Story perspectives

DeSantis signs “Teddy Bridgewater Act” boosting coach pay, spending

5/24/2026

Summary

DeSantis Boosts Coaches

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 178, the “Teddy Bridgewater Act.”
It lets coaches spend up to $15,000 on food, transport and recovery services for student-athletes, a practice that prompted former Miami Northwestern coach Teddy Bridgewater’s suspension.
Coaches must obtain parental consent and report expenses to the Florida High School Athletic Association.
DeSantis also signed House Bill 538, raising coaches’ salaries, permitting booster-club funds for pay, and limiting transfers effective July 1.

Summary

DeSantis Signs

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the measures at Jean Ribault High School in Jacksonville, calling them “positive reform.”
Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said the law gives coaches greater flexibility and expands student extracurricular participation.
Senate sponsor Shevrin Jones praised the act for delivering fairness, accountability, and flexibility to student-athletes.
Florida Coaches Coalition director Andrew Ramjit called the legislation validation for coaches who have felt ignored and undervalued.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the University of Michigan basketball program accepted $616,000 in illegal loans from booster Ed Martin, violating the NCAA’s $1,000-per-year benefit limit. The scandal forced the NCAA to impose probation, scholarship cuts and vacated seasons, sparking a lasting debate over amateurism that now influences proposals to permit limited coach-fund allocations in high-school sports.

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DeSantis Boosts Coaches

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 178, the “Teddy Bridgewater Act.”
It lets coaches spend up to $15,000 on food, transport and recovery services for student-athletes, a practice that prompted former Miami Northwestern coach Teddy Bridgewater’s suspension.
Coaches must obtain parental consent and report expenses to the Florida High School Athletic Association.
DeSantis also signed House Bill 538, raising coaches’ salaries, permitting booster-club funds for pay, and limiting transfers effective July 1.

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