Florida’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Amendment Clears it’s Last Hurdle

With the Florida Legislature’s approval of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Amendment on Friday, student-athletes in Florida will now reap the benefits associated with sponsored social media posts, apparel deals, and other business opportunities related to their name and image. The NIL Amendment marks a major victory for student-athletes and brings Florida in line with other states that have already passed similar laws in recent years.

The NIL Amendment, initially proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis and sponsored by Republican Senator Kelli Stargel and Democratic Representative Chip LaMarca, cleared its final legislative hurdle on Friday. It requires the Florida Department of Education to establish rules and guidelines for student-athletes to receive compensation from third-party sources.

The NIL Amendment is a landmark victory for student-athletes in Florida, who can now capitalize on their name and image. It will also positively impact the state’s economy, as businesses that serve college athletes will be able to expand and create additional jobs.

The NIL Amendment provides an important educational benefit; allowing student-athletes to pursue business opportunities related to their name and images. The most important change in this amendment is the requirement of schools to provide at least two workshops for financial literacy, life skills, and entrepreneurship. Workshops of these vital key education points will help student-athletes make informed decisions regarding managing their image, brand, and finances.

The impact of this new amendment is far-reaching. The possibilities for future opportunities in the sports industry are now endless for college athletes in Florida. With access to guidance and education through university workshops, student-athletes are now empowered to take control of their financial future.

The passage of the NIL Amendment is a major victory for athletes and a sign that more states will soon follow suit. This new law provides hope for college athletes everywhere as they can now pursue previously untapped business opportunities related to their name and image.

Additional benefits of this new NIL amendment include greater transparency and oversight of third-party deals that student-athletes sign. The new law requires colleges and universities to provide written disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest related to the deal.  It also requires the college to provide an itemized list of all expenses related to the deal and a breakdown of how much money the student-athlete will receive directly. Also, it provides that the schools are not liable for damages to the students who participate in these deals.

With the NIL Amendment now having cleared its final hurdle, student-athletes in Florida finally have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image, and likeness. This is a major victory for student-athletes throughout the state and will hopefully serve as an example to other states considering similar laws.

The future of college sports is now changing in Florida, and with it comes a new wave of opportunities for student-athletes. The Florida NIL Amendment has paved the way for students to monetize their name and image, furthering their education.

Bitman O’Brien & Morat PLLC is the go-to legal source for Florida student athletes seeking counsel in this cutting edge realm of NIL law. Their expertise ensures clients receive informed and effective guidance to navigate complex regulations while protecting future opportunities.

For more information on the NIL legal services offered at Bitman O’Brien and Morat PPLC, contact us today.

Source: https://www.si.com/college/2023/02/10/florida-nil-law-amendment-schools-athletes-deals