State of Florida Could Allow High School Athletes to Earn NIL Deals
The state of Florida is one of 16 that doesn't allow high school student athletes to make money on their name, image, and likeness. This isn't uncommon by any means, but Florida has thought about changing that and a decision could be coming soon.
According to WeAr News, the state high school athletic association is considering changing that. If they did, high school athletes would be allowed to make NIL money.
Florida will have to go through the same process as other states, which would be passed through a bill. 25 other states allow high school NIL deals and some kids are making serious money.
With the talent that Florida high schools produce in baseball, basketball, and football, the three major sports, it's time to start having these conversations.
Perfect Game currently has two players from Florida in the top 10 nationally in the 2024 class, including the No. 3 player in the class, Noah Franco. 247Sports has three football players ranked in the top 10 nationally who go to school in Florida. Jeremiah Smith is the No. 1 player in the 2024 class and will attend Ohio State next season. Smith is from Opa Locka, Florida.
With IMG Academy, Montverde, and other massive high school athletic programs, this can benefit the students and the state. Florida arguably has the most talented student-athletes out of any state in America.
Allowing high school athletes to make money shouldn't be frowned upon. If a college athlete is 18, why can't the 18-year-old high school student-athlete make money?
It's long overdue that student-athletes start getting paid, just as it was at the NCAA level.
