part of the FDD
- File annual updates within required timeframes
- Determine whether the Texas Business Opportunity Act also applies
Renewal Requirements
Annual filing required. Updated FDDs must be submitted to the Secretary of State each year.
Filing Fees
Filing fee is approximately $25. Texas has one of the lowest franchise filing fees in the country.
Important Notes
Texas is one of the largest franchise markets in the United States. The filing process is straightforward and inexpensive. Franchisors should also analyze whether the Texas Business Opportunity Act applies to their offering, as it has separate requirements.
Understanding Texas Franchise Filing
As a filing state, Texas requires franchisors to file their FDD (or a notice of filing) with the designated state agency before offering or selling franchises. Unlike registration states, Texas does not conduct a substantive review of the FDD before allowing franchise sales to proceed.
The filing requirement is still mandatory. Selling a franchise in Texas without a proper filing on record is a violation of state law and can result in legal consequences including the franchisee's right to rescind the franchise agreement.
Filings must be updated annually. Franchisors should build Texas filing into their annual FDD update calendar to ensure continuous compliance.
Regulatory Information
- State
- Texas
- Category
- Filing State
- Regulatory Body
- Texas Secretary of State, Statutory Documents Section
- Official Resource
- Visit State Website
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Schedule a ConsultationOther Filing States
Explore franchise requirements in other states with filing requirements.
Connecticut
Connecticut is a filing state, meaning franchisors must file a notice and their FDD with the state before offering or selling franchises. Unlike registration states, Connecticut does not conduct a substantive review of the FDD before the franchisor can begin selling.
Florida
Florida is a filing state under the Florida Franchise Act. Franchisors must file their FDD with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before offering or selling franchises. Florida does not conduct a substantive review but does require annual filings.
Kentucky
Kentucky requires franchisors to file their FDD with the Office of the Attorney General before offering or selling franchises. As a filing state, Kentucky does not conduct a full substantive review of the FDD before allowing sales to begin.
Nebraska
Nebraska requires franchise filing under the Nebraska Franchise Practices Act. Franchisors must file their FDD with the Department of Banking and Finance. Nebraska is a filing state that does not conduct a full substantive review before allowing franchise sales.
North Carolina
North Carolina requires franchisors to file their FDD with the Secretary of State Securities Division. As a filing state, North Carolina does not perform a substantive review, but the filing must be completed before any franchise offer or sale.
South Carolina
South Carolina requires franchisors to file a notice with the Secretary of State before offering or selling franchises. This is a filing requirement, not a full registration, so there is no substantive review by the state.
Related Resources
All State Franchise Laws
Complete directory of franchise laws across all 50 states.
Franchise Development Services
We handle FDD preparation, state registrations, and ongoing compliance.
Franchise Glossary
Definitions of FDD, franchise agreement, and other key terms.
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This content is general education and does not constitute legal advice. Franchise laws change. Consult a franchise attorney and verify current requirements with the relevant state agency.
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