Moving to Florida is exciting. The sunshine, the beach, the laid-back lifestyle. But if you’re on Medicare, it comes with some paperwork and deadlines that can trip up even the most organized retirees. Here’s the thing: once you move, you have a 60 day Medicare enrollment period to sort out your coverage. Miss it, and penalties or gaps in coverage can pop up.

So when does enrollment period start? And why does that 60 day Medicare enrollment period matter so much? Let’s unpack the Florida Medicare enrollment timeline and make sure you don’t miss a beat.

This special enrollment period (SEP) gives you 60 days after your move to Florida to sign up for Medicare or change your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan. It’s a window you don’t want to miss because outside of it, your choices get limited and penalties can kick in.

Here’s the truth about that SEP deadline countdown Florida residents need to watch: it starts the day you move. Not the day you settle in or close on your condo. The actual date on your new Florida address counts as day one.

Say you moved into your Sarasota condo on July 1. That means your 60 day clock is ticking down and ends on August 30. If you don’t enroll or make changes before August 30, you could face delayed coverage or higher costs.

Florida is a unique state when it comes to Medicare because it has its own set of Medicare Advantage plans, Part D options, and varying provider networks. Leaving your previous state’s plan behind means you need to find Florida plans that work for you.

Here’s what caught me off guard with a client last Tuesday: they thought they had until the end of the year to switch plans after moving. Nope. That 60 day Medicare enrollment period is strict. And it’s not just about avoiding penalties. It’s about making sure your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are covered without interruption.

Imagine being on a medication that costs $174.80 a month with your old Part D plan. If you don’t switch to a Florida plan that covers that drug, you could suddenly be paying full price or scrambling to find an alternative. Or worse, missing doses because of coverage gaps.

Let me break it down. The special enrollment period gives you a chance to:

But the clock is unforgiving. The 60 day Medicare enrollment period is your safety net. After it closes, your options narrow and premiums can spike.

For example, if you moved from Ohio to Florida and didn’t enroll in a Florida Part D plan within 60 days, you could face a late enrollment penalty of 1% of the national base premium for each month you delayed. That’s about $0.40 per month multiplied by the months you missed. It adds up.

First, gather your documents. You’ll need proof of your move, like a lease or deed, and your current Medicare card. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov to update your address.

Second, review your current coverage. Does your existing Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan work in Florida? Not always. Many plans are regional and won’t cover you out of state.

Third, compare Florida plans. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool online or talk to a local Medicare advisor who knows the Sarasota market. Plans like Humana, Aetna, or UnitedHealthcare offer several options with different premiums, deductibles, and provider networks.

Look closely at:

One client I helped recently was surprised that a Florida Medicare Advantage plan with a $15 copay for primary care saved her nearly $600 a year compared to her previous plan with $40 copays.

When you apply for a new plan during your Florida Medicare enrollment timeline, you’ll need to submit proof of your move. This can be:

Medicare and insurance companies want to make sure you qualify for the special enrollment period because of the move. Keep these documents handy. If you apply too late, they’ll ask for them to approve your enrollment.

Coverage gaps are the worst. They happen when your previous plan stops working but your new plan hasn’t started yet. Or when you miss the 60 day Medicare enrollment period and can’t enroll until the next general enrollment period (January 1 to March 31), with coverage starting July 1.

Here’s the truth: coverage gaps can cost you thousands. One client delayed enrolling and ended up paying $700 out of pocket for a surgery that Medicare would have covered.

The best way to avoid gaps is to start your Florida Medicare enrollment process right after your move. Don’t wait. And check your start dates carefully. Some plans begin coverage the first day of the month after enrollment, others might take longer.

Picking a plan can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans in Florida. Here’s what I tell clients:

Don’t just pick the cheapest monthly premium. Look at total costs, including copays, deductibles, and prescription coverage.

Think about your health needs for the year ahead. If you have chronic conditions, a plan with better doctor access and lower copays might save you money even if the premium is higher.

Check the drug list carefully. For example, if your blood pressure medication costs $174.80 monthly, make sure it’s on the plan’s formulary without high copays.

Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to run side-by-side comparisons. It’s free and updated yearly.

Here are some mistakes I see too often:

If you miss the 60 day Medicare enrollment period after moving, your options get limited. You’ll have to wait for the next general enrollment period, January 1 to March 31, with coverage starting July 1.

Plus, you could face penalties. For Part B, that’s 10% more for each 12 months you delayed enrollment. For Part D, the penalty is about 1% of the national base premium for each month without coverage.

And nobody wants to pay more for Medicare coverage than they have to.

The 60 day clock really does start as soon as you move to Florida. The Florida Medicare enrollment timeline is tight, but manageable with some planning. The key is acting quickly and gathering your documents.

Don’t let confusion or procrastination leave you with penalties or coverage gaps. Reach out to a Medicare advisor who knows Florida plans or use Medicare.gov’s tools early.

Your health and wallet will thank you.

A: It starts the day you move to your new Florida address. That date is day one of your special enrollment period.

A: You may have to wait until the general enrollment period (January 1 to March 31) to enroll, and coverage won’t start until July 1. You’ll also likely face late enrollment penalties.

A: Not usually. Most plans are regional and won’t cover you outside their service area. You will need to enroll in a Florida plan during the SEP.

A: Proof of your Florida residence like a lease, deed, utility bill, or driver’s license with your new address.

A: Enroll in a new plan within the 60 day Medicare enrollment period after your move. Don’t delay, and confirm your new plan’s coverage start date.

A: No. The 60 day period is a Special Enrollment Period for those moving or experiencing qualifying life events. The Initial Enrollment Period is for first-time Medicare enrollees around age 65.

A: You can only change during your SEP (60 days after moving) or during the annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7). Outside these windows, changes are limited.

A: Yes. Companies like Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer multiple plans in Florida with varying premiums and benefits. Comparing them carefully is key.

A: You can request an exception or appeal, but it’s better to pick a plan that covers your drugs upfront to avoid surprise costs.

A: Contact a local Medicare advisor who knows the Florida market or call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance. Local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) offices also offer free help.