FHSAA votes to add Open division in multiple sports beginning this year

June 9, 2026 - 22:07

The Florida High School Athletic Association has officially greenlit a new Open division across several sports, following a unanimous vote by its board of directors on Tuesday morning. The decision, which takes effect this year, marks a significant shift in how the state will handle its most competitive athletic programs.

Under the new structure, the Open division will serve as a separate tier for elite teams that have consistently dominated their classifications. The move aims to create more balanced competition in the traditional playoff brackets while giving powerhouse programs a distinct championship path. Sports affected include football, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer, though the FHSAA may expand the list in future seasons.

Board members cited a need to address competitive imbalance, particularly in sports where a small number of schools have won multiple state titles in recent years. The Open division is modeled after similar systems used in other states, where top teams are placed in a separate bracket regardless of school size. Schools will be selected based on a combination of recent playoff performance, regular season strength, and historical success.

Critics have raised concerns about travel costs and the potential for widening the gap between elite and average programs. Supporters argue it will create more meaningful games for everyone. The FHSAA plans to finalize the selection criteria and scheduling details in the coming weeks.