Florida screens every newborn for 37 core conditions and up to 23 secondary conditions, around 60 in total, through the Florida Department of Health, alongside a hearing test and a critical congenital heart disease check. In January 2025 the state added GAMT deficiency to the panel. The screened conditions span genetic, endocrine, hemoglobin, immune, and metabolic categories.
The screening sample is collected from a heel prick before the baby leaves the hospital, generally between 24 and 48 hours of age. Results are returned to your baby’s provider, and out-of-range results lead to confirmatory testing.
Florida newborn screening at a glance
- Conditions screened: 37 core plus up to 23 secondary (around 60), plus hearing and critical congenital heart disease
- Specimen: heel prick, typically 24–48 hours after birth
- Program: Florida Department of Health Newborn Screening Program
- Compared to the RUSP: closely aligned with the federal core panel; GAMT added January 2025
What the Florida panel covers
Florida screens for metabolic conditions such as PKU and MCAD deficiency, endocrine conditions such as congenital hypothyroidism and CAH, hemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, SCID, SMA, and GAMT deficiency, among others.
Why the Florida panel stops where it does
Florida’s panel is closely aligned with federal recommendations, and the reason it does not cover more is budget and process, not capability. A public program works within a fixed amount per child, and adding a condition means clearing evidence review, funding lab capacity, and formal adoption, which is why GAMT deficiency was a notable 2025 addition. Treatable conditions that today’s technology can already detect are waiting on that slow pipeline.
How Fore extends newborn screening
Fore Genomics offers an at-home genetic screen that uses a simple cheek swab to assess the genes tied to more than 1,000 clinically actionable, childhood-onset conditions, well beyond any state panel. Samples are sequenced in CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited labs, and results come with support from board-certified genetic counselors. It does not replace the Florida state screen. It extends it, using technology that is available today.
See how it works or start screening.
Frequently asked questions
How many conditions does Florida screen for?
37 core conditions and up to 23 secondary conditions, around 60 in total, plus hearing and critical congenital heart disease screening.
Is newborn screening mandatory in Florida?
Florida law provides for newborn screening of every infant, with limited exemptions. See current Florida Department of Health guidance for details.
When is the Florida test done?
The heel-prick sample is usually collected 24 to 48 hours after birth, before discharge from the hospital or birth facility.
Medically reviewed by Fore’s Clinical Team. This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. State screening panels change; confirm current details with the Florida Department of Health. Sources: Florida Department of Health Newborn Screening Program; HRSA Recommended Uniform Screening Panel.