Florida High School Football Program Fined Following FHSAA Investigation

Sarasota Booker was fined $500 and placed on administrative probation after an investigation found eighth-grade players participated in spring practices with the high school team.

Prior to Carlos Woods' (left) dismissal from Sarasota Booker, an investigation by the FHSAA found that eighth grade football players practiced with the varsity team in the spring. Booker has since been fined $500. | Carlos Woods/X

With the high school football season set to begin next week in Florida, Sarasota Booker, is dealing with sanctions stemming from an FHSAA investigation into its football program.

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) determined that eighth-grade players practiced with Booker's high school team during spring practices, according to a report by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Booker Fined, Placed on Administrative Probation

Booker was fined $500 and placed on administrative probation through May 25, 2027. Former head coach Carlos Woods, who was dismissed earlier this summer, also received a suspension for the team's preseason game before his departure.

Shortly after the dismissal of Woods, Booker announced the hiring of former University of South Florida quarterback Lance Hoeltke on July 29. Hoeltke immediately faced the challenge of stabilizing a roster hit by a wave of transfers following Woods' departure.

Booker Roster Hit by Wave of Transfers

Two key players, quarterback Mason Summer and four-star defensive lineman Maleek Lee, transferred before Hoeltke was hired. Summer is now at Southeast High School in Bradenton and Lee is now at Palmetto. Three-star defensive back Jordan Booker, announced his transfer to Venice after the hiring of Hoeltke. Venice, ranked No. 17 in the Florida preseason top 25 rankings, now has another weapon on defense for this upcoming season as they take aim at another state championship run. Another 18 players have transferred out of the program this summer.

Booker Cancels Four Games From 2026 Schedule

The roster turnover has also affected Booker's 2026 schedule, with four games canceled as Hoeltke prepares for his first season. The preseason game against Manatee scheduled for Friday has been canceled, along with regular-season games against Palmetto, St. John's College (Washington, D.C.) and Venice. No official reason has been given as to why those contests have been cancelled.

If there is more information made to the public regarding this investigation, our team at High School On SI will make the information readily available when that time comes.