Key facts
~21,000
Population
County seat: Perry — 'Forest Capital of Florida'
ACA carrier: Florida Blue
Timber and forest products economy
Big Bend Gulf Coast: Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee, Dekle Beach
Excellent fishing — Steinhatchee is a world-class scallop destination
Taylor County calls itself the Forest Capital of Florida — and the title is apt. Vast stands of pine and hardwood forest blanket the county's interior, and the timber and forest products industry has defined the local economy for over a century. Perry is the county seat and the only substantial town; the Gulf coast is dotted with small fishing communities including Keaton Beach, Dekle Beach, and Steinhatchee.
Steinhatchee is Taylor County's most recognizable coastal community — a world-class destination for scallop harvesting each summer (August scallop season draws thousands of visitors) and a year-round destination for trout, redfish, and flounder fishing. Charter captains, marina operators, and seasonal lodging businesses create a self-employed economy along Taylor County's Gulf shore.
Taylor County's Big Bend Gulf Coast is almost entirely undeveloped — no beachfront high-rises, no resort hotels, no outlet malls. This is Old Florida Gulf Coast: flat, wild, and biologically extraordinary. The same conditions that make it attractive for outdoor tourism make healthcare access extremely challenging. Perry's Doctors Memorial Hospital is the only facility in the county.
Taylor County ACA marketplace coverage is primarily provided by Florida Blue for 2026. Use your Perry or Steinhatchee zip code on HealthCare.gov. Rural Big Bend counties have very limited carrier competition.
Health insurance in Taylor County
The following income thresholds govern 2026 ACA subsidy eligibility (using 2025 FPL). Florida has not expanded Medicaid — adults in Taylor County below 100% FPL without dependent children fall into the coverage gap.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 | $22,590 | $30,120 | $45,180 | $60,240 |
| 2 people | $20,440 | $30,660 | $40,880 | $61,320 | $81,760 |
| 3 people | $25,820 | $38,730 | $51,640 | $77,460 | $103,280 |
| 4 people | $31,200 | $46,800 | $62,400 | $93,600 | $124,800 |
Doctors Memorial Hospital in Perry is a small critical access hospital providing emergency and basic inpatient care for Taylor County. For specialty and advanced care, Taylor County residents travel to Tallahassee (1.5 hours north) or Gainesville (2 hours southeast). Florida Blue's statewide network covers both cities' major hospitals. Plan selection must account for this significant travel burden.
The timber industry in Taylor County employs workers ranging from logging crews to paper mill workers. These workers often have employer-sponsored insurance through large timber companies. However, independent loggers, subcontractors, and small sawmill operators — a significant portion of the industry — have no employer plan and rely on the ACA marketplace.
Steinhatchee's charter fishing and scalloping economy creates a seasonal income pattern for many residents. Annual income can vary significantly based on scallop season success and general fishing conditions. ACA enrollment uses estimated annual income — for seasonal workers with variable income, working with a licensed agent to estimate accurately prevents over- or under-claiming subsidies.
Explore ACA coverage across the region: Southern Plan Finder — Florida Gulf Coast Health Insurance — Dixie County Health Insurance.