(5-24-26) The “Teddy Bridgewater Act” (Senate Bill 178) is a new Florida law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 22 , 2026.

The bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

What the Law Does

It allows public middle school and high school head coaches in Florida to spend up to $15,000 of their own personal funds per year to support student-athletes. Covered expenses include:

• Food/meals

• Transportation (e.g., rides)

• Physical therapy, rehabilitation, or recovery services

This requires parental consent and aims to help coaches directly support players’ basic needs and well-being without violating amateurism rules.

Background

The law is named after former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (a Florida native). In 2024, he coached his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School, and led them to a state championship. In 2025, he was suspended by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) for providing impermissible benefits—such as covering Uber rides, meals, and recovery services for his players using his own money or seeking donations.

DeSantis also signed Senate Bill 538 into law. That will allow school districts to supplement coaches’ pay with money raised by high school booster clubs.