How Much Do Youth Sports Referees Make in Florida? [2025 Guide]

Looking for a flexible side job that pays well and keeps you active? Officiating youth sports in Florida could be the perfect fit. Whether you're a student, a teacher, a former athlete, or just someone who enjoys being part of the game, refereeing gives you a front-row seat to the action—and it pays more than you might think.

If you live in Central Florida, Primary Coverage Officiating is a great organization to get you started. They’ll help you get certified, equipped, and assigned to games based on your interests and availability.

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What’s the Pay Like for Youth Sports Referees in Florida?

Referee pay depends on the sport, the level of the game, and your experience. Here’s a breakdown of typical pay ranges you can expect in Florida:

Basketball

• Youth Rec Leagues: $30–$50 per game
• Club/AAU/Travel Ball: $50–$70 per game
• High school JV or Freshman games: $60–$80 per game

Football

• Youth Leagues: $35–$60 per game
• Middle School or JV: $60–$85 per game
• Varsity-level roles can go up to $100+ per game depending on the assignment

Soccer

• Recreational leagues (U8–U12): $25–$40 per game
• Competitive leagues (U13–U18): $40–$65 per game
• Assistant Referees: $20–$35 per game

Baseball/Softball

• Tee-ball or Coach Pitch: $25–$40 per game
• Older divisions or tournament play: $45–$65+ per game
• Plate umpires often make slightly more than field/base umpires

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How Many Games Can You Work?

One of the biggest advantages of officiating is the flexibility. You can work as little or as much as you want, depending on your schedule. Most games happen:

• Weekday evenings after school or work
• Weekend mornings and afternoons
• All day during tournaments, especially in spring and summer

If you work 3 games in a day at $50 per game, that’s $150 in a single day. Multiply that by a few days per week, and the income starts to add up.

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What Impacts Your Pay?

Several things affect how much you’ll earn per game:

• Sport and age group: Older and more competitive levels usually pay more
• Your role: Lead officials (referees, umpires) typically make more than assistants
• Experience: More experienced refs often get assigned to better-paying games
• Game type: Tournament games and playoff matchups tend to pay more
• Travel distance: Some leagues offer additional compensation for longer commutes

Primary Coverage Officiating helps match you with the right games based on your experience and comfort level, and you can work your way up to more competitive and higher-paying assignments over time.

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Why Officiating is a Great Side Hustle in 2025

• Pays well compared to most part-time jobs
• You control your schedule
• No office or long shifts—you show up, work the game, and you're done
• Keeps you active and close to the sports you enjoy
• Opens the door to more opportunities, including high school playoffs or even college-level games with enough experience

Officiating is also a great way to build soft skills like communication, confidence, and leadership—all while getting paid.

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Want to Get Started? Work with Primary Coverage Officiating

If you're based in Central Florida, Primary Coverage Officiating is here to help. They work with new and returning referees across multiple sports, making sure you have everything you need to succeed on the court or field.

They’ll help you:

• Get certified in your sport of choice
• Learn the rules and mechanics
• Get the right uniform and gear
• Start getting assigned to real games

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Ready to Start Making Money as a Referee?

Contact Primary Coverage Officiating today and find out how to become a youth sports official in Florida. Get trained, get certified, and get in the game.