DeSantis signs Florida bill on H.S. sports transfers, coaches' pay

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 538 (SB 538) into law on May 22, 2026, at Jean Ribault High School in Jacksonville. The bill limits high school sports transfers to curb reports of athletes switching schools multiple times, including cases where students transferred up to nine times in four years or multiple times in a single season. It requires most student-athletes, including those in non-traditional programs like homeschool or virtual schools, to play in their district or county of residence. The law also introduces administrative changes to boost coaches’ pay by allowing booster clubs to supplement salaries with parental consent. Exceptions to transfer restrictions apply for foster care placements, court-ordered custody changes, and military moves. Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) executive director Craig Damon testified in November that the lack of guardrails led to over 100 recruiting-related allegations in 2025, justifying stricter regulations. DeSantis, who played in the 1991 Little League World Series and at Yale University, framed the bill as a way to ‘level the playing field’ for Florida’s top football and baseball talent. The law takes effect July 1, ahead of the fall sports season, prompting coaches and players to adjust to new transfer rules. DeSantis also signed SB 178, allowing head coaches to use personal funds for player expenses like food and transportation with written parental consent.