Lauderhill commission backs bill allowing coaches limited financial help for student-athletes

The Lauderhill City Commission on Oct. 27 approved a resolution expressing support for Florida Senate Bill 178, a measure that would permit K–12 coaches to use personal funds to help student-athletes with needs such as food, transportation and short-term recovery services.

Senator Shevrin Jones, who joined the meeting remotely, asked the commission to back the measure and described protections included in the text. “The only caveat that is in the bill is that it must be in good faith,” Jones told the commission, adding that coaches would be required to report personal spending to the FHSAA and that the association would have authority to deem an expenditure improper if used for recruiting.

Jones cited a recent disciplinary case involving Teddy Bridgewater as the impetus for the bill and said legislators have crafted a reporting and presumption framework designed to prevent the measure from becoming a vehicle for recruiting or impermissible benefits.

Vice Mayor Saray Martin, commissioners Richard Campbell and John T. all voiced support before the commission voted 4–0 to approve the resolution and direct the city clerk to send a certified copy to state legislative leaders and the Broward County delegation. City staff and the parks department noted large participation in local youth athletics and said coaches routinely transport and feed players when needs arise.

The resolution asks state lawmakers to adopt implementing bylaws and establishes Lauderhill’s formal support for the bill while the measure advances in Tallahassee.