Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida law will require certain student athletes to complete a cardiac screening prior to participation in school‑sponsored athletic programs. The requirement is outlined in §1006.20, Florida Statutes (CS/CS/CS/SB 1070 – the “Second Chance Act”) and is designed to help detect undiagnosed heart conditions that may lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) screening requirement applies to:
Incoming ninth‑grade students, and
Current high school students who have not previously participated in a sport sanctioned by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)
An ECG screening is a quick, non‑invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can identify potential cardiac conditions that may not be detected during a standard sports physical.
To support student safety and assist families with meeting this new requirement, the School District of Manatee County is partnering with Who We Play For to offer safe and affordable ECG screenings for eligible student athletes.
Register for ECG Screening
Upcoming:
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Palmetto High | 9am-1pm
There will be two additional screenings offered during the summer at Manatee Technical College on June 16 and July 7. Once the schedule for those dates is finalized, it will be posted.
The School District of Manatee County remains committed to protecting the health and safety of student athletes while supporting families in meeting state requirements. To learn more about the new requirements, please visit https://www.manateeschools.net/ecgscreening or contact your school’s athletic department.