Back‑to‑School Physicals: What Florida Parents Need to Know

As summer moves along and a new school year approaches, many families start prepping with supplies, schedules, and school forms. One important step that often gets left until the last minute is scheduling a school or sports physical. 

While these exams may feel routine, they play a meaningful role in supporting your child’s health, development, and readiness for school — especially for students participating in athletics. Getting ahead of the rush can make the process smoother for everyone. 

Below, we’ll walk through what school and sports physicals include, why they’re important, and what Florida families need to know about EKG requirements for student‑athletes. 

What Is a School Physical and What Does It Include? 

A school physical is a comprehensive health visit that helps confirm your child is healthy, developing appropriately, and ready to attend school. Many schools require an updated physical at key milestones — such as entering kindergarten, middle school, or high school — or when transferring schools. 

During a school physical, providers typically review medical history, measure growth, check vital signs, screen vision and hearing, review vaccination status, and assess overall development and well‑being. These visits help identify concerns early, including issues that could affect learning, behavior, or classroom participation. 

For many students, a school physical also serves as the foundation for participation in school‑based activities, including physical education and athletics. 

What Is a Sports Physical and Why Is It Required? 

A sports physical, also called a Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE), is required for students who plan to participate in organized sports. Its purpose is to determine whether it’s safe for a child or teen to take part in athletic activities. 

In addition to a general physical exam, sports physicals focus more closely on: 

• Heart and lung health 

• Joint strength, flexibility, and past injuries 

• History of concussions or fainting 

• Chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes 

Sports physicals also give providers the opportunity to offer guidance on injury prevention, conditioning, and safe participation throughout the season. 

Medical organizations recommend completing sports physicals at least six weeks before the season begins, allowing time for any follow‑up care if needed. 

Florida School & Sports Physical Requirements: When Is an EKG Needed? 

For Florida families, school and sports physicals now come with an important update related to heart health screening. 

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Florida’s Second Chance Act requires certain high school student‑athletes to complete a one‑time electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) as part of sports participation clearance.  

Who Needs an EKG in Florida? 

An EKG is required for: 

• All incoming ninth‑grade student‑athletes 

• Students in grades 10–12 participating in a school sport for the first time 

Returning student‑athletes are not required to repeat the test, though repeat screening may be encouraged based on medical history or provider guidance.  

Importantly, EKGs are not required for general school attendance — they apply only to athletic participation. 

What Is an EKG and Why Is It Required? 

An EKG is a quick, painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity. It helps identify hidden structural or rhythm‑related heart conditions that can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest during intense physical activity. 

Research shows that adding an EKG to standard sports physical screening can significantly improve detection of serious cardiac conditions compared to history‑based exams alone.  

If an EKG shows an abnormal or unclear result, students are temporarily restricted from sports participation until they receive further evaluation and medical clearance — often from a pediatric cardiologist.  

Getting an EKG at Pediatric Associates 

At Pediatric Associates, we make it easier for families to meet Florida’s new sports requirements. EKG testing is available at select Pediatric Associates locations, so many student‑athletes can complete their sports physical and EKG in the same visit. 

Our care teams coordinate the process, explain results clearly, and guide next steps if additional evaluation is needed—helping families move forward with confidence and minimal delays. 

Find an EKG Location Near You 

Why School and Sports Physicals Are Important for Children and Teens 

Supporting Learning and Development 

School physicals help ensure your child can see, hear, move, and focus comfortably in the classroom. Early identification of vision, hearing, or developmental concerns can make a meaningful difference in academic success.  

Keeping Student‑Athletes Safe 

Sports physicals — especially when combined with EKG screening when required — help reduce the risk of injury and identify conditions that may need monitoring or treatment before athletic participation. 

Monitoring Whole‑Child Wellness 

Many physicals include conversations around sleep, nutrition, stress, and emotional health — all of which play an important role in how children feel and perform at school. 

Building Consistent Care Over Time 

Completing physicals with a trusted pediatric care team helps maintain a complete medical record and supports ongoing care for chronic conditions like asthma, ADHD, or allergies.  

What to Expect During a School or Sports Physical 

While each child’s visit may look slightly different, most school and sports physicals include: 

• Medical history review 

• Height, weight, and growth tracking 

• Blood pressure and vital signs 

• Vision and hearing screening 

• Heart, lung, and musculoskeletal exam 

• Vaccine review and updates (if needed) 

• Sports‑specific clearance and required forms 

For Florida athletes, an EKG may be completed or reviewed, depending on eligibility and timing.  

When to Schedule School and Sports Physicals to Avoid the Back‑to‑School Rush  

Scheduling early, ideally 4–6 weeks before school or sports begin, gives families time for: 

• Required paperwork and forms 

• Any needed follow‑up testing or referrals 

• Reduced stress during peak summer scheduling 

• Ensuring students are cleared before the season starts 

This is especially helpful for Florida families navigating new athletic screening requirements.  

Final Thoughts for Parents Planning the School Year 

School and sports physicals are more than a formality — they’re an opportunity to support your child’s health, safety, and confidence heading into a new school year. For Florida families, understanding how EKG requirements fit into sports clearance helps ensure there are no last‑minute surprises. 

Planning ahead gives families peace of mind and helps students start the year healthy, prepared, and ready to participate. 

References & Further Reading  

• West Coast Pediatrics – The Importance of School Physical Exams 

• EG Healthcare – School Physical Exam: A Guide on What to Expect 

• Fairway Children’s Medical Group – Why School Physicals Are Important 

• MedBound Times – Why Regular Physical Exams Are Essential for School‑Age Children 

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (Sports Physicals) 

• MedHaven Health – Sports Physical Exam: What to Expect 

• Cleveland Clinic – Sports Physicals: What to Expect 

• HealthyChildren.org (AAP) – Well‑Child Care Visits: A Check‑Up for Success 

• Florida High School Athletic Association - FHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Update Regarding ECG Screening Recommendations Under The Second Chance Act 

• Florida Senate - FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FINAL BILL ANALYSIS