Florida’s Second Chance Act will require first-time high school student-athletes in grades 9–12 to complete a heart screening, including an ECG, before participating in school sports beginning July 1, 2026. Supporters say the law aims to identify hidden heart conditions early and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Read more…
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, Florida will require EKG screenings for incoming and first-time high school athletes to help detect hidden heart conditions before participation. The mandate, part of the Second Chance Act, aims to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest—the leading cause of death among student-athletes—by identifying issues early. Read more…
A Jacksonville mother who lost her son to sudden cardiac arrest says Florida’s new ECG screening law could help save lives. Beginning July 1, incoming high school student-athletes will be required to receive a one-time ECG before participating in sports, and Duval County Public Schools is already offering free screenings for rising 9th graders. Read more…
An ECG screening conducted under Florida’s Second Chance Act identified a cardiac abnormality in a student’s cousin, allowing for early intervention before a potential life-threatening event. The case underscores how required screenings can detect hidden conditions and prevent sudden cardiac arrest in young people. Read more…
Florida’s Second Chance Act requires student-athletes to receive ECG screenings, with schools and partners offering free or low-cost options to improve access. Experts say these screenings can identify hidden heart conditions early—often the only way to detect certain abnormalities—and help prevent sudden cardiac death. Read more…
Expanded access to AEDs and strong implementation of Florida’s Second Chance Act can significantly improve survival outcomes for students experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The opinion piece emphasizes that early detection, emergency preparedness, and rapid response—including access to AEDs—are critical to saving lives in school settings. Read more…
Sarasota County Schools partnered with Who We Play For to offer $20 ECG heart screenings for student-athletes ahead of Florida’s Second Chance Act. The screenings help detect hidden heart conditions early and prevent sudden cardiac arrest. Read more…
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