Your Florida Health Insurance Broker, Statewide
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.
Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage
For 2027 plans, Open Enrollment generally runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 — enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start (a few state-run marketplaces set their own dates, which I'll confirm for you). Worth knowing this year: the enhanced premium subsidies that held costs down through 2025 have scaled back, so many self-employed people in Florida are seeing higher premiums for 2027 — if you're near the income cutoff, it's worth re-running your numbers rather than assuming last year's plan still fits. See the full 2027 Open Enrollment guide or run your numbers in the estimator.
How health coverage works in Florida
Florida uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace for ACA plans — what many Floridians still call Obamacare — 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.
When you can enroll in Florida
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.
Tampa Bay and Florida’s self-employed economy
Florida’s my home base — I work out of the Tampa Bay area as an independent broker, and no state has more of the people I’m built for. Florida runs on self-employment: the contractors and trades across Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville; the hospitality and service-business owners; the 1099 consultants and gig professionals; and the early retirees and pre-Medicare snowbirds who need a bridge plan until 65. It’s also a state thick with noise and hard-sell pitches, so a lot of my Florida work is simply being the honest voice that lays out real options side by side — no pressure, no fine-print surprises.
Who I help across Florida
- Self-employed, 1099 contractors, and gig workers buying their own coverage
- Realtors, hospitality, and seasonal workers without an employer plan
- Snowbirds and seasonal residents who need coverage that travels
- Early retirees bridging the gap to Medicare at 65
- Families, individuals, and small business owners covering their teams
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.
A local broker who's still there after you enroll
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.)
Quick answers for Florida.
Are you actually based in Florida?
Yes — my office is in Tampa. You're working with a local Florida advisor, not an out-of-state call center.
Can I buy coverage in Florida outside open enrollment?
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.
Do you serve all of Florida?
Yes, statewide — Tampa Bay, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and everywhere in between.
Do I qualify for a subsidy on a Florida marketplace plan?
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.
I'm a snowbird or split time between states — will my coverage travel?
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.
Is there a fee to work with you?
No — I'm paid by the insurance carrier when you enroll, not by you, so your premium is the same either way.
Explore coverage by situation.
Self-employed & 1099
Buying your own coverage as a freelancer, contractor, or solo business owner.
Explore self-employed →Families & individuals
Coverage for your household, built around your budget and doctors.
Explore family coverage →COBRA & coverage gaps
COBRA ending, between jobs, or losing a plan? Move fast and avoid a gap.
See gap options →Moving to a new state
A move can open a special window — and your plan may not cross state lines.
What changes when you move →Covering a team? Explore small business & group coverage → · See all service areas →
Related guides: Individual & family coverage · Special enrollment in Florida · Self-employed & 1099 · COBRA alternatives · Private vs. ACA · Short-term vs. ACA · What coverage costs · ACA subsidies
A real person, right here in Tampa — not a call center three states away. No spam, no pressure — just my number and me on the other end.
Let's find your Florida coverage.
Tell me your situation and I'll lay out what's actually available across Florida, in plain English — from someone right here in Tampa. No fee to work with me, and no pressure to enroll — just an honest comparison.