Florida Small Business Health Insurance: Plans, Rules and Costs

By Michael Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Reviewed by Heather Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent

Florida small business health insurance covers businesses with 1 to 50 eligible employees under Florida's small group rules. You can choose a fully insured group plan, a level-funded plan or a health reimbursement arrangement that lets employees buy their own Marketplace plans.

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency based in Deerfield Beach, Florida. This guide covers the options Florida employers use, the state rules to know and how to start. Call 888-730-6031 to talk with a Florida-licensed agent.

Health Insurance Options for Florida Small Businesses

Option	How it works in Florida
Small group plan	Employer picks one or more HMO, EPO or PPO plans from a carrier licensed in Florida.
Level-funded plan	Common for healthy groups. Set monthly cost with possible refunds.
ICHRA	Employees buy individual plans on HealthCare.gov or off-exchange and get reimbursed.
QSEHRA	For fewer than 50 employees with no group plan. 2026 caps: $6,450 self, $13,100 family.
SHOP plan	Needed to claim the small business health care tax credit.

Florida Small Group Rules

Florida's Employee Health Care Access Act governs the small group market. Carriers must offer coverage to eligible small employers, and rates are based on factors like age, location and tobacco use rather than health status. The ACA essential health benefits apply.

Most carriers require at least one eligible employee who is not an owner or the owner's spouse. Outside the yearly window, carriers commonly require participation of about 50% to 75% of eligible employees and an employer contribution of at least 50% of employee-only premiums.

Florida Continuation Coverage (Mini-COBRA)

Federal COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees. Florida's Health Insurance Coverage Continuation Act fills the gap for smaller employers. Employees of Florida employers with fewer than 20 employees can generally keep their group coverage for up to 18 months after losing it, by paying the premium plus a small admin fee. In Florida, the carrier usually handles the notices for these smaller groups.

What Small Group Health Insurance Costs in Florida

Florida small group premiums are set by age band and region. South Florida counties such as Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach often price differently from North Florida. Nationally, KFF found an average 2025 small-firm premium of $9,211 a year for single coverage and $26,054 for family coverage.

The best way to know your price is a quote using your actual employee census. Read our guide to small business health insurance cost for what drives the numbers.

Why ICHRA Works Well in Florida

Florida has one of the largest ACA Marketplaces in the country, with many insurers in most counties. That gives ICHRA employees plenty of plan choices. An ICHRA lets you set a fixed allowance and offer different amounts to classes like full-time, part-time or seasonal workers, which fits tourism, hospitality, construction and service businesses.

Learn more about Florida health insurance options for individuals and families.

Industries We Help in Florida

• Restaurants and hospitality, where many workers are part-time or seasonal.
• Construction and trades crews.
• Real estate offices and professional services.
• Medical, dental and wellness practices.
• Marine, logistics and trucking businesses.

Small Business Open Enrollment in Florida

Florida follows the federal November 15 to December 15 small business open enrollment window. During this month, Florida carriers waive participation and contribution minimums for groups that apply for January 1 coverage. It is the easiest time for a very small team to start a plan.

How to Start a Florida Small Group Plan

• Gather your EIN and a recent Florida RT-6 reemployment tax report or payroll report.
• Build an employee census with dates of birth and ZIP codes.
• Decide your contribution and budget.
• Compare plans and networks, including the hospitals your team uses.
• Submit the application and first premium before the carrier's deadline.

Local Help Across Florida

We help employers statewide, including Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties. See our Pompano Beach small business health insurance page for local details.

Florida Small Business Health Insurance: FAQ

How many employees do I need for a group plan in Florida?

Usually at least one eligible W-2 employee who is not an owner or the owner's spouse.

Are Florida employers required to offer health insurance?

No. Only federal ACA rules for employers with 50 or more full-time employees apply.

Does Florida have mini-COBRA?

Yes. Florida's continuation law covers employees of employers with fewer than 20 employees.

Can Florida employers use an ICHRA?

Yes. Employees can buy plans on HealthCare.gov or directly from carriers.

When can a Florida small business enroll?

Any month if you meet carrier rules, or November 15 to December 15 without participation and contribution minimums.

Next Steps for Florida small business health insurance

Start with a headcount, a budget and a quick census. Then compare a Florida small group plan with an ICHRA or QSEHRA. For the national overview, see our guide to small business health insurance.

Want a licensed agent to help? Call 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, or request a free quote.

Sources

1. Florida Statutes 627.6699: Employee Health Care Access Act
2. Florida Statutes 627.6692: Health Insurance Coverage Continuation Act
3. HealthCare.gov: Small businesses
4. KFF 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey

Related Guides

• Small business health insurance
• Florida health insurance
• Pompano Beach small business health insurance
• Small business open enrollment

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Coverage options, deadlines and costs vary by plan and state.