Where to file and what you need before you start
Florida's unemployment system is run by the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). You file online through the CONNECT portal at connect.myflorida.com, not by mail or phone. The entire process happens there — you cannot file by calling a number or visiting an office in person, though you can call for help if you get stuck during filing.
Before you open the portal, gather these documents: your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, your most recent pay stub, and the names and addresses of your employers from the past 18 months. If you were laid off or fired, have the reason ready to explain in writing. If you quit, you will need to describe why. The system asks for these details as you go, so write them down first to speed up the process.
You can file as soon as your last day of work has passed. Filing on the day you lose your job is normal and does not hurt your case. The sooner you file, the sooner the waiting period begins — more on that below.
Key Takeaways
- File through the CONNECT portal at connect.myflorida.com using your Social Security number and driver's license.
- You must have worked in Florida and lost your job through no fault of your own — quitting or being fired for misconduct disqualifies you in most cases.
- Florida has a one-week waiting period after you file; you do not receive payment for that first week even if you are approved.
- After you file, you must report your weekly earnings and job search activity every week to keep receiving payments.
- The system processes most claims within two to three weeks, but delays happen if DEO needs to verify information with your employer.
Creating your CONNECT account and starting your claim
Go to connect.myflorida.com and click "Login" at the top right. If you have never used CONNECT before, select "New User" and create an account with your email address and a password. You will need to verify your email — check your inbox for a link from DEO and click it to set up your account.
Once you are logged in, look for "File a New Claim" or "Reopen a Claim" depending on whether you have filed in Florida before. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information: name, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Make sure everything matches your ID exactly, because mismatches can delay processing.
Next, the portal asks about your employment history. Enter each employer you worked for in the past 18 months, including the dates you started and stopped, your job title, and how much you earned. The system will cross-check this information with what your employers report to the state, so be as accurate as you can.
Explaining why you are no longer working
The CONNECT system asks you to describe the reason you are no longer employed. This is a critical part of your claim. If you were laid off or your position was eliminated, select "Lack of Work" or "Laid Off" and briefly explain what happened — for example, "Company closed the location" or "Position was eliminated due to restructuring."
If you were fired, the reason matters. You can receive benefits if you were fired for reasons beyond your control — for instance, not having the right license, being unable to perform the job despite trying, or a personality conflict with a supervisor. You cannot receive benefits if you were fired for willful misconduct, such as theft, violence, repeated rule-breaking after warnings, or showing up intoxicated.
If you quit, explain why in the text box. Quitting disqualifies you unless you left for "good cause" — meaning a reason a reasonable person would also leave. Examples include unsafe working conditions, a significant cut in pay or hours, or harassment. Personal reasons like wanting a different job or moving to a new city do not count as good cause.
Be honest and specific. DEO will contact your employer to verify your account, and if your story does not match what they say, your claim will be denied. If you are unsure how to describe your situation, err on the side of detail.
The one-week waiting period and when payments start
Florida law requires a one-week waiting period after you file. This means the first week you are unemployed does not generate a payment, even if you are approved. If you file on a Monday, that week does not count. Payments begin the following week if you are approved.
During this waiting week, you still must report your weekly earnings and job search activity through CONNECT. Failing to report disqualifies you from that week's payment and can trigger a review of your entire claim.
Most claims are approved or denied within two to three weeks. If DEO needs to verify information with your employer — which happens in many cases — the timeline stretches to four to six weeks. You can check the status of your claim by logging into CONNECT and viewing your claim details.
Weekly reporting requirements to keep your benefits
After you file, you must report every week through CONNECT. Log in each week and answer questions about your earnings and job search activity. You report the week that just ended, not the week coming up. For example, if you file on a Monday, you report the previous Sunday through Saturday.
Each week, you must tell DEO how much you earned (if anything) and describe at least three job search activities. Job search activities include submitting applications, attending interviews, contacting employers, registering with a job service, or attending a training program. straightforward looking at job postings online does not count — you need to take action.
If you earned money during the week, your payment is reduced. Florida allows you to earn up to a certain amount before your benefit is reduced dollar-for-dollar. The exact threshold depends on your weekly benefit amount, but generally you can earn about one-quarter of your weekly benefit without losing that week's payment.
Report by the important date each week, usually Sunday night. If you miss the important date, you lose that week's payment. If you miss multiple weeks, DEO may stop your benefits entirely and require you to reopen your claim.
What happens if DEO denies your claim
If your claim is denied, CONNECT sends you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, or not meeting Florida's work history requirement (you must have earned at least $3,400 in the past 12 months, though this amount can vary).
You have 20 calendar days from the date on the denial notice to file an appeal. To appeal, log into CONNECT, find your claim, and select "Appeal." Explain why you disagree with the decision. If your employer said you were fired for misconduct but you believe that is false, this is where you present your side of the story.
After you appeal, DEO schedules a phone hearing with an appeals referee. You will receive a notice with the date and time. Attend the hearing, answer questions honestly, and bring any documents that support your case — pay stubs, emails, texts, or written statements from coworkers. The referee decides whether to overturn the denial.
Getting help if you are stuck
If you cannot log into CONNECT, forget your password, or get an error message while filing, call the DEO customer service line at 1-833-352-7759. Wait times are long, especially early in the week, so call early morning or late afternoon if possible. Have your Social Security number and driver's license ready.
If you need help understanding what information to enter or why your claim was denied, the phone line can walk you through it. DEO staff cannot make decisions about your claim or speed up processing, but they can clarify what the system is asking for and explain denial reasons.
Some libraries and workforce development centers in Florida offer in-person help with CONNECT, though availability varies by location. Search "workforce development center near me" to find one in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file if I was fired?
You can file, but whether you receive benefits depends on why you were fired. If you were fired for willful misconduct — theft, violence, repeated rule-breaking after warnings, or showing up intoxicated — you will be denied. If you were fired for reasons beyond your control, such as not having the right certification or being unable to perform the job despite trying, you may be approved. Explain the reason clearly in your claim.
How long does it take to get my first payment?
Most claims are approved within two to three weeks. Add one week for the waiting period, so you typically receive your first payment three to four weeks after filing. If DEO needs to verify information with your employer, it can take four to six weeks. You can check your claim status in CONNECT at any time.
What if I earned money during a week I reported?
Your weekly payment is reduced based on how much you earned. Florida allows you to earn roughly one-quarter of your weekly benefit amount without losing that week's payment. Earnings above that threshold reduce your payment dollar-for-dollar. Always report your earnings accurately, even if you think it will reduce your payment.
Can I file by phone or mail instead of online?
No. Florida requires all claims to be filed through the CONNECT portal online. You cannot file by phone, mail, or in person. If you do not have internet access, use a computer at a library or workforce development center, or call 1-833-352-7759 for help accessing CONNECT.
What if my employer contests my claim?
Your employer can dispute your account of why you left or were fired. DEO will contact your employer to verify the information you provided. If your stories do not match, DEO may deny your claim or schedule a hearing to sort out what happened. Be honest and specific in your claim so you can back up what you said if needed.