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Florida Senate Unanimously Approves 'Teddy Bridgewater Act' Allowing Coaches Up to $15,000 in Aid

The proposal responds to Teddy Bridgewater’s suspension for covering basic needs of Miami Northwestern players.

Overview

  • The Senate certified the bill on a 38-0 vote and sent it to the House, where a companion measure by Rep. Chip LaMarca awaits consideration before heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
  • The measure directs the FHSAA to adopt bylaws authorizing up to $15,000 in annual personal spending by head coaches, requires reporting of expenditures, and treats such aid as presumed permissible.
  • Allowable support cited in the bill includes food, transportation and recovery services provided to student-athletes.
  • Bridgewater was suspended for the 2025-26 school year after acknowledging he paid roughly $27,000 for items such as $700 per week in Uber rides, meals and gear during his 2024 title season.
  • Bridgewater reacted on Instagram with “Not the Teddy B act” and fire emojis, as some observers also raised concerns about tracking compliance and potential booster circumvention of the cap.