Florida is home. I'm a licensed independent broker based right here in Tampa — not a call center three states away. Florida leads the country in marketplace enrollment, and it runs on self-starters: 1099 contractors, real-estate and hospitality pros, snowbirds, early retirees, and families buying their own coverage. I help folks across Tampa Bay, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and the rest of the state find private under-65 coverage that actually fits.
Florida uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace for ACA plans — guaranteed-issue and subsidy-eligible if you qualify — and more Floridians enroll there than in any other state. But a huge share of the state is self-employed or seasonal, and plenty earn too much for subsidies or want more doctor flexibility than a narrow-network marketplace plan offers. Private under-65 plans often give PPO-style access and can be started outside open enrollment. I compare both sides and tell you straight which one actually fits — no income tax to factor in here, just the real numbers.
Florida runs on the federal marketplace, so open enrollment generally runs from November 1 to mid-January for coverage that starts the following year. Miss that window and you're not necessarily stuck: a qualifying life event — losing job-based or other coverage, moving, marriage, divorce, or a new baby — can open a special enrollment period of about 60 days. Many private under-65 plans can also be applied for year-round, though approval may involve underwriting, so it isn't automatic. If you're outside open enrollment and unsure what you qualify for, here's how special enrollment works in Florida — or just tell me your situation and I'll map out which window applies to you.
Every plan I place is under-65 coverage: for the self-employed, families, and early retirees covering the years until Medicare eligibility at 65. Already 65 or shopping Medicare itself? I'll point you to a specialist.
Florida's my home base, so you get a real Tampa advisor — not a 1-800 queue. I'm not captive to one carrier, so I compare your real options and recommend what fits you. One licensed advisor, start to finish. Licensed in 31 states, including Florida. (Ryan Michalek, NPN 21043091.)
Yes — my office is in Tampa. You're working with a local Florida advisor, not an out-of-state call center.
Often, yes. A qualifying life event — losing coverage, moving, marriage, or a new baby — opens a special enrollment period of about 60 days, and many private under-65 plans can be applied for year-round (approval may involve underwriting, so it isn't automatic). Tell me your situation and I'll tell you which window applies.
Yes, statewide — Tampa Bay, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and everywhere in between.
You might — marketplace subsidies depend on your household income and size, and Florida has one of the largest subsidy-eligible populations in the country. If you earn too much to qualify or want broader doctor access, I'll compare private under-65 options too, so you see both sides honestly.
It can, but network rules matter — some plans travel better than others for care outside your home area. I'll match you to coverage that fits how and where you actually live, not just one zip code.
No — I'm paid by the insurance carrier when you enroll, not by you, so your premium is the same either way.
Buying your own coverage as a freelancer, contractor, or solo business owner.
Explore self-employed →Coverage for your household, built around your budget and doctors.
Explore family coverage →COBRA ending, between jobs, or losing a plan? Move fast and avoid a gap.
See gap options →Covering a team? Explore small business & group coverage → · See all service areas →
Related guides: Special enrollment in Florida · Self-employed & 1099 · COBRA alternatives in Florida · Private vs. ACA · Short-term vs. ACA · What coverage costs · ACA subsidies
Tell me your situation and I'll lay out what's actually available across Florida, in plain English — from someone right here in Tampa.