Back-to-school season means new teachers, packed lunches, and a long list of to-dos for parents. One of the most important tasks? Making sure your child is cleared to participate in school sports and activities. Sports physicals are not just a checkbox, they’re a chance to make sure your child is healthy, safe, and ready to perform their best. Whether your child is gearing up for football tryouts or simply wants to join the school’s track team, a pre-participation physical exam is essential.

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we know how stressful the back-to-school rush can be for families. That’s why we’re offering $25 school and sports physicals for children under 18 throughout August and September. We aim to help families in the Greater Tampa Bay Area stay ahead of school requirements while keeping healthcare simple, accessible, and affordable.

 

Florida’s New EKG Requirement for High School Athletes: What Families Need to Know

There’s a new chapter unfolding in the world of youth sports across Florida, one that places heart health front and center. With recent legislation known as the Second Chance Act, Florida is making history by becoming the first state in the nation to require electrocardiogram (EKG) screenings for all high school athletes before competing in school athletics. Starting with the 2026-27 school year, this mandate is more than just a new box to check during the back-to-school season. It’s a game-changing move aimed at preventing tragic and preventable losses.

You might be asking, why now? But this law didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s rooted in the stories of young athletes like Chance Gainer and Lexi Sima, teens who faced sudden cardiac emergencies, only one of whom survived. Their experiences ignited a push for better detection of heart conditions in active youth. At its core, this change is about giving students the chance to play with peace of mind, and parents the assurance that hidden risks aren’t going unnoticed.

 

What Is the New Requirement?

The new EKG screening mandate affects all student-athletes in grades 9 through 12 in Florida public schools. Starting with the 2026-27 academic year, any high school student participating in school sports must undergo an EKG as part of their pre-participation physical evaluation. The goal is to identify potentially life-threatening heart abnormalities before they lead to sudden cardiac arrest on the field or court.

Under this law:

• Students must have an EKG completed before their first sports season in high school.
• If an EKG is already on file and was completed within two years before the start of the 2026-27 school year, it will be accepted.
• If the EKG reveals abnormalities, students will be restricted from participation until they receive clearance from a medical professional.
• Schools are encouraged to partner with private and nonprofit organizations to offer low-cost or free EKG screenings.

The law is named after Chance Gainer, a high school football player from the Florida Panhandle who collapsed and died during a game in 2024. His story, and others like it, sparked a call to action that is now shaping how schools protect their athletes.

 

Why the EKG Mandate Matters

Heart conditions that put athletes at risk of sudden cardiac arrest are often silent. These are not the kinds of problems that show up with a quick glance or a simple check of blood pressure. Unfortunately, traditional pre-sports physicals can miss these red flags, leaving teens vulnerable. That’s where EKGs come in. An EKG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical signals of the heart. It can detect structural abnormalities, arrhythmias, and other dangerous conditions that don’t present symptoms until it’s too late. While some may worry about cost or complexity, the benefits far outweigh the concerns.

 

Key Benefits of EKG Screening

Research shows that adding an EKG to the standard physical exam significantly improves detection of heart issues that could lead to sudden death. In fact, studies indicate that combining an EKG with the traditional medical history and physical exam increases the sensitivity of identifying cardiac abnormalities from about 45.5 percent to more than 90 percent. This means the EKG isn’t just helpful, it’s life-saving.

• Higher detection rates: EKGs catch many conditions that basic physicals can’t.
• Early intervention: Detecting a condition early allows for monitoring, treatment, or restriction from intense activity if needed.
• Peace of mind: Families feel more confident letting their kids play sports knowing this vital check is in place.

 

Why This Law Matters to Families

Beyond the science and policy, the heart of this change is human. The stories of young athletes who never made it home after practice are a heavy burden no family should carry. That’s why the Second Chance Act holds so much meaning.

Lexi Sima, one of the teenagers whose story helped push this legislation forward, collapsed during a treadmill workout due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Her life was saved thanks to bystanders who performed CPR and used a defibrillator. Her father, now an advocate for EKG screening, believes that a simple test could have prevented the emergency altogether. These personal experiences serve as a reminder that while rare, sudden cardiac events do happen. And when they do, they hit hard.  With EKG screenings becoming a statewide requirement, Florida is choosing to act before tragedy strikes, not after.

 

What Families Need to Know About EKG Costs

It’s important for families to understand that EKG screenings are not currently included in standard school or sports physicals. If an EKG is needed, it will be billed separately from the physical exam. 

As the statewide requirement approaches, families should plan ahead and be aware that EKG screenings will involve a separate process from traditional physicals. We’ll continue to provide clear guidance and support to help you navigate these new requirements with confidence.

 

Start Preparing Now, Even If the Law Hasn’t Kicked In

Even though the EKG requirement won’t go into effect immediately, that doesn’t mean you have to wait. Many parents are already choosing to include EKG screenings in their child’s sports physical, especially if there’s a family history of heart conditions or any history of fainting, chest pain, or dizziness during exercise.

Being proactive can bring peace of mind, and help you avoid the back-to-school rush that often comes in August.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Schedule early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Clinics can get booked up quickly.
• Bring any past records: If your child has had an EKG in the past, bring documentation.
• Ask questions: Our providers are happy to walk you through the new rules and your options.

 

Supporting a Safer Sports Culture

Florida is setting a new precedent with this law. It’s a bold move, but one grounded in compassion and supported by science. High school sports are about teamwork, discipline, and personal growth, but they should never come at the cost of a young person’s life.

As parents, coaches, schools, and healthcare providers work together, the new EKG requirement becomes more than a rule. It becomes a symbol of care and a reflection of a culture that prioritizes student well-being above all else.

Your Neighborhood Urgent Care Clinic for School, Sports, and Heart Health

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we care about your child’s safety just as much as you do. Our experienced team is here to support families through every phase of school and sports participation. We take the time to explain what’s needed, what’s optional, and what steps you can take to protect your child’s heart health.

We have many convenient locations across the Greater Tampa Bay Area, find the urgent care clinic nearest to you here, serving families in Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties. Our Save My Spot e-Check-in system lets you complete forms ahead of time for an expedited visit, helping you skip the line and get back to your day. We’re open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., giving you the flexibility to fit healthcare into your family’s busy schedule.

If your child needs a physical, visit TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track today and get the trusted care your family deserves.