This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes related to athletics in public K-12 schools, specifically focusing on the role of coaches and the welfare of student athletes. It requires the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to adopt bylaws that allow coaches to use personal funds to provide support to their students, such as food, transportation, and recovery services, with a cap of $15,000 per athletic team per year. Coaches must report their use of personal funds to the FHSAA, and such expenditures are presumed not to be impermissible benefits unless they are not reported, deemed not in good faith, or used for recruiting purposes.

Additionally, the bill makes several conforming amendments to cross-references in existing statutes, including updates to sections regarding volunteer team physicians, student rights, and the well-being of students participating in extracurricular activities. It also clarifies exemptions from certain screening requirements for investigators working with the FHSAA. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 178 Filed: 768.135, 1002.20, 1006.165, 1012.468
S 178 c1: 768.135, 1002.20, 1006.165, 1012.468