New ECG Requirement for High School Athletes
Starting with the 2026–2027 school year, Florida law (the "Second Chance Act") requires 6th-12th grade student-athletes to have an Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) screening before participating in FHSAA-sanctioned sports. The mandate primarily targets incoming 9th graders and athletes new to the school, requiring documentation (EL1 form) for clearance.
- Who Must Get Screened: All incoming 9th-grade student-athletes, and any student in grades 10–12 who has never previously participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport.
- Returning Athletes: While not mandatory, returning athletes are strongly encouraged to get an ECG.
- Documentation: A new one-page standardized form (often referred to as EL1 or included in the EL2 packet) must be completed to confirm the ECG.
- Exemptions: Parents may opt-out based on religious tenets or practices.
- What it Covers: The, non-invasive, test checks the heart's electrical activity for hidden conditions that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
- Validity: An EKG completed up to 2 years prior to the 2026-2027 school year will satisfy the requirement.
Where to have it done:
The Lee County School District and Who We Play host heart screening events for future athletes. $20 donations are appreciated.
For upcoming events, visit https://www.whoweplayfor.org/heart-screening-registration or call 847-722-4659
Lee Health Youth Athlete EKG screening service (click here)
Golisano Outpatient Center at HealthPark Commons
6281 Bass Road, Suite 100
Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-343-9400
Golisano Outpatient Center at the Sanctuary
8960 Colonial Center Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33905
239-343-7200
Send us the results once completed so we can document completion in your child’s chart.
Please text results to 239 768 2111
We recommend using one of the locations above that offers free EKG screenings. If that isn’t possible, we can provide an order for the test elsewhere.
Contact ICPEDS to have EKG order (ask your health insurance if this is a covered test or not)
