DeSantis signs 'Teddy Bridgewater Act' to let coaches use personal funds for student support

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 178, which supporters referenced as the "Teddy Bridgewater Act," describing it as a response to cases in which coaches were penalized for using personal resources to help underprivileged players.

DeSantis cited Teddy Bridgewater as an example of a coach who used personal funds to assist players at his alma mater and said earlier rules had led to suspensions in similar circumstances. "They passed the bill to now allow coaches to use personal funds, if they choose, to support their players with items like food, transportation, physical therapy, and even rehabilitation services," DeSantis said.

Supporters said the bill builds in safeguards, including parental consent, reporting minimums and oversight. Stassi Komutsis recalled intervening with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to update policies and said the legislation codifies protections beyond FHSAA bylaws.

Dr. Andrew Ramjit of the Florida Coaches Coalition framed the law as validation for coaches whose mentorship extends beyond Xs and Os. "Coaching is not a hobby. It is not volunteer work. It is leadership," Ramjit said.

The transcript records public praise and administration remarks but does not include dissenting testimony or a legislative roll-call. DeSantis said he would sign the bill during the event; the transcript does not include the bill’s effective date or implementing regulations.