Miami Courant

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill that focuses on the name, image and likeness (NIL) for athletes at two Florida universities, and it will take effect in July.

The new law, which will impact the University of Miami and Florida State University, passed by a 98-14 vote in the Florida House and 37-2 in the Florida Senate. The law allows college athletes to get paid for their likenesses.

DeSantis' approval makes Florida the third state to have a NIL law, behind California and Colorado. Although the two other states passed their legislation before the Sunshine State, Florida's law takes effect sooner, ACC Sports reported.

"I just want to say Florida is leading on this and if you're a blue-chip high school recruit out there trying to figure out where to go I think any of our Florida schools is a great landing spot,” DeSantis said after signing the law, 24/7 Sports reported. "For all of our great high school players, stay in state. I see people going to [the University of] Alabama and Clemson, and I know they've got good programs, but there's nothing better than winning a national championship in your home state. Maybe this will be an added incentive.”

The NCAA has previously opposed individual states having their own laws regarding NIL profits, but in April it announced that it would support proposals.

The NCAA Board of Governors also has said it wants there to be specific "guardrails" in place to spell out the differences between professional and college athletes, according to ACC Sports.

The NCAA is considering voting on NIL policies in January. If the measure passes, it will become an option nationwide.

That legislation will allow athletes to use their likenesses to promote private lessons and business activities, profit from endorsements through commercials and other ventures, solicit funds through organizations like GoFundMe and be compensated for autograph sessions.

Miami athletic director Blake James told 24/7 Sports that it was looking forward to the partnership it made with INFLCR to help with marketing and social media influencing under the new law.

“We’re excited to extend our ongoing partnership with INFLCR by launching the Momentum campaign for our football program,” James told 24/7 Sports. “Our goal at Miami is to build champions on and off the field, and a big part of that going forward is providing our student-athletes the best opportunities and resources to help build their personal brand.”