Where to Get a Free or Low-Cost Sports Physical in Polk County

With a new $400 fee taking effect July 1 for private school students who play on Polk County Public Schools teams, families are looking for ways to check the sports physical box without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s available locally.

The Citrus Tea provides the following information as a community resource only and does not endorse any of the businesses or organizations listed below.

Free Option: Lakeland Regional Health

Lakeland Regional Health is offering free sports physicals at its Kathleen Campus, 2400 Kathleen Road in Lakeland. The event includes on-site EKG heart screenings provided by Who We Play For, which align with updated sports physical requirements. Check mylrh.org/events for current dates and registration details, as slots may be limited.

Low-Cost Clinics

Several Polk County urgent care and sports medicine clinics offer physicals at a fraction of the cost of a typical doctor’s office visit.

Owl Urgent Care has locations in both Lakeland and Winter Haven and offers sports physicals for $35.
Releve Sports Medicine, with offices at 475 E. Central Ave. in Winter Haven and 5421 Florida Ave. S in Lakeland, charges $40. Reach them at 863-401-4401.
CVS MinuteClinic locations, including one at 5010 S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland, offer sports physicals for around $44.
Sunshine Urgent Care in Lakeland offers walk-in sports physicals at $50, seven days a week, with no appointment needed. Call 863-777-2740.

Prices listed are sourced from clinic websites and public directories and may have changed. Call ahead to confirm current rates before you go.

Sliding Fee Scale Clinics

Families who cannot afford any out-of-pocket cost may qualify for income-based pricing at federally qualified health centers in the county. Locations include Winter Haven (863-292-4280), Lakeland (863-686-0082), Frostproof (863-635-4891), and Dundee (863-419-3330). Call the location nearest you to ask whether sports physicals are offered and what documentation is needed.

Step Up Scholarship Families

If your child receives a Step Up for Students scholarship, review the program’s current purchasing guidelines to determine whether sports-related fees, equipment, or physical exam costs may be eligible expenses. Guidelines are available at stepupforstudents.org.

One More Reminder

PCPS requires students to use the district’s own physical forms, the EL2 and EL3, which are only available through each school’s athletic director. Do not download forms from the FHSAA website. Contact your school’s athletic director to get the correct paperwork before your appointment.

Sources: Lakeland Regional Health, mylrh.org/events; Polk County Public Schools, polkschoolsfl.com/schoolsandprograms/athletics; Polk County Moms, polkcountymoms.com; FL Voices for Health, healthyfla.org/polk; Releve Sports Medicine, relevesportsmedicine.com; Sunshine Urgent Care, sunshineurgentcare.com