How Much Do High School Basketball Referees Get Paid in Florida?

If you’re considering becoming a high school basketball referee in Florida, you’re probably wondering: what’s the pay like? The answer? It’s solid—especially for a part-time role with a flexible schedule. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, a way to stay connected to the game, or both, officiating high school basketball can be a great fit.

If you're located in Central Florida, Primary Coverage Officiating is a great place to start. They’ll help you get certified, trained, and assigned to games that match your experience level.

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Typical Pay for High School Basketball Referees in Florida

Pay depends on the level of the game and your role on the court. Here’s what you can expect to earn per game:

Varsity Games

• Referee (Crew Chief): $75–$90 per game
• Other Crew Members: $65–$85 per game

Junior Varsity & Freshman Games

• $55–$70 per game

Middle School or Charter School Games

• $40–$60 per game

In some districts, you may also receive travel stipends or mileage reimbursement if you’re officiating games outside your immediate area.

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How Often Can You Work?

The high school basketball season in Florida runs from late fall through early spring. Most games are scheduled on weeknights, with some tournaments or rescheduled games on weekends.

Many officials work:

• 2–4 games per week during the season
• Doubleheaders (JV followed by Varsity) to increase their pay in a single evening
• Tournaments or district playoffs, which often come with higher rates

Working even three nights a week could add up to $200–$300 weekly, depending on the games and locations.

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What Impacts Your Pay?

A few key things can affect how much you earn per game:

• Level of the game: Varsity games generally pay more than JV or middle school
• Your role: Referees leading the crew may earn a higher rate
• Experience: New officials often start with lower-level games but can move up quickly
• Availability: Being open to last-minute assignments or weekend tournaments can lead to more opportunities

Primary Coverage Officiating helps new officials build their experience and work their way up to better-paying assignments over time.

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Why Referee High School Basketball in Florida?

• Solid pay for just a couple of hours of work
• Set your own schedule—work as much or as little as you want
• Stay involved in the game without being a player or coach
• Keep active, especially during the school year
• Build long-term potential—experienced officials can move up to state playoffs or even college-level games

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Get Started with Primary Coverage Officiating

If you’re in Central Florida and want to start officiating basketball, Primary Coverage Officiating makes it easy. They’ll guide you through certification, help you get your gear, and start assigning you to games based on your comfort level.

You don’t need any previous experience—just a willingness to learn and a love for the game.

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Ready to Earn on the Court?

Reach out to Primary Coverage Officiating today and start your journey as a high school basketball referee in Florida.