Bill > S1026

This bill modifies the regulations governing high school athletics in Florida, primarily impacting the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which is the designated governing body for athletics in public schools. Key provisions include requiring the FHSAA to offer private schools the option to join as full-time members or on a per-sport basis, and prohibiting the FHSAA from preventing private schools from also belonging to other athletic associations. The bill also allows public schools to apply to join other athletic associations on a per-sport basis. Furthermore, it mandates that the FHSAA establish a clear process for resolving student eligibility disputes, which must include an informal conference opportunity and, if necessary, a formal resolution by a mutually agreed-upon neutral third party, with decisions to be made within 30 days of the informal conference. The FHSAA is also prohibited from taking retaliatory actions against member schools that compete with non-member schools or seek membership in other associations for sports where they are not FHSAA members.