July 11, 2025

Florida Law Expands School Sports Opportunities

News Summary

A new Florida law allows private school students to join public school sports teams, removing previous restrictions. This change is spotlighted by former FSU star Peter Boulware, highlighting its significance for young athletes eager to participate in sports not available at their schools. The law aims to promote inclusivity and expand athletic options for students, including those enrolled in virtual and home-school programs. It also signals a broader commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the state, with additional laws supporting school choice and mandated health screenings for athletes.

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A new law in Florida, effective July 1, aims to expand athletic opportunities for students attending private schools by allowing them to join public school sports teams. This legislation removes existing restrictions that previously limited participation to students from private institutions not affiliated with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

With this change, a wider range of private school students can now compete in sports that may not be available at their own schools. This new law is expected to open doors for many young athletes who wish to engage in competitive sports while also benefiting from their community connections at public schools.

One significant advocate for the law, former Florida State football star Peter Boulware, founded Community Leadership Academy in Tallahassee, a small private school with limited sports offerings. Boulware described the legislation as a “game-changer” for smaller private schools, expressing enthusiasm for the positive impact it will have on student athletes. Community Leadership Academy offers a few sports but lacks sufficient numbers to field teams for more popular options like football or lacrosse.

For students like junior Dane Griffith, the law presents a valuable opportunity to pursue passions in sports that are not offered at their own schools. Griffith currently plays lacrosse at Chiles High School and appreciates the chance to compete in a sport he loves while developing his skills alongside friends.

The FHSAA is already noting an increase in interest from private schools looking to join the association, indicating a growing enthusiasm for the expanded opportunities within the state’s sports culture. The FHSAA’s Associate Executive Director acknowledged that this new law marks a positive development for children seeking participation in organized sports.

In addition to expanding opportunities for private school students, the law also allows students enrolled in virtual schools to participate in athletic teams at their zoned public schools. This approach grants students greater flexibility and encourages involvement in local sports programs.

Florida Prep Athletic Director Montel Stewart suggested that several students from his school plan to leverage this new law to showcase their abilities through public school sports. One of these students, Ryken Wilson, a rising ninth-grader at Florida Prep, expressed excitement about the opportunity to play high school football, despite his current school lacking a dedicated program.

The legislation further permits home-schooled students to participate in athletic teams at any public school within their district, promoting inclusivity in the world of school sports. This move aims to empower families with more control over their children’s educational and extracurricular choices.

In addition to the sports participation expansion, three other pro-school choice laws were enacted in Florida. One such law, HB 1105, addresses the creation and funding of charter schools, while another, HB 443, aims at broader school choice issues impacting families across the state. This legislative batch signals an ongoing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in Florida.

Moreover, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, student athletes will be required to undergo standardized ECG screenings as mandated by Senate Bill 1070, ensuring that health and safety standards are upheld in school athletics. Further legislative efforts are also being focused on improving school safety, technology usage, and providing additional support for students with diverse needs.

Overall, this recent legislative change marks a significant step toward increasing participation and inclusivity in school sports across Florida, reflecting the state’s commitment to providing diverse and enriching opportunities for all students.

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Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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