Florida amends NIL law “opening the door” for college athletes.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill changing how NIL is executed throughout the state. In attendance was Florida football coach Billy Napier, Florida State football coach Mike Norvell and players from both schools. Although Florida was one of the first schools to sign NIL legislation, it was also one of the most restrictive.

Prior to this bill, schools and coaches were unable to be directly involved with NIL deals for athletes. This new bill allows for them to get involved with players NIL opportunities and facilitate endorsement deals. In addition, the bill also requires colleges to conduct a workshop each semester to cover life skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.

This bill also ensures coaches and schools will not be liable for any damages to a player’s ability to earn NIL money as a result from their decisions, such as suspending a player. Agents who represent players are required to protect them from exploitive or unauthorized use of their NIL or their rights to publicity. DeSantis tweeted after signing the bill, “Two years ago, FL became one of the first states in the nation to permit student-athletes to be compensated for use of their names, image and likeness.”

“The bill I signed today will further benefit student-athletes while ensuring they’re protected from commercial exploitation,” he continued.