High school athletes in Florida are now required to pass an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) screening before the beginning of the new school year. This applies to:

• All incoming ninth grade student-athletes.
• Any student in grades 10-12 who has never previously participated in any sports.

This is required by a Florida state law called the Second Chance Act that will go into effect in fall 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year.

The bill allows a student who has received an EKG/ECG in the two years prior to the 2026-2027 school year to use that EKG/ECG scan to meet the requirement. If a student has an EKG/ECG that detects a problem, they must get written medical clearance from a doctor to play sports. 

What to Expect

An EKG/ECG can help diagnose irregular heartbeats and other problems that could lead to a heart attack.

An EKG/ECG is done by attaching stickers with electrodes to the chest, and sometimes arms and legs. It is painless and typically takes less than five minutes. 

Where to Get an EKG/ECG Screening

There are several options and locations available for families to obtain an EKG/ECG screening for sports physicals:

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Outpatient Care Centers: Beginning July 1, 2026

Screenings will be available at many Johns Hopkins All Children’s Outpatient Care locations.

The cost is $25. No insurance used, but a prescription from your child’s pediatrician is required. The prescription should specify “Sports Screening.” (The screening includes the EKG/ECG test and does not include a visit with a cardiologist.) 

Your child's test results will be sent back to the referring physician, and will also be available in the MyChart patient portal.

Contact:

Call 727-767-3333 for more information on location availability and to schedule your child’s test.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s After Hours Pediatric Urgent Care: Beginning July 1, 2026

Screenings are also available at Johns Hopkins All Children’s After Hours Pediatric Urgent Care in Tampa.

The cost is $25. No insurance used and no prescription required.

Screenings are provided on a walk-in basis. After Hours Urgent Care hours are Monday through Friday 5 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Learn more about our location and hours.
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​Your child's test results will be available in the MyChart patient portal.

Contact:

Call 727-767-8170 for more information. 

Community Screenings:

Screenings will also be available at locations throughout the community, through the organization Who We Play For.

The cost is $20, but no one will be turned away if unable to pay. No insurance used and no prescription required.

Who We Play For will provide information on how your child's test results will be provided to you.

Contact:

Find more information and register for an upcoming screening on the website WhoWePlayFor.org, or call Who We Play For at 321-247-8786 for more information.