Florida enacts law allowing high school coaches to spend personal funds on players

Florida enacted legislation Friday that permits high school head coaches to use personal funds for limited player expenses. The law, titled the Teddy Bridgewater Act, covers costs such as meals, transportation, physical therapy and rehabilitation services.

It applies only to head coaches, prohibits use for recruiting, requires full disclosure to a state agency and caps annual spending at $15,000 per team.

Background on the measure The legislation is named after a Florida native and former NFL quarterback who coached at Miami Northwestern High School. He was suspended for the 2025 season after disclosing personal expenditures on meals, rides and other services for players. Officials said the prior rules prevented coaches from assisting underprivileged athletes without risking penalties.

Additional provisions on coach pay A separate bill signed the same day allows school boards to supplement coach salaries with voluntary donations and booster-club revenue. The new compensation level may not exceed the highest-paid administrator in the district.

State studies cited average stipends of $3,038 for head football coaches in one county and noted higher pay in neighboring states. An executive director of the Florida Coaches Coalition said the changes validate coaches previously feeling undervalued.