Open Enrollment is your annual window to enroll in, change, or renew an ACA marketplace health plan for the coming year. In Florida, Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage ran from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. For coverage starting January 1, enrollment must be completed by December 15. Miss that date and coverage doesn't start until February 1. This guide covers every step — from gathering documents to confirming coverage — so you don't fall through the cracks.
November 1, 2025: Open Enrollment begins. You can preview plans and submit applications. New 2026 plans take effect January 1, 2026 if enrolled by December 15.
December 15, 2025: Enrollment deadline for January 1 coverage. Most critical deadline — missing it means waiting until January for a February 1 effective date.
January 15, 2026: Florida OEP closes. Final deadline to enroll for February 1 coverage. After January 15, enrollment closes unless you have a qualifying event for a Special Enrollment Period.
Florida does not have a state-based marketplace — all enrollments go through HealthCare.gov. The federal marketplace does not offer a grace extension beyond January 15 for most enrollees.
Have these documents ready before you begin your application:
Income is the most important input — it determines your APTC and CSR eligibility. For the 2026 plan year, estimate your 2026 MAGI based on expected earnings.
If you don't actively re-enroll during Open Enrollment, HealthCare.gov may auto-enroll you in your current plan or a similar plan for 2026. This seems convenient but creates risks: your plan may have changed networks, formulary, or premium; your APTC amount may have changed based on IRS data; or a better-value plan may now be available in your county.
Always actively compare plans during Open Enrollment, even if you're satisfied with your current plan. Spend 15 minutes on HealthCare.gov reviewing your options — it can save hundreds of dollars annually.
Step 1: Create or log into your HealthCare.gov account.
Step 2: Complete or update your application with current household and income information.
Step 3: Review your eligibility results — APTC amount, CSR tier, and whether any household members qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
Step 4: Browse plans. Filter by metal tier, carrier, and network type. Check drug coverage if you take regular medications.
Step 5: Select your plan and confirm enrollment. You'll receive an enrollment confirmation number.
Step 6: Pay your first premium directly to the carrier by December 31 to activate January 1 coverage.
Selecting a plan on HealthCare.gov is not the same as having coverage. You must pay your first month's premium directly to the carrier by the deadline — typically December 31 for January 1 coverage. If you miss the payment, your coverage is not active. The carrier will send payment instructions after your enrollment is confirmed. Set up autopay to avoid future lapses.
Open Enrollment for the 2026 plan year started November 1, 2025 and closed January 15, 2026. For 2027 coverage, Open Enrollment will run November 1 – January 15, 2027.
Only with a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, birth, move to a new coverage area). Without a qualifying event, you must wait for the next Open Enrollment Period.
No — Florida uses the federally-facilitated marketplace at HealthCare.gov. There is no state-specific portal for ACA enrollment in Florida.
If you miss January 15 without a qualifying event, you generally cannot get ACA coverage until the next Open Enrollment. Consider short-term health insurance as a temporary bridge, though it does not offer ACA-compliant essential health benefits.
We compare every available plan in your Florida county and help you enroll before the deadline. Free, no-obligation consultation.
Get a Free Consultation