Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

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Unemployed individuals who would like to claim unemployment benefits in Florida must meet certain eligibility requirements and present the necessary documents. Now known as reemployment assistance in Florida, the renaming of the unemployment insurance program reflects the efforts of the local government to help its citizens find new employment.

We have compiled helpful information, hints, and tips about claiming unemployment benefits in Florida on this website and FAQs and our free guide. Learn more about unemployment benefits in Florida by reading below, checking out our Florida FAQs, and reading our free guide.

Learn About Unemployment Benefits in Florida

Florida unemployment benefits are funded by taxes paid by most employers in the state. Unemployment insurance taxes are not deducted from workers’ wages.

Not all unemployed residents can apply for unemployment insurance. Only workers who have been laid off as a result of objective conditions, such as company shutdown or insufficient workload meet the eligibility requirements for reemployment assistance.

You must have become unemployed through no fault of your own and thereafter apply for reemployment assistance as soon as you are out of work. If you were fired from your job due to misconduct or you have voluntarily left your workplace, you will not be considered eligible for unemployment benefits claims.

You must also have sufficient funds that you have earned during your base period and be considered mentally and physically able to work. Searching for a new job during your reemployment period is mandatory.

You must make sure to claim unemployment benefits in the last state in which you worked. However, you may be able to claim unemployment benefits from several states if you held jobs throughout the country.

Learn About Filing a Claim in Florida

You can begin claiming benefits for unemployment in FL if you meet all requirements set by the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity. You must prepare certain documents to prove your eligibility during the application process for unemployment benefits.

The FL Department of Economic Opportunity offers an online portal to file for unemployment benefits. Applying via the internet allows both applicants and the unemployment agency to go through the procedure more quickly.

All new unemployment benefits applicants can use the online system CONNECT to fill out an application. CONNECT will also allow you to view your account information, claim status, benefits payments and more.

When utilizing the online system, you will be asked to input the following information:

  • Your Social Security number
  • An identification document, such as a driver’s license, ID card, military ID card or U.S. passport
  • Your residential address
  • Your phone number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your employment history, including details about your employers, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, reasons for separation, start and end dates of employment
  • Your email address
  • Your alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. resident)
  • Your bank account number and bank routing number for direct deposit payments

Applications are reviewed promptly, therefore allowing payments to be released to eligible workers in a timely manner. The FL Department of Economic Opportunity will review your details, and based on the information you provide, it will determine your eligibility and the amount of benefits that you will receive.

How Long You May Receive Benefits in Florida

Once you are found eligible to claim unemployment benefits in Florida, you must continue to file a claim every two weeks during your unemployment benefits period. You must also contact at least five potential employers on a weekly basis to show the DEO that you are, in fact, making active efforts to find a new job.

Unemployment benefits applicants who are unable to meet this requirement must speak with a representative from the CareerSource Florida Center for further assistance. The DEO allows users to apply for continued eligibility via the CONNECT online system.

As of 2022, the maximum duration of benefits is 12 weeks.

Note: In times of high unemployment, Florida may activate special emergency programs to enable unemployment benefits extension. This type of extension offers unemployment benefits for several additional weeks.

Learn About Florida Federal Unemployment Benefits and Federal Income Taxes

Florida unemployment insurance payments are subject to federal income taxes. The Department of Revenue in FL allows claimants to choose whether they would like to have federal income taxes deducted from their reemployment assistance payments.

If you initially choose to have federal income taxes withdrawn from your unemployment benefits but would like to modify that decision, simply access your claimant account via CONNECT and update the claim.

Last Updated: February 28, 2023