Florida signs the 'Teddy Bridgewater Act' into law, letting high school coaches spend their own money on players
Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation Friday that allows Florida middle- and high-school coaches to use up to $15,000 of personal funds for player meals, transportation and recovery services.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the 'Teddy Bridgewater Act' into law on Friday. The bill allows Florida middle- and high-school head coaches to spend up to $15,000 of their own money on their players for items including meals, transportation, physical therapy and rehabilitation services. The law is named after the longtime NFL quarterback whose 2024 state-title-winning Miami Northwestern High program triggered the legislative review.
What did Bridgewater actually do?
He coached Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship in 2024 while still active in the NFL. Bridgewater revealed during the 2025 high school season that he had been personally paying for player meals, Uber rides, physical therapy, and even paying to have the football field lined properly. He told supporters his weekly spending sometimes reached $6,000. The Florida High School Athletic Association suspended him for the 2025 season for violating amateurism rules around player benefits.
What does the law actually allow?
Florida middle- and high-school head coaches can now spend up to $15,000 of their own funds per year on services and items that 'directly support athlete welfare.' Permitted categories include meals, transportation to and from practice or games, physical therapy, rehabilitation services, tutoring, and equipment. The funds cannot be used for direct cash payments to players or their families and cannot be tied to recruiting decisions.
What did DeSantis say?
He acknowledged the policy carries risk. 'There are some possible downsides,' DeSantis said at the bill signing. 'I also think the previous rules didn't allow for the upside, for a coach that really wants to make a difference in folks' lives.' He framed the law as recognition that many high school football players come from families without resources to cover the ancillary costs of competitive play.
Does this restore Bridgewater's eligibility to coach?
The FHSAA must rule separately on his 2025 suspension. The new law applies prospectively, so it does not automatically vacate the 2025 violation. The association has signaled willingness to reinstate Bridgewater for the 2026 season once the new compliance framework is in place. Bridgewater is also continuing his NFL career as a backup with the Detroit Lions and would coach Miami Northwestern during the NFL offseason if reinstated.
What's the broader Florida high school football story?
DeSantis also signed a separate bill Friday that could raise high school coach salaries statewide. State officials cited that head football coaches in talent-rich Broward County average a stipend of just $3,038, while in neighboring Georgia comparable jobs can pay over $100,000. The two bills together represent the largest single-day change to Florida high school football compensation structure in three decades.
Does this affect other states?
Texas, Georgia, California and Ohio (the four other states with the highest concentration of college recruits) have all signaled they will review their own rules in light of Florida's move. The NCAA and state high school athletic associations operate independently, so changes would need to happen state by state. Most legal observers expect a similar wave of legislation within 18 months.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Florida signs 'Teddy Bridgewater Act' into law
- NFL.com: Florida signs 'Teddy Bridgewater Act' into law, allowing HS coaches to use own money to assist players
- NBC Sports: Teddy Bridgewater Act becomes law in Florida
- Bay News 9: Central Florida coaches weigh in on the approval
