Florida's Unemployment System Uses CONNECT, Not a General State Website

Florida's unemployment system runs through a dedicated portal called CONNECT (Continued Opportunity for Work and Economic Self-Sufficiency). This is the only official website where you file for unemployment benefits in Florida. You cannot file through the main state website, a county office, or any other portal — CONNECT is the single entry point.

The website address is www.myflorida.com/connect. When you arrive, you will see options to create a new account or log in if you already have one. The system is designed to handle your entire claim from start to finish: filing your initial claim, certifying weekly (if you remain unemployed), uploading documents, and checking claim status.

CONNECT is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though the state processes claims during business hours. Filing at 2 a.m. on a Sunday is technically possible, but your claim will not be reviewed until the next business day. Peak traffic times are Monday morning and Tuesday, so filing mid-week or mid-day often means faster page load times.

Key Takeaways

  • File through CONNECT at www.myflorida.com/connect — this is Florida's official and only unemployment filing website.
  • You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and details about your last job before you start.
  • Have your most recent pay stub, your employer's business address and phone number, and the reason you left or were let go ready before you log in.
  • After filing your initial claim, you must certify weekly (usually on Sundays) to continue receiving benefits if you remain unemployed.
  • CONNECT will ask you to upload documents like separation letters or proof of job search — have these files saved on your computer before you begin.

What Information and Documents You Need Before You Log In

Gathering everything before you start saves time and prevents you from losing your place in the form. CONNECT does not save your progress if you close the browser, so you need to complete the claim in one session (usually 20 to 30 minutes if you have everything ready).

Bring these items with you: your Social Security number, your Florida driver's license or ID number (or passport number if you do not have a Florida ID), your date of birth, and your current mailing address. You will also need your employer's name, business address, phone number, and the dates you worked there. Have your most recent pay stub in front of you so you can confirm your last wage and the pay period it covers.

If you were laid off, fired, or quit, CONNECT will ask why. Have a clear, brief explanation ready — for example, "laid off due to business closure" or "terminated for attendance." If you quit, you will need to explain the reason (illness, relocation, unsafe conditions). The state uses this information to determine if you are disqualified, so be honest and specific.

You may also be asked to upload documents. Common ones include a separation letter from your employer, a termination notice, or proof that you searched for work. Save these as PDF or JPG files on your computer before you start. Do not try to upload them while you are filling out the form — it slows the process and sometimes causes the form to time out.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your CONNECT Account and Filing Your Claim

Step 1: Go to www.myflorida.com/connect and click "Create Account." You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password. Use an email you check regularly — Florida will send you updates about your claim status, payment dates, and any documents they need from you. Write down your email and password somewhere safe.

Step 2: Answer security questions. CONNECT will ask you to set up security questions (like "What was your first pet's name?"). These are used if you forget your password or if the system needs to verify your identity later. Answer with information only you would know.

Step 3: Log in and start your claim. After your account is created, log back in. You will see a dashboard with options. Click "File a New Claim for Unemployment Benefits" or "File a Claim" (the exact wording changes, but the button is usually prominent on the home page).

Step 4: Fill in your personal information. Enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and current address. CONNECT will verify this information against state records. If there is a mismatch, the system will flag it and ask you to correct it before you continue.

Step 5: Provide employment history. CONNECT will ask about your last job. Enter your employer's name, business address, phone number, and the dates you worked there (start date and end date). If you worked there for multiple years, use the most recent employment period. You will also enter your job title and describe what you did.

Step 6: Explain why you are no longer working. Select the reason you left: laid off, fired, quit, or other. If you were laid off or fired, the state considers you "separated without fault" and you are usually not disqualified. If you quit, you must explain why. Common reasons that do not disqualify you include medical issues, relocation, or unsafe working conditions. Reasons that may disqualify you include quitting without a good cause or being fired for misconduct.

Step 7: Report your wages. CONNECT will ask for your gross weekly wage (before taxes). Use your most recent pay stub to find this number. If your pay varied week to week, give an average. The state uses this to calculate your weekly benefit amount.

Step 8: Upload documents if prompted. If CONNECT asks you to upload a separation letter, termination notice, or other proof, click the upload button and select the file from your computer. Make sure the file is a PDF or JPG and is under 10 MB. If the upload fails, try again or contact the Department of Economic Opportunity (see contact information below).

Step 9: Review and submit. Before you hit submit, read through everything you entered. CONNECT will show you a summary of your claim. If anything is wrong, go back and fix it. Once you submit, your claim is filed and you cannot change it without contacting the state.

What Happens After You File: Waiting for a Decision

After you submit your claim, CONNECT will give you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The state usually makes a decision within 2 to 3 weeks, though it can take longer if they need to contact your employer or if there are questions about your separation.

During this time, check your email regularly. The Department of Economic Opportunity will send you messages if they need more information, if they have approved your claim, or if they have denied it. If they ask for documents or clarification, respond as soon as you can — delays in responding can slow down your claim.

You can check your claim status anytime by logging back into CONNECT. Click "View Claim Status" or "My Claims" to see where your process stands. The status will show "Pending," "Approved," "Denied," or "Under Review." If it says "Under Review," the state is still investigating.

If your claim is approved, you will be told your weekly benefit amount and when your first payment will arrive. Florida pays benefits by debit card (a card mailed to you) or by direct deposit if you set that up. If your claim is denied, you will receive a letter explaining why. You have the right to appeal within 10 days of the denial letter.

Weekly Certification: What You Must Do to Keep Receiving Benefits

Once your claim is approved, you must certify weekly to continue receiving benefits. Certification means you confirm that you are still unemployed and that you are looking for work (if required by your claim type). Without weekly certification, your benefits stop.

Certification usually opens on Sunday and closes on Friday of the same week. Log into CONNECT, click "Certify for Benefits" or "Weekly Certification," and answer a few questions: Did you work this week? Did you earn any money? Are you still looking for work? After you certify, your payment is processed and usually arrives within 2 to 3 business days.

Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for certification day. Many people certify on Sunday evening or Monday morning. If you miss the important date, your benefits are delayed until you certify, and you may lose that week's payment entirely. There is no grace period — the important date is firm.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them

You cannot log in or forgot your password. Click "Forgot Password" on the CONNECT login page. You will be asked to verify your identity using your email address or security questions. A password reset link will be sent to your email. If you do not receive it, check your spam folder. If you still cannot reset it, contact the Department of Economic Opportunity by phone at 1-833-352-7897 (toll-free) or visit a CareerSource office in person.

CONNECT says your Social Security number or ID does not match state records. This usually means a typo. Log out, log back in, and re-enter the number carefully. If it still does not match, your identity information may be different in the state system than what you provided. Call 1-833-352-7897 and ask them to verify your information. Do not guess or use a different number — the state needs the exact number on file.

You filed your claim but the status still says "Pending" after 3 weeks. Log into CONNECT and check if the state has sent you a message asking for documents or clarification. If they have, respond when ready. If there is no message, call 1-833-352-7897 and ask for a status update. Have your confirmation number ready.

Your claim was denied. You will receive a letter explaining the reason (usually "quit without good cause" or "fired for misconduct"). You have 10 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. To appeal, log into CONNECT, find your claim, and click "Appeal." You will have a chance to explain your side of the story. An appeals referee will review both your statement and your employer's response and make a final decision.

You cannot upload a document or the upload keeps failing. Make sure the file is a PDF or JPG, is under 10 MB, and has a straightforward filename (no special characters). Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) or use a different computer. If it still fails, contact the Department of Economic Opportunity and ask them to accept the document by mail or email.

Other Ways to Get Help If You Cannot Use CONNECT Online

If you do not have internet access or cannot use the website, you have other options. CareerSource Florida is a network of local offices throughout the state. You can visit a CareerSource office in person and staff there can help you file your claim on a computer at the office. To find the office nearest you, go to www.careersourceflorida.com and enter your zip code.

You can also call the Department of Economic Opportunity at 1-833-352-7897 (toll-free). Wait times are often long, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you call, have your Social Security number, driver's license number, and employer information ready. The representative can answer questions about your claim but cannot file a claim for you over the phone — you must file through CONNECT or in person at a CareerSource office.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the Florida Relay Service at 711 and ask to be connected to 1-833-352-7897. If you speak a language other than English, ask the representative for an interpreter when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my claim on my phone or mobile device?

CONNECT works on phones and tablets, but the form is easier to complete on a computer because the screen is larger and you can see all the fields at once. If you must use a phone, make sure you have a strong internet connection and allow extra time. Do not file while driving or in a moving vehicle — the form can time out if your connection drops.

What if my employer is out of business or I do not remember their phone number?

Enter the employer's name and the address where you worked. If you do not have the phone number, leave it blank or enter "Unknown." CONNECT will still accept your claim. The state can look up the employer's information if needed. If the business is closed, note that in the "reason for separation" field so the state knows you were laid off due to business closure.

Do I need to file a new claim every week, or just certify?

You file your initial claim once. After that, you certify weekly. Certification is not the same as filing — it is a short confirmation that you are still unemployed and may be able to access. If you file a new claim every week, you will confuse the system and your benefits may be delayed or denied.

What if I start working part-time while I am receiving benefits?

Report your earnings when you certify weekly. CONNECT will ask how much you earned that week. Florida allows you to earn a certain amount before your benefits are reduced — this amount changes based on your weekly benefit amount. The state will calculate how much to reduce your payment. Do not hide earnings — the state cross-checks with employers and will catch unreported income, which can result in overpayment and penalties.

Can I file my claim before I am officially laid off or fired?

No. You can only file after your employment has ended. If you know you will be laid off on a specific date, you can file on that date or the day after. Filing before your last day of work will cause your claim to be rejected or delayed.