The Florida High School Athletic Association announced this week that it is scaling back its plan to mandate a 35‑second shot clock across all postseason basketball games.
Under the revised framework, the shot clock will be compulsory only for the state semifinals and the championship contests, leaving regional playoff games optional for schools that have already installed the device.
Cost considerations shape the new postseason format
The association cited the expense of hiring a dedicated operator for each game as a decisive factor, noting that the financial burden falls hardest on smaller, rural programs.
The shot‑clock rule had been approved back in 2022 and was slated to become a postseason staple beginning with the 2026‑27 season, but rising operational costs prompted a reassessment.
Schools that have already invested in shot‑clock equipment will be allowed to use it during regional play, while those without the technology may need to rent an alternative gymnasium to meet postseason requirements.
The revised policy also permits both teams in a playoff game to mutually agree to dispense with the clock, though officials say it is improbable that a home team accustomed to using the device all season will elect to remove it.
The adjustment is slated to remain in effect for the upcoming 2026‑27 season and will be revisited next summer, leaving the door open for future revisions.