If you've been laid off in Florida, you may be eligible for Reemployment Assistance (Florida's term for unemployment insurance) through the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Florida's unemployment system is known for having some of the lowest benefits and shortest duration in the nation, so it's important to understand what to expect and how to maximize your support during your job search.

Florida Unemployment Benefits Overview

Benefit Amounts

How Benefits Are Calculated:

Your weekly benefit amount is calculated using the wages you earned in your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters). Florida divides your total base period wages by 52, then takes approximately 50% of that amount—capped at the very low $275 maximum.

The Reality: Most laid-off workers, especially those from higher-paying jobs, will receive the maximum $275/week regardless of their previous salary. This translates to roughly $1,100/month before taxes.

Duration of Benefits

Florida's benefit duration varies based on the state's unemployment rate:

Current Status: Check the DEO website for the current benefit duration, as it adjusts quarterly based on unemployment rates.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Florida Reemployment Assistance:

1. Earned sufficient wages in your base period (at least $3,400 total)
2. Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
3. Be physically able to work each day
4. Be available for full-time work
5. Actively seek work each week (5 activities required)
6. Register on Employ Florida within the first two weeks

How to File for Florida Unemployment

Before You File

Gather the following information:

• Social Security number
• Florida driver's license or ID number
• Mailing address, email, and phone number
• Last employer information:
  • Company name and address
  • Phone number
  • Dates of employment
  • Reason for separation
  • Supervisor's name
• Work history for past 18 months (all employers)
• Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers)
• Alien registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)

Filing Online (Recommended)

Step 1: Access CONNECT

• Visit connect.myflorida.com
• Create an account or log in
• Select "File a Claim"

Step 2: Complete the Application

• Answer all questions accurately
• Provide detailed information about why you left your job
• Include all employers from the past 18 months
• Review carefully before submitting

Step 3: Register on Employ Florida

• Required within 14 days of filing
• Visit employflorida.com
• Create a complete profile and upload your resume
• This is mandatory to receive benefits

Step 4: Claim Your Weeks

• You must claim benefits every two weeks
• Do this through the CONNECT portal
• Report any earnings and work search activities

Note: Florida's CONNECT system has been notoriously problematic. If you encounter errors, try different browsers, clear your cache, or attempt during off-peak hours (early morning).

Filing by Phone

Call DEO: 1-800-681-8102

Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM

Warning: Phone lines are extremely congested, especially during layoff waves. Online filing is strongly recommended despite system issues.

Filing Timeline

After You File

The Waiting Week

Florida has a one-week unpaid waiting period. This is your first week of unemployment—you won't receive benefits for this week, but you still need to meet all requirements.

Claiming Benefits

Every two weeks, you must claim your benefits by:

• Logging into CONNECT
• Answering questions about each week
• Reporting any work and earnings
• Confirming you met work search requirements

Important: You have limited time to claim each two-week period. Missing this deadline results in lost benefits.

Work Search Requirements

Florida has strict work search requirements—among the toughest in the nation:

Minimum 5 Work Search Activities Per Week:

• Applying for jobs
• Submitting resumes to employers
• Interviewing for positions
• Attending job fairs or workforce events
• Registering with staffing agencies
• Completing Employ Florida training modules
• Taking approved job training

You Must Also:

• Register on Employ Florida
• Maintain a detailed work search log
• Respond to any work referrals
• Be prepared to provide proof if requested

Failure to comply results in denial of benefits for that week.

Receiving Your Benefits

Payment Methods

Direct Deposit:

• Fastest payment method
• Set up during initial application or update later
• Funds available within 24-48 hours of payment processing

Way2Go Debit Card:

• Default if no direct deposit
• Card mailed after claim approval
• Can use at ATMs or for purchases
• Watch for fees

Payment Schedule

• Claim benefits every two weeks
• Payments processed within 24-48 hours of claiming (if no issues)
• Holidays may delay processing

Taxes on Unemployment

Unemployment benefits are taxable income at the federal level. Florida has no state income tax.

Federal Withholding:

• Optional 10% federal withholding
• Can change withholding preference anytime
• If no withholding, you'll owe taxes when you file

Use our Tax Impact Calculator to estimate your tax situation.

Working While Receiving Benefits

Partial Benefits

You can work part-time and receive reduced unemployment benefits:

• Report all earnings when you claim
• Earnings disregard: First $58 or 25% of earnings (whichever is greater)
• Earnings above disregard reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar
• If you earn more than your weekly benefit, no payment for that week

Example:

• Weekly benefit: $275
• Weekly earnings: $150
• Disregard: $58
• Countable earnings: $92
• Benefit paid: $183 ($275 - $92)
• Total income: $333

Reporting Requirements

• Report gross earnings (before taxes)
• Report earnings for the week worked, not when paid
• Failure to report can result in overpayment, penalties, and fraud charges

Common Issues and Solutions

CONNECT System Problems

Florida's CONNECT system is infamous for technical issues:

Common Problems:

• Login failures
• Pages not loading
• Sessions timing out
• Errors when submitting information

Solutions:

• Try different browsers (Chrome often works best)
• Clear cache and cookies
• File early morning or late evening
• Take screenshots of everything
• Keep trying—persistence is key

Claim Under Review

Your claim may need additional review if:

• Your employer disputes your separation reason
• You have wages in multiple states
• There are questions about your availability
• You have previous claims with issues

What to Do:

• Respond promptly to any DEO requests
• Attend scheduled phone interviews
• Gather documentation (termination letter, etc.)
• Be patient—reviews typically take 2-4 weeks or longer

Benefit Denial

If your claim is denied:

1. You'll receive a Determination of Eligibility
2. You have 20 calendar days to appeal
3. Submit appeal through CONNECT or by mail
4. A hearing will be scheduled with a Referee
5. Many denials are overturned on appeal—don't give up

Overpayments

If DEO determines you were overpaid:

• You'll receive an Overpayment Notice
• You must repay the amount
• Fraud overpayments have additional penalties
• You can appeal if you disagree

Special Situations

Seasonal and Tourism Workers

If you work in Florida's tourism industry:

• Seasonal unemployment may still qualify
• Benefit duration may be shorter
• Consider year-round employment for better benefits

Hurricane or Natural Disaster

Florida offers Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if:

• You lost work due to a declared disaster
• You're not eligible for regular unemployment
• You're self-employed and lost income due to disaster

Severance Pay

In Florida:

• Severance is generally not deducted from unemployment benefits
• You can file immediately upon separation
• Report severance when filing, but it typically won't affect benefits
• Salary continuation payments may cause a waiting period

Retirement Pay

If you receive pension or retirement income:

• Amounts over $25/week reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar
• Report all retirement income when claiming
• Social Security retirement benefits also reduce unemployment

Making the Most of Limited Benefits

Given Florida's low benefits, here are strategies to maximize your support:

1. File Immediately

Don't wait—every day counts with only 12-23 weeks of benefits.

2. Budget Aggressively

$275/week ($1,100/month) won't cover most expenses. Use our Budget Planner to adjust.

3. Pursue All Options

• Apply for food assistance (SNAP)
• Check utility assistance programs
• Contact creditors about hardship programs
• See our Emergency Financial Guide

4. Consider Part-Time Work

With low maximum benefits, part-time work can increase total income significantly.

5. Job Search Strategically

Florida's strict work search requirements mean you'll be applying anyway—make those applications count.

DEO Contact Information

Online: floridajobs.org

Phone:

• Claims: 1-800-681-8102
• Hearing Requests: 1-800-732-8212

Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM

Mail:
Department of Economic Opportunity
P.O. Box 5350
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350

Related Resources

• Unemployment Benefits Overview
• Emergency Assistance Guide
• COBRA vs ACA Calculator
• Budget Planner Tool
• Unemployment Calculator
• First 24 Hours After Layoff

Key Takeaways

1. Florida pays maximum $275/week—one of the lowest in the nation
2. Duration is only 12-23 weeks depending on state unemployment rate
3. Complete 5 work search activities per week (stricter than most states)
4. Register on Employ Florida within 14 days of filing
5. File immediately—limited benefits mean every week counts
6. CONNECT system has issues—be persistent and patient
7. Claim benefits every two weeks—don't miss deadlines
8. No state income tax on benefits (federal still applies)
9. Severance doesn't affect your benefits
10. Appeal if denied—you have 20 days

Florida's unemployment system is challenging to navigate and provides minimal support compared to other states. File promptly, meet all requirements diligently, and consider supplementing benefits with part-time work or other assistance programs.