Understanding COBRA Insurance in Florida

In Florida, COBRA and Mini-COBRA work together to ensure continued health coverage after job loss. While federal COBRA applies to larger employers, Florida’s Mini-COBRA law extends similar protections to employees of smaller businesses with fewer than 20 employees, helping close the coverage gap when federal COBRA doesn’t apply.

Florida’s Mini-COBRA Law

The Florida Health Insurance Coverage Continuation Act, outlined in Section 627.6692 of the 2023 Florida Statutes, requires small employers—defined as those with fewer than 20 employees—to offer continued health insurance coverage similar to federal COBRA. This law allows eligible employees and their dependents to maintain group health benefits following certain qualifying events, such as termination of employment (excluding gross misconduct), reduction in work hours, divorce, or the death of the covered employee.

Coverage under Florida’s Mini-COBRA can extend for up to 18 months, or up to 29 months if the beneficiary is determined to be disabled. The cost to the enrollee is capped at 115% of the group premium rate.

To qualify, beneficiaries must notify the insurance carrier of the qualifying event within 30 days. Once the insurer provides notification of eligibility, the individual has 30 days to elect continuation coverage. Employers are also required to include information about these continuation rights in policy documents and plan booklets. If the insurance carrier fails to meet its notification responsibilities, it may be held financially responsible for the continued coverage.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Florida

Continuing an employer plan in Florida with Mini-COBRA is around $859/mo, per individual. If COBRA is unavailable or is outside of your budget, you do have affordable other options for health coverage. See below.

The cost of health insurance is determined by your age and state of residency.