Mike Heath swam for the University of Florida, helping them win NCAA team titles in 1983 and 1984. He won four NCAA titles himself, and was named an All-American in 19 events. Heath graduated from Florida in 1988 with a degree in sport and exercise science. Heath competed for the United States at the 1984 Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 200 freestyle, and gold medals in both freestyle relays. At the 1985 Pan Pacifics he won three gold medals, winning the 200 freestyle, and swimming on both wining freestyle relays. He also competed at the 1986 World Championships, winning a gold meal in the 4x100 free relay, and a silver in the 4x200 free relay.
Heath later became a swim coach at Beaches Aquatic Club in Jacksonville and then a coach at the Spartan Aquatic Club in Orange Park, Florida. He then switched careers and worked as a Florida Fish and Wildlife Officer in Clay County, Florida.