Open Enrollment is the annual window when Florida residents can sign up for or change an ACA marketplace health plan through HealthCare.gov. Florida uses the federal marketplace rather than running its own state exchange.
Key dates to know
- 2027 Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2026. For states using the federal Marketplace, Open Enrollment runs through December 15, 2026. Enrollment dates may vary in states that operate their own Marketplace.
- To have coverage start January 1, 2027: in states using the federal Marketplace, you generally need to enroll by December 15, 2026. This deadline may differ in states with their own Marketplace.
- Starting with this enrollment cycle, the window has shortened industry wide. There is no longer a January 15 extension that Florida residents may remember from recent years.
Open Enrollment reminder
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Leave your name and email and I'll send a reminder before 2027 Open Enrollment opens and again before it closes. That's all, no quote request and no health details needed.
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What if I miss Open Enrollment?
Outside of Open Enrollment, you can generally only enroll in or change a marketplace plan if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, typically triggered by a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage, divorce, or having a child. Most Special Enrollment Periods give you a limited window (commonly 60 days) after the event to act.
A Florida specific note
Florida did not expand Medicaid under the ACA. If your household income falls below the federal poverty level, you may fall into a coverage gap where you don't qualify for either Medicaid or marketplace subsidies. This is worth a direct conversation rather than assuming either way.
How to prepare before Open Enrollment starts
- Gather recent income information, since subsidy eligibility is based on estimated household income
- List current medications and doctors you'd like to keep, if that matters to you
- Think through any life changes from the past year that might affect your household size or income
- Reach out early. The shorter window means less time to compare options than in past years