Florida Senate Approves Bills to Boost High School Coaching Pay

Legislation would allow coaches to financially assist student-athletes on their teams.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Florida Senate unanimously approved two bills that could increase pay for high school coaches and allow them to financially support the student-athletes they coach. The bills aim to address concerns that many coaches receive only a small stipend that often goes right back into supporting their teams.

Why it matters

This legislation is seen as an important step in addressing the challenges faced by high school coaches, who frequently work for low pay despite the significant time and effort they devote to their teams. Providing better compensation and the ability to directly assist student-athletes could help attract and retain talented coaches, benefiting high school sports programs across the state.

The details

The two bills, which still need to pass the Florida House, would increase the pay for high school coaches and permit them to use their own funds to help cover costs for student-athletes on their teams, such as equipment, travel, and other expenses. Supporters argue this would ease the financial burden on families and ensure more students can participate in extracurricular sports.

  • The Florida Senate approved the bills on February 20, 2026.

The players

Sen. Corey Simon

A Tallahassee Republican and former Florida State University football player who went on to play professionally.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have a lot of coaches that don't make any money from doing this job. They get a stipend, but oftentimes that stipend goes right back into the student athletes that they're coaching.”

— Sen. Corey Simon (chronicleonline.com)

What’s next

The bills now move to the Florida House for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to address the financial challenges faced by high school coaches and ensure more students can participate in extracurricular sports by allowing coaches to directly assist their student-athletes. If passed, it could help attract and retain talented coaches, benefiting high school sports programs across Florida.