Florida WBGT rules for high school sports.
Florida requires an on-site WBGT device and a cooling zone. The latest public revised handbook contains five mandatory practice bands; confirmation against the 2026–27 handbook is due.
What coaches need to know
- Below 82.0°F WBGT: normal activity with unrestricted water and the required cooling zone.
- 82.1–87.0°F: three separate 4-minute rest breaks each hour.
- 87.1–90.0°F: maximum 2-hour activity, four breaks per hour, and football equipment limits.
- 90.1–92.0°F: maximum 1-hour activity, five breaks, no protective equipment, and no conditioning.
- 92.1°F and above: no outdoor activities.
Policy 41 — Exertional Heat Illness
Florida law and FHSAA Policy 41 require member schools to monitor heat stress at the activity site with a WBGT device and recheck approximately every 30 minutes. These thresholds are from the latest publicly available revised handbook and are awaiting confirmation in the 2026–27 handbook.
| Condition | What the coach does |
|---|---|
| WBGT up to 82° | Normal activities
|
| WBGT 82.1°–87° | Add three rest breaks each hour
|
| WBGT 87.1°–90° | Limit activity to 2 hours
|
| WBGT 90.1°–92° | Limit activity to 1 hour; no conditioning
|
| WBGT 92.1° and above | No outdoor activities
|
Check my location’s forecastRead the official source
Use the current governing document. Local schools, districts, leagues, activities, and medical staff may apply additional or stricter requirements.