2/16/2023 football Edit

Gov. DeSantis signs Florida's NIL amendment

Bob Ferrante • TheOsceola

Editor

Florida name, image and likeness legislation received what the state's coaches and administrators feel is a significant amendment on Thursday afternoon with Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature.

"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 & likeness," DeSantis posted on Twitter on Thursday. "The NIL bill I signed today will further benefit student-athletes while ensuring they're protected from commercial exploitation."

DeSantis signed the legislation in his office, flanked by FSU coach Mike Norvell and Florida coach Billy Napier along with student-athletes from the Seminoles and Gators. Among the FSU players represented were Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, Jared Verse and Tatum Bethune as well as soccer standout LeiLanni Nesbeth. State senator Corey Simon, who played at FSU from 1996-99, was also in attendance.

The amended legislation had been part of extensive lobbying efforts by FSU athletics director Michael Alford, who has been part of the LEAD1 committee working on NIL dating back to his time at Central Michigan more than three years ago.

“This is an important and necessary step in the NIL process to bring us more in line with what is happening around the country,” Alford said. “We are grateful to have an opportunity to lead on this issue at Florida State and we will always make what is best for the student-athlete our top priority. As co-chair of the Lead1 committee looking at this issue for the last several years, I am in favor of the opportunities being created for our student-athletes.

“We appreciate the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Senator Travis Hutson and Representative Chip LaMarca on this important legislation.”

The NIL legislation hit a roadblock in 2022, but House Bill 7B cruised unanimously — 113-0 in the House of Representatives and then 34-0 in the Senate last week. The measure expanding the capability of name, image and likeness discussions between college employees and athletes.

"I want to thank Governor DeSantis and all of our state representatives and state senators that have helped us get to this point," Norvell said in a statement. "I appreciate their commitment to our student-athletes and helping us provide the best opportunities available. Our student-athletes have earned many unique opportunities since the original NIL law passed and we’re excited to offer enhanced support moving forward."

HB 7B was the latest effort by LaMarca (R-Fort Lauderdale), who has long championed student-athletes abilities to capitalize on NIL. The bill "revises provisions relating to athlete agents representing intercollegiate athletes for certain purposes, compensation that intercollegiate athletes may receive, postsecondary educational institutions requirements, & specified workshops; & provides specified individuals are not liable for damages."

For colleges in Florida, NIL collectives have handled business deals for student-athletes. Battle's End has announced relationships with about 35 FSU football players. Rising Spear has focused its efforts on basketball players and Olympics sports athletes.

"We would like to thank our Governor's office, Florida Senate and House of Representatives for their support of HB 7B, expeditiously making NIL reform a reality. Special thanks to Chip LaMarca and Travis Hutson for their leadership and support of this monumental bill in the great state of Florida," Rising Spear officials said in a statement.

While the NCAA has asked Congress to enact legislation, efforts in Washington, D.C., to offer federal legislation have stalled out despite a push by a variety of elected officials — on both sides of the aisle as well as those who have backgrounds in college athletics.