File through Florida's online portal or by phone, not in person

Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) runs the state's unemployment system. You file directly with them, not with your employer or a local office. The fastest route is the online portal at CONNECT (the state's benefits management system), where you can file, upload documents, and check your claim status 24 hours a day. If you cannot use the internet, you can file by phone through the Reemployment information Customer Contact Center.

You do not need to visit a physical location to file. Florida closed its in-person unemployment offices years ago. All filing happens online or by phone, and all communication with DEO happens the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • File through CONNECT (the state's online portal) at connect.myflorida.com, where you can submit your claim and upload documents anytime.
  • If you cannot file online, call the Reemployment information Customer Contact Center at 1-833-352-7759 to file by phone.
  • Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and employment history for the past 18 months ready before you start.
  • After you file, check CONNECT regularly for messages from DEO asking for documents or additional information, because missing a important date can delay your claim.

How to file through CONNECT online

Go to connect.myflorida.com and create an account using your email address and a password. You will need to verify your email before you can proceed. Once logged in, select "File a New Claim" and answer questions about your employment history, the reason you are no longer working, and your income.

The system will ask for details about your last employer: their name, address, phone number, and the dates you worked there. Have this information ready. You will also answer whether you quit, were laid off, or were fired, and whether you received any severance or final paycheck. The form takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have the information in front of you.

After you submit, CONNECT will show you a confirmation number. Write it down. You will use it to check your claim status and respond to any requests from DEO. The system will send you an email confirming that your claim was received.

Filing by phone if you cannot use the internet

Call the Reemployment information Customer Contact Center at 1-833-352-7759. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week and early in the month. Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and employment history ready before you call.

A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form: your employment history, why you are no longer working, and your income. They will file the claim for you and give you a confirmation number. Ask them to repeat it and write it down when ready.

Filing by phone takes longer than filing online because you are waiting in a queue. If you have any way to file online—at a library, on a friend's computer, or on a phone—that route will be faster.

What documents you may need to upload

When you file, CONNECT may ask you to upload documents depending on your situation. Common requests include a separation notice from your employer, a final pay stub, or proof of your identity. You can upload these when you file, or DEO will send you a message through CONNECT asking for them later.

If DEO requests documents, they will give you a important date—usually 10 to 14 days. Check CONNECT at least twice a week for messages, because missing the important date can pause your claim. You upload documents by logging into CONNECT, going to your claim, and selecting "Upload Documents."

Keep copies of everything you upload. If DEO says they did not receive something, you can upload it again when ready.

Checking your claim status and payment information

Log into CONNECT anytime to see whether your claim is being processed, whether you have been determined to be due benefits, and whether a payment has been issued. The status page shows the date DEO made each decision and any reason they denied or paused your claim.

Once DEO approves your claim, payments go to a debit card issued by the state (unless you chose direct deposit to your bank account when you filed). The card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can check CONNECT to see the exact payment date and amount.

If your claim is denied or paused, CONNECT will explain why. Common reasons include not meeting the earnings requirement, being fired for misconduct, or not providing requested documents. You have the right to appeal any decision DEO makes.

What to do if you cannot log into CONNECT

If you forget your password, select "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the email instructions to reset it. If you forget your username (your email address), call the Reemployment information Customer Contact Center at 1-833-352-7759.

If CONNECT is down or moving slowly, try again later. The system sometimes has maintenance windows, especially late at night. If you are having technical problems and cannot reach the phone line, you can also contact DEO through their website at floridajobs.org and select "Contact Us."

Timeline from filing to first payment

After you file, DEO typically makes a decision within 2 to 3 weeks. During that time, they verify your employment history with your employer and check whether you meet the earnings requirement. If they need documents from you, they will message you through CONNECT.

Once DEO approves your claim, your first payment is issued within 7 to 10 business days. If you chose direct deposit, the money goes to your bank account. If you did not, the debit card arrives by mail. Payments are usually issued on Wednesdays.

If your claim is denied, you will receive a written notice explaining why. You have 20 days from the date on that notice to file an appeal. The appeal process is also handled through CONNECT or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I was fired?

You can file, but DEO will investigate whether you were fired for misconduct. If your employer says you were fired for breaking a rule or performing poorly, DEO may deny your claim. You will have a chance to explain your side through an appeal hearing if that happens.

What if my employer contests my claim?

Your employer can file a response with DEO saying they believe you should not receive benefits. DEO will review both sides and make a decision. If they deny your claim based on your employer's response, you can appeal and request a hearing where you can present your case.

Do I need to file a new claim every week?

No. You file one claim, and if DEO approves it, you file weekly certifications to confirm you are still out of work and looking for a job. You do this through CONNECT or by phone. Missing a weekly certification stops your payments until you file it.

What if I do not have a driver's license or state ID?

You can use your Social Security number and passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID instead. When you file, CONNECT will ask what type of ID you have. If you have none of these, call the Reemployment information Customer Contact Center to discuss other options.

Can I file for unemployment while I am still working part-time?

Yes. If you lost your main job but are working part-time, you can file. DEO will reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earn from part-time work. You must report all income when you file and on your weekly certifications.