DeSantis signs ‘Teddy Bridgewater Act’ and measure boosting coach pay

Gov. Ron DeSantis Friday signed into law two high school sports-related pieces of legislation, one a reaction to NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s suspension by the Florida High School Athletic Association. 

Now law, SB 178 allows coaches to, with parental consent, provide meals, rides, and other support to athletes out of their own pockets. 

“Coaches can play a role apart from just the Xs and Os. Sometimes they serve as a father figure to some of the youth athletes, especially for some of the athletes that may not have a father in the home, or have that type of influence,” DeSantis said in signing the bill at Jacksonville’s Jean Ribault High School. 

The idea was dubbed the Teddy Bridgewater Act, honoring the Miami-born pro footballer who coached at his alma mater Miami Northwestern High School in 2024 until the FHSAA suspended him for providing his players rides, meals, and other services. 

Effective July 1, coaches must report any aid to the athletic association. The FHSAA may determine the support was not given in good faith or used for recruiting purposes. A head coach is maxed out at spending $15,000 in a year.

The bill passed both chambers unanimously. It was led by Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, in the Senate and by Republican Reps. Chip Lamarca of Lighthouse Point and Chase Tramont of Port Orange in the House. 

Boosting coach pay

DeSantis signed another piece of legislation Friday, SB 538, which allows booster clubs to pay coaches and activity sponsors to supplement district stipends for their roles. The law allows districts to restrict booster club funds from being used for severance pay.

“This bill will provide school districts with greater flexibility and compensation. And, obviously, there’s a lot of time and effort that goes in to fulfilling these positions,” DeSantis said.

Compensation for coaches or athletic directors may not exceed the highest paid administrator in the district, the law specifies.

During the legislative process, lawmakers said coaches leaving the state for better pay inspired a need to make Florida more competitive.

The law allows students, including home school students, to participate in activities at a school other than their own if the school provides an activity not offered at their school. The school must be within the district in which the student lives. Students outside of a private school could participate in activities at a private school, if the two parties agree.

The law limits students from transferring more than once in a school year for sports purposes, with certain exceptions such as for military families.

Lawmakers passed the Senate version of the bill unanimously, sponsored by former NFL and Florida State University football player Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee. The House passed the bill, 104-6. The votes in opposition were from Democrats. The House version was sponsored by Republican Reps. Adam Anderson of Palm Harbor and Shane Abbott of DeFuniak Springs.