Medically reviewed by Shane D. Naidoo, MD
Medical Director, TrufaMED Urgent Care & Concierge Medicine
Board-Certified, Emergency Medicine
Last reviewed: August 2026
Florida High School Athletic Association rules require every student athlete to complete a pre-participation physical examination (the EL2 form) before practicing or competing in the 2026-2027 school year. Beach High, Krop, Cushman, Carrollton, Gulliver, Riviera, MAST, and most Miami Beach private schools require the completed form before week one of practice.
We run pre-participation physicals at our Surfside clinic seven days a week with same-day appointments available throughout July and August. This is the checklist for parents and athletes.
What The EL2 Physical Covers
The Florida EL2 form covers medical history and physical examination components recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the AHA for adolescent athletes:
- Medical history review — personal and family cardiovascular history specifically
- Vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight
- Cardiac auscultation, including position changes
- Pulmonary examination
- Musculoskeletal screen with attention to past injuries
- Vision screening
- Abdominal examination
- Skin exam where applicable
- Neurologic screen including concussion history review
- Discussion of risk-taking behaviors, mental health, nutrition, and supplements
The cardiac history is the most important element. Sudden cardiac death in young athletes is rare but the screening exam is designed to catch the small number of cases with warning signs — syncope during exercise, family history of premature cardiac death, known structural cardiac disease.
What To Bring To The Visit
- EL2 form (download from your school website or pick one up at our front desk)
- Photo ID (parent and athlete)
- Insurance card (if billing insurance)
- List of medications, including supplements
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses if used
- Athletic shoes if comfortable for the joint range-of-motion screen
If your athlete has a prior cardiac evaluation, prior concussion, prior orthopedic injury, or a chronic condition (asthma, diabetes, attention disorder), bring records or a summary letter from the treating physician. This lets us complete the form without back-and-forth.
Cost And Insurance
Most major Florida insurance plans cover the annual sports physical as part of the well-child or adolescent well visit benefit. Standard copay applies.
Self-pay rate: $89 for the EL2 physical, including the completed form and standard vision screen. EKG add-on (recommended for high-intensity sports and any athlete with a positive family history) is an additional $40.
Same-Day Scheduling
We schedule sports physicals seven days a week. Most appointments take 20 to 30 minutes. Reserve a slot online to skip the waiting room, or walk in — we accommodate same-day for most days during August.
Group bookings for sports teams: we can arrange a school-day or weekend morning slot for a full team. Contact our front desk if your athletic director or club is interested.
Beyond The Form: When To Refer Out
Most athletes get cleared without issue. A small number need additional evaluation before clearance:
- Any history of syncope, dizziness, or chest pain with exercise — cardiology referral
- Family history of sudden cardiac death under age 50
- New or unexplained heart murmur on exam
- Recent concussion within the last 30 days — concussion management referral
- Significant orthopedic injury without clearance from the treating physician
- Severe untreated mental health concerns
We coordinate the referral and follow-up directly so the student can return to clearance as soon as the additional evaluation is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an EKG required for the EL2 physical?
Not by state regulation. The American Heart Association does not currently recommend universal EKG screening for adolescent athletes. We recommend EKG as an add-on for athletes in high-intensity sports (football, soccer, cross country, rowing, wrestling) and for any athlete with a positive family history of cardiac disease.
How long is the EL2 form valid?
One year from the date of the physical exam. Athletes need a new form annually.
Can my pediatrician sign the form instead?
Yes — any Florida-licensed MD, DO, ARNP, or PA can sign the EL2. Our urgent care offers it as a same-day walk-in option for families whose pediatrician has a longer wait.
Do you offer concussion baseline testing?
We can coordinate ImPACT baseline testing for athletes in collision and combat sports. Ask at the visit.