#florida-legislation

#florida-legislation

The Florida Senate unanimously passed the Teddy Bridgewater Act, which would allow high school football coaches to provide for their players using their own money. Senate Bill 178 passed through the Senate on Thursday with a 38-0 vote. Should it be signed into law, it will allow coaches to use up to $15,000 in personal funds per year to support student-athletes.

As legislation moves to rename Palm Beach International Airport after the sitting U.S. President, some South Florida lawmakers have expressed concern about language that would give state lawmakers power to rename others. State Sen. Barbara Sharief, D-Davie, said officials in her county don't want to see the name of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport changed, as the local government exemption proposal ( SB 706) soared through the Community Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

The bill marks a reset rather than a clean break. Florida lawmakers floated broader crypto investment proposals in 2025, but those measures were withdrawn after facing resistance over scope and risk. The new framework narrows the focus and reflects a growing preference among Republican lawmakers for treating bitcoin as a reserve-style asset rather than a speculative trade.

Senate Bill 896, sponsored by state Sen. Don Gaetz (R), is currently being considered for advancement within multiple committees in the Florida Senate. The bill would allow certain employees, faculty, and students to openly carry their personal firearms on campus grounds. The bill would make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school during school hours or when an activity at a school is taking place. The legislation would also authorize colleges and universities "to participate in the school guardian program."

"This bill is a direct attack on LGBTQ visibility and a textbook example of government overreach and censorship," said the Senior Political Director of Equality Florida, Joe Saunders, in a statement. "The Pride flag is a symbol of safety, inclusion, and community for millions of Floridians. [...] These bills prevent local cities and counties from using flags to recognize their own communities or make them welcoming to residents and tourists."