New ECG Rules Will Change Tampa Student Sports

Florida’s new ECG rule for student athletes starts on July 1, and Tampa-area schools are already building screening calendars around it. The law, known as the Second Chance Act, requires a cleared electrocardiogram before a student can participate in Florida High School Athletic Association sports for the first time in high school. (flsenate.gov) In Hillsborough County, that applies to rising ninth graders and older students in grades 10 through 12 who have never before played a high school sport. Districts and hospital systems are now lining up free and low-cost screenings to keep athletes eligible before fall practices begin. (hillsboroughschools.org) ### Which students in Tampa will actually need an ECG? Hillsborough County Public Schools says the requirement begins with the 2026-2027 school year and covers students participating in FHSAA athletics for the first time. (hillsboroughschools.org) The district says that includes rising ninth graders who plan to join a high school athletic program and students in grades 10 through 12 who have not previously played a high school sport. The Florida House bill analysis says the statewide requirement applies to public school students in grades 9 through 12 before participating in athletics, with exemptions for religious objections, medical exemptions and districts that cannot secure screenings for less than $50 per student through public-private partnerships. (flsenate.gov) An ECG completed within two years before the 2026-2027 school year can count toward the requirement. ### What changes once a screening comes back abnormal? The Florida House bill analysis says students with abnormal ECG results must be barred from participation until they obtain medical clearance. The same analysis says FHSAA bylaws must incorporate that prohibition and update the uniform preparticipation physical evaluation and history form. (hillsboroughschools.org) FHSAA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee said in its November update that clinicians must use the current International Criteria for Electrocardiographic Interpretation in Athletes. The association also said it was preparing a one-page standardized form with parent attestation, clinician verification and referral information if follow-up is needed. (flsenate.gov) ### How much will families around Tampa have to pay? Hillsborough County’s athletics page lists a mix of free and $20 screening events at sites including the Boys and Girls Club in Wimauma, BayCare Medical Group Pediatrics in Hyde Park, Jefferson High School, Bloomingdale High School and Plant City High School. (flsenate.gov) The district says it has partnered with local healthcare providers to offer free or low-cost regional opportunities. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital said in April it planned low-cost options, including a $25 ECG at several outpatient sites and walk-in availability at its Tampa urgent care location. BayCare said on April 22 that it was expanding community-based screening access in response to the law. (fhsaa.com) ### Why are schools and hospitals moving now, before fall sports? July 1 is the date the law takes effect, but schools need documentation before athletes can be cleared for participation. Hillsborough County’s eligibility page says the ECG screening form will be one of the required items completed before registration of student-athletes. (hillsboroughschools.org) BayCare said its pediatric cardiology, clinical operations and community partners had been preparing for increased demand tied to the new law. FHSAA also told families to complete screenings early, noting that an ECG performed on or after July 1, 2024 can satisfy the requirement. (hopkinsmedicine.org) ### Where can Tampa families look next? Hillsborough County Public Schools has posted upcoming ECG events through June 5, including appointments in Tampa, Valrico, Plant City and Wimauma, and says BayCare appointments are also available across Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. Families can also check with their school athletic director or athletic trainer, according to FHSAA’s guidance. (hillsboroughschools.org) The next deadline is July 1, 2026, when the Second Chance Act takes effect statewide. By then, first-time high school athletes who plan to join FHSAA sports in Tampa-area schools will need cleared ECG documentation on file or a qualifying exemption under the law. (flsenate.gov) (hillsboroughschools.org) (baycare.org)