Second Chance EKG Law

New FL Law Aims To Prevent Cardiac Deaths in Youth Athletics

Starting this fall, all Florida high school athletes must undergo a one-time EKG screening under the Second Chance Act, a law born from tragedy.

Rep. Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe, championed the bill after 16-year-old Chance Gainer collapsed on the field and died during a football game in September from an undetected heart condition. He said the incident rocked the close-knit town.

“Bleachers are full, Chance had just run his second 70-yard touchdown and they started the next play and right at the 50-yard line he collapsed,” Shoaf recounted. “Of course they rushed the field, the parents came on the field, EMTs came out, and Chance had passed right there.”

The Second Chance Act mandates that all Florida high school athletes complete at least one EKG screening before participating in interscholastic sports, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. 

Chance’s autopsy showed “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,” the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings cost families no more than $20, with free options available through nonprofits like “Who We Play For” already operating in multiple counties.

Shoaf explained Chance’s death exposed a hidden danger, with undiagnosed heart conditions threatening every one in 300 young athletes.

“Anyone entering into high school athletics from grade 9 through 12 will have to get a one time EKG,” Shoaf explained. “If that EKG reading shows an abnormality, then they will be held back or disqualified from participating in any sport until they go to a pediatric cardiologist.”

Chance’s death mobilized Florida lawmakers to pass the Second Chance Act with bipartisan support.

Gov. DeSantis signed it into law last month, and last week, more than 100 people gathered at Port St. Joe High School for free EKG screenings to mark the new law.