If you have read that the deadline is December 15, that was nearly true. A 2025 rule would have shortened the window to November 1 through December 15 beginning with plan year 2027, but a federal court struck the relevant provisions in June 2026, and a CMS statement on July 27, 2026 confirmed open enrollment on the federally facilitated Marketplace will run November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Many websites have not caught up.
| Enroll by | Coverage starts |
|---|---|
| December 15, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
| January 15, 2027 | February 1, 2027 |
| After January 15 | Only with a Special Enrollment Period |
How it works
Florida uses the federally facilitated Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, so these are the dates that apply here. Enrolling by December 15 gives you coverage from January 1 with no gap. Enrolling between December 16 and January 15 still gets you a 2027 plan, but it starts February 1, leaving January uncovered. If you already have a Marketplace plan and do nothing, you are generally re-enrolled automatically, which is rarely the cheapest outcome.
What changes it
After January 15 you need a Special Enrollment Period, which requires a qualifying life event: losing other coverage, moving, marrying, having a baby, or a change in income that affects eligibility. These are time-limited, usually 60 days from the event, and you may be asked to document them.
What to do next
Do not let automatic re-enrollment decide for you. Plans change their networks, formularies and prices every year, and the plan that was right in 2026 may not be in 2027. Check your income estimate for the year as well, because that is what the premium tax credit is calculated from.
Read the full guide: What changed in the 2027 Marketplace rules
Related questions
Is the deadline December 15 or January 15?
January 15, 2027. December 15 is the date to enroll by if you want coverage starting January 1 rather than February 1.
What if I miss January 15?
You generally need a Special Enrollment Period, which requires a qualifying life event such as losing coverage, moving or a change in household.
Does Florida have its own deadline?
No. Florida uses the federal Marketplace, so the federal dates apply.
Sources
- Health Insurance Marketplace — HealthCare.gov (CMS) · read 2026-10-13
This page explains published rules and figures, with the source for each one. It is not advice about your own situation.