Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, May 22, 2026 —

Florida Governor Signs Bill Allowing Coaches to Use Personal Funds for Player Expenses

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law the “Teddy Bridgewater Act,” which allows high school head football coaches to use up to $15,000 of their personal funds annually to cover essential player expenses. These expenses can include costs for food and transportation for student-athletes.

The legislation is named in honor of former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who previously faced suspension for undertaking similar financial support for players at Miami Northwestern High School. The stated aim of the act is to provide support for underprivileged student-athletes.

In addition to the “Teddy Bridgewater Act,” a separate bill has been enacted that permits school districts to raise coach salaries. This increase can be funded through booster club contributions, with the potential for these salaries to be comparable to those of the highest-paid school administrators.

Story summarized from the original created by Kevin Boulandier on wsvn.com, see more information here.

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