The Florida Department of Health in Clay County is offering $22 heart screenings and $45 sports physicals at its Fleming Island clinic, giving families an affordable option to meet Florida's new cardiac screening requirements for high school athletes.

The expanded services come as students prepare for spring sports under the Second Chance Act, a state law requiring certain student-athletes to complete an electrocardiogram, or EKG, before participating in school athletics.

The law took effect July 1, 2025, with the screening requirement beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

According to the health department's website, sports physicals cost $45 and EKG screenings cost $22. Both fees are based on 150% of the current Medicare rate, and results are available within five days.

"This initiative is part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our youth and DOH-Clay's mission to meet the public health needs of our Clay County residents while keeping costs down," Health Officer Heather Huffman said in a statement reported by Action News Jax on Oct. 8.

Who needs an EKG?

Under the Florida High School Athletic Association's requirements, the screening applies to incoming ninth-grade student-athletes and students in grades 10 through 12 who have never participated in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport.

Returning athletes who previously participated in high school sports are not required to undergo a new EKG, although the association encourages screening.

An EKG performed on or after July 1, 2024, satisfies the new requirement.

Students must submit the FHSAA's EL1 ECG Screening Form, which documents completion of the screening. The form includes parent or guardian information, verification by a medical professional and referral information when additional evaluation is necessary.

The association also requires annual sports physicals, documented separately on the EL2 form.

The law permits exceptions for written religious objections, qualifying physician-certified medical exemptions and circumstances in which a school district cannot arrange screenings costing less than $50 per student.

Law targets hidden heart conditions

The Second Chance Act was named in honor of Chance Gainer, an 18-year-old Port St. Joe football player who died after collapsing during a game in September 2024.

The legislation aims to identify potentially dangerous heart conditions that might not be detected during a routine sports physical.

An EKG is a painless test that measures the heart's electrical activity. It can help identify abnormalities associated with certain heart rhythm disorders and other cardiac conditions.

Students who receive abnormal results cannot participate in school sports until they obtain the required written medical clearance.

The Clay County health department said its providers do not diagnose heart conditions through the screening program. Students whose results require additional evaluation are referred to appropriate specialists.

How families can schedule

Appointments are available through the Florida Department of Health in Clay County at 1845 Town Center Blvd., Building 400, in Fleming Island.

Families can call 904-529-2800 to schedule a sports physical, EKG screening or both services.

Parents should bring identification, an insurance card and any relevant medical information, including documentation supporting a possible screening exemption.

The clinic operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Families can also consult their school's athletic director or the FHSAA website for required forms and additional screening information.