How to Apply For Unemployment Benefits in Florida

Dena Standley | March 15, 2024

Dena Standley
Legal Expert, Paralegal
Dena Standley, BA

Dena Standley is a seasoned paralegal with more than 20 years of experience in legal research and writing, having received a certification as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal from Southern Technical College.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: Apply for UI in Florida via CONNECT online within a week of unemployment. To apply, create an account or call 800-681-8102 for assistance. The process is mobile-friendly, takes an hour, and requires your SSN and PIN.

The Federal government works with the state of Florida to assist workers who are unemployed for reasons beyond their control.

The Florida Reemployment Assistance (Insurance) Program helps residents care for their financial needs until they find work. The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is responsible for this program.

It is a temporary arrangement lasting up to 12 weeks. But it does offer aid to struggling individuals and families by providing a continuation of some income while they search for other employment.

Florida, like all other states, has a standard application procedure. Below, we’ll take you through the qualifications and requirements and show you how and where to submit and follow up on your Unemployed Insurance (UI) application.

Get debt relief in Florida.

Who is eligible for unemployment benefits in Florida?

According to the official website for the Florida Reemployment Assistance (Insurance) Program, anyone wishing to apply for UI must:

  • Have worked in Florida for (at least) the past 12 months.
  • Be currently, wholly, or partially unemployed.
  • Earn a specific minimum wage (as determined by Florida law) during the base period.
  • Actively look for work while receiving benefits.
  • Be able to work.

These are just the basic requirements. Every claimant must provide the necessary documentation and employment information to qualify.

What documents do I need to claim unemployment benefits in Florida?

Thankfully, the documents you need to prove your eligibility are straightforward. They are:

  • Your personal information, such as name, date of birth, level of education, gender, and race.
  • Your Social Security number.
  • Your Florida ID and driver's license numbers.

Non-US citizens also need:

  • Alien Registration number, or
  • Work authorization form

Military employees need:

  • Their Discharge from Active duty (DD-214)

Union members should provide the following:

  • Union name
  • Hall number
  • Phone number

Federal employees must present the following:

  • Their SF 8 or SF 50

In addition to these documents, all claimants must provide information on their last 18 months of employment. This includes the following:

  • Employer names, addresses, and phone numbers.
  • Dates of first and last day of work.
  • Gross earnings (before taxes) during employment.
  • Reason for job loss.
  • Employer's Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN).
  • Employer details on paystub if they don't have a FEIN number.

With your documents in hand, you are ready for the next step. You can begin the application process and submit some documents later. But it is best to get everything in one place for a smooth process.

How to apply for unemployment benefits in Florida

You should start applying for UI within a week of unemployment or partial layoff.

In Florida, you submit claims online. You need to create an account before submitting your application.

But you can call in to speak with someone if you are disabled, illiterate, or have difficulty understanding English. The agency's phone number is 800-681-8102.

The state has developed a mobile-friendly website that is accessible to most residents. It takes just up to an hour to complete the application. And you can save your progress and continue later if you are interrupted. Keep your pin and social security number handy whenever you log in.

Go to CONNECT, Florida's Unemployment Insurance system, to file a claim. Fill in your information and supply the information required at every step.

When you are sure you have sufficiently completed the claim application, click submit.

Below is an example of someone qualifying for unemployment benefits in Florida.

Example: Jake had worked as a hotel concierge in Florida for three years. Unfortunately, he lost his job in May 2021 because of staff reductions related to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jake had never applied for unemployment benefits before. However, he was excited when he logged into the site and noticed that he had met the basic requirements. And he was delighted when the DEO approved his claim.


The lesson? You will never know if you may qualify unless you file a claim.

What should I do after applying for UI in Florida?

Now you need to wait for the department to review the information you sent and determine if you qualify.

As you wait, log into your account regularly to check your claim's status. See whether the agency has asked you for more information or documentation. If they have, provide these as soon as possible.

You also need to register with Florida's workforce agency (Employ Florida Marketplace). Remember, you need to be actively seeking employment to qualify for benefits.

If the DEO rejects your claims and you feel it is unfair, you can appeal the decision. You need to do so within 20 days of receiving the notice.

If your claim goes through and you are approved for benefits, you will receive payments a week after the approval. Keep in mind that these are not automatic payments. You must log in and request benefits each week. You must complete a short survey each time you request payment to determine if you still qualify for the payout.

How much can I receive each week on unemployment?

Florida's Unemployment Insurance offers one of the lowest weekly benefit amounts in the country. The state provides a minimum of $32 and a maximum of $275 each week. Though the maximum unemployment amount is small, every little bit can significantly help when you are out of work.

It is important to remember that unemployment benefits are intended to supplement only some of your lost income. Instead, it is meant to be a short-term solution to help keep you afloat while you find new employment.

If approved, you will receive a maximum of 12 weeks of benefits or $3,300 (whichever expires first) in a year in unemployment benefits. After that, the benefits stop. You may use up your yearly benefits at once or save a portion in case you fall into unemployment again during the year.

The benefits can also stop if you get a job. Remember that you can keep receiving the benefits if you find a part-time job that pays less than $275 a week.

Also, your benefits will stop if you fail to meet the continuing eligibility requirements.

The department lets you know when there are benefits extensions or changes in eligibility requirements.

Why you should apply for unemployment benefits

Although no one wants to apply for unemployment, it is a welcome solution for many. Knowing that you can afford groceries while looking for work gives you peace of mind. And you can better concentrate on your job hunting.

You may apply online if you are unemployed or furloughed and think you deserve unemployment benefits. It takes only a fraction of your day and can help you stay afloat until you can find your next job.

SoloSuit's goal is to provide all the information you need to stay financially healthy. Check out the blog for all things debt collection and lawsuits.

Check out this video to learn how to respond to a debt lawsuit in Florida:

What is Solo?

Solo makes it easy to resolve debt with debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt. SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

SoloSettle can help you contact your debt collector or creditor and negotiate the debt to settle for less, all online. It simplifies and streamlines the process to settling your debt.

No matter where you find yourself in the debt collection process, Solo is here to help you resolve your debt.

Respond with SoloSuit

Get Started

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Debt collector guides

Are you being contacted by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a great way to legally resolve debt, but it's usually best to consider it as a last resort. Here are some bankruptcy guides to help you decide which debt resolution option is best for you.

Check your case status

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created state guides on how to check the status of your case throughout the US, complete with online search tools and court directories.

Credit

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt, along with other credit-related resources.

Debt collection FAQs

Find answers to some of our the most commonly-asked questions about debt collection below.

Debt collection documents and templates

If you're dealing with debt, these documents and templates will help you respond, protect your rights, negotiate, and resolve your debts.

Debt relief

We’ve created a specialized guide on how to find debt relief in all 50 states, complete with steps to take to find relief, state-specific resources, and more.

Debt settlement

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created state guides on debt settlement. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

Eviction

Facing an eviction? The following guides will help you navigate your situation with confidence.

Federal debt collection laws

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Legal aid

Helping people find access to justice is at the heart of Solo's misison. If you're dealing with a legal debt issue, the following guides will help you through it.

Medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing with medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Personal finance

Learn how to manage your finances and overcome crushing debt. Check out our personal finance guides below.

State debt collection laws

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote guides on each state’s statutes and more.

Stop collection calls

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Wage garnishment

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in your state, plus other wage garnishment resources.

The Debt Hotline

Hosted by Team Solo, The Debt Hotline breaks down debt and personal finance topics with help from attorneys, financial experts, and industry pros. We respond to real questions to help you navigate debt with knowledge and courage.

Other debt resources



It only takes 15 minutes.

And 50% of our customers' cases have been dismissed in the past.


"Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law unexpectedly is kinda scary. I started researching on YouTube and found SoloSuit's channel. The videos were so helpful, easy to understand and encouraging. When I reached out to SoloSuit they were on it. Very professional, impeccably prompt. Thanks for the service!" - Heather



Get Started

Contents

Affordable Legal Help
Trustpilot

Respond to Your Debt Lawsuit

Get your professionally reviewed Answer in minutes. No expensive lawyers needed.

loading...
Get My Answer
Affordable Legal Help
Trustpilot

Respond to Your Debt Lawsuit

Get your professionally reviewed Answer in minutes. No expensive lawyers needed.

loading...
Get My Answer
loading...
Get My Answer