State lawmakers propose giving Florida governor Ron DeSantis control of FHSAA board

According to a Miami Herald report, a House committee advanced a bill that would give DeSantis control over the FHSAA Board of Directors

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) could soon have Florida Governor Ron DeSantis overseeing is governing board. 

According to a story published by the Miami Herald, House Bill 225, which was advanced by a House committee with a 15-2 vote on Wednesday, would give the governor control over the FHSAA Board of Directors as well as the authority to appoint its members.

The FHSAA is currently a private non-profit organization which oversees sports for grades 6 through 12 for its member schools, which include all of the state's public schools and other institutions which choose to join. Currently, 15 of the 16 board positions are selected by schools in four regions of the state while the 16th spot is reserved for the state education commissioner or their designee.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made several appearances at state high school football games, during his re-election campaign, last fall. If a proposed House bill becomes law, DeSantis would be given control over the FHSAA Board of Directors :: KAILA JONES/TCPALM / USA TODAY NETWORK

Under the proposed legislation, the board would be reduced to eight members, all chosen by the governor, plus the education commissioner.

If the bill becomes law, not only would DeSantis have control over the board, public schools would have the option of joining other athletic associations, while retaining the right to participate in the FHSAA's state championship series. Currently, only member schools are eligible for state championships.

Another controversial element of the bill is that it would permit schools, at their discretion, to allow “opening remarks” before games or events begin. The FHSAA could not "control, monitor, or review" the opening remarks, which could include things such as prayer, or the choice of speaker. Schools, however, would be required to read a disclaimer stating that the remarks "are not endorsed by and do not reflect the views and opinions of the athletic association.”

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.