The bill amends section 1006.20 of the Florida Statutes to require the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to adopt bylaws that allow coaches to use personal funds to support the welfare of their student-athletes. This includes providing items 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 conforming amendments to several other sections of the Florida Statutes, including updates to cross-references related to medical evaluations and electrocardiograms for student-athletes. It also clarifies exemptions for certain noninstructional contractors from screening requirements. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1253 Filed: 768.135, 1002.20, 1006.165, 1012.468