Proposed bill would allow Florida high school coaches to assist athletes financially

If Miami Gardens senator Shevrin Jones has his way, Florida high school sports coaches will be allowed to use their own money to assist student-athletes, but with safeguards.

According to a Florida Politics report, Jones filed SB 178, a proposed bill that would grant high school coaches the ability to use their own funds to help student-athletes with basic needs such as food, transportation and recovery services, with required adoption by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

Per the filing, all coaches would be required submit any use of personal funds to the FHSAA. If any personal funds are not reported to the Gainesville-based association, the bill would deem those as not provided in good faith, or used on grounds for recruiting.

This newly filed bill by Jones comes on the heels of a chaotic off-season that saw former Miami Northwestern head football coach Teddy Bridgewater suspended by his alma mater for the 2025 season due to the allegations of providing impermissible benefits to his players. 

Bridgewater, who is now the backup quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was originally suspended by Northwestern back in mid-July days after the FHSAA began looking into an allegation that he had provided impermissible benefits.

In a now deleted Facebook post, Bridgewater had asked Northwestern fans to help him cover team expenses that were not being paid for by the school, which included $700 per week for Uber rides, $1,300 per week for athletic recovery services and $2,200 per week for pre-game meals during the season.

Bridgewater, who would be eligible to return to coaching for the 2026 season, made an immediate impact at his alma mater, leading Northwestern to a 12-2 record and its first state championship since 2019. The Bulls finished the 2024 season ranked No. 6 in Florida, according to the Rivals Composite High School Team Rankings.

Northwestern is currently 6-1 on the season with two games remaining on the 2025 schedule and remain the favorite to win Florida’s Class 3A state championship.

How to Follow Florida High School Football

For Florida high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Sunshine State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of Florida.