Heart test law takes effect July 1: What Florida student-athletes (and parents) need to know

FLORIDA – A new Florida law aimed at preventing sudden cardiac death in youth sports takes effect July 1, adding new requirements and setting the stage for mandatory heart screening for first-time high school athletes statewide.

The law is named in honor of Chance Gainer, a Florida high school football player who collapsed during a game and later died.

What the law does

Florida’s new requirements focus on helping identify undiagnosed heart conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.

The “Chance Gainer” Law will require student-athletes to have an electrocardiogram (EKG) as part of their sports physical starting at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.

An EKG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart by measuring electrical impulses through small electrode patches attached to the skin of the chest, arms and legs.

It is painless. The results can indicate issues such as heart attacks and irregular heartbeats.

Who it applies to

• Any first-time student-athletes in grades 9-12. So if your child is a 12th grader and is playing a high school sport for the first time, then they would need an EKG
• 8th graders transitioning to high school who plan to play sports

Why it matters

Sports physicals often rely on medical history questions and basic vitals, and some heart conditions may not cause symptoms before a cardiac event.

The National Federation of State High School Associations has reported that a significant share of catastrophic events among athletes are linked to sudden cardiac arrest.

The American Heart Association estimates thousands of children experience cardiac arrest each year.

What parents should do now (checklist)

1. Contact your school athletic department or coach and ask:
   1. Will an EKG be required for tryouts/participation this season?
   2. Will the school/district host an on-campus screening?
   3. What form/documentation does the district require?
2. Call your pediatrician’s office and ask if they offer EKGs or can refer you.
3. Keep paperwork together: sports physical form, EKG result/report (if you get one), and any follow-up clearance if an EKG flags an issue.