What CONNECT is and how to access it
CONNECT is Florida's online system for filing unemployment claims and managing your account. It is run by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and is the only way to file a new claim in Florida — there is no phone line or in-person office where you can submit a claim directly.
You reach CONNECT at connect.myflorida.com. The system is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you first arrive, you will see options to create a new account, log in if you already have one, or check the status of a claim you have already filed. You do not need to call anyone or visit an office to start the process.
CONNECT works on computers, tablets, and phones. If you do not have internet access at home, you can use a public library computer or a DEO office computer. Some libraries in Florida offer scheduled times for unemployment filing help.
Key Takeaways
- CONNECT is the only way to file a new unemployment claim in Florida, and you must create an account before you can submit anything.
- You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your most recent job to complete the claim form.
- After you file, CONNECT will show you the status of your claim and tell you when a decision has been made.
- Weekly claims are filed separately from your initial claim and must be done every week you want to receive a payment.
- If CONNECT rejects your claim or asks for more information, you will see a message in your account explaining what is needed and when to respond.
Creating your CONNECT account and filing your first claim
Start by going to connect.myflorida.com and selecting "Create Account." You will need to enter an email address and create a password. Florida will send you a confirmation email — check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox within a few minutes.
Once your account is confirmed, log in and select "File a New Claim." The form will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and driver's license or Florida ID number. Have these documents in front of you before you start, because the system will not let you go back and change them once you submit.
Next, the form asks about your most recent job: the company name, the address where you worked, your job title, the dates you worked there, and why you are no longer employed. Be specific about the reason — the system asks whether you were laid off, quit, fired, or something else. Your answer here matters because it determines whether you meet Florida's rules for receiving benefits.
The form also asks about your wages. Have your most recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer showing what you earned in the past 12 months. If you do not have these, the system will let you estimate, but Florida may contact your employer to verify the amount.
What happens after you submit your claim
After you hit submit, CONNECT will give you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The system will also send you a confirmation email. Keep both of these — you may need the confirmation number if you have to contact DEO about your claim.
Within one to three business days, CONNECT will show whether your claim has been accepted, pending, or flagged for review. If it is accepted, you will see a notice telling you when your benefit week starts and how much you may receive per week. If it is pending or flagged, you will see a message explaining what Florida needs from you.
Do not wait for a letter in the mail. Check your CONNECT account every day during the first week after filing. If Florida needs documents or more information, the message will appear in your account first, and you will have a important date to respond — usually 10 days. If you miss the important date, your claim may be denied.
Filing your weekly claim after your initial claim is approved
Once your initial claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim every week to receive a payment. This is separate from your initial claim and is how you tell Florida that you are still out of work and looking for a job.
Log into CONNECT and select "File Weekly Claim." The system will ask whether you worked that week, earned any money, or received any other income. You will also confirm that you are looking for work. Answer honestly — if you worked or earned money, you must report it, because it reduces your weekly benefit amount.
File your weekly claim on the same day each week if possible. Most people file on Sunday or Monday. The system accepts claims from Sunday through Friday of each week. If you file on Saturday, it will count toward the following week's claim.
After you file your weekly claim, CONNECT will tell you when to expect your payment. Payments are usually deposited into your bank account within three to five business days, but this varies depending on your bank.
What to do if CONNECT asks for more information
If Florida needs documents or clarification, CONNECT will show a message in your account with a important date. Common requests include proof of your wages (pay stubs or a letter from your employer), proof that you are looking for work, or clarification about why you left your job.
To respond, log into CONNECT, find the message, and follow the instructions. You can usually upload documents directly through the system — take a photo of your documents with your phone and upload the image. Make sure the image is clear and shows all the information Florida is asking for.
If you cannot upload documents through CONNECT, the message will tell you an email address or fax number where you can send them instead. Always keep a copy of what you send and note the date you sent it.
Common reasons CONNECT rejects claims or stops payments
Florida may deny your claim or stop your payments if you do not meet the state's rules. The most common reasons are: you quit your job without good cause, you were fired for misconduct, you did not earn enough in the past 12 months to meet Florida's wage requirement, or you did not report income or work hours accurately on your weekly claim.
If your claim is denied, CONNECT will show the reason and tell you that you have the right to appeal. An appeal is a formal request asking Florida to reconsider the decision. You must request an appeal within 20 days of the denial notice. You can request an appeal through CONNECT or by mail — the notice will explain both options.
If your weekly payments stop suddenly, check your CONNECT account when ready for a message explaining why. Common reasons include missing a weekly claim important date, reporting that you worked full-time, or failing to respond to a request for information. Some stops are temporary — if you resolve the issue, your payments may restart.
Getting help if you cannot use CONNECT or have questions
If you have trouble using CONNECT or do not understand a message, you can contact the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Call the DEO customer service line at 1-833-352-7897. Wait times are long, especially early in the week and early in the morning, so call in the afternoon or later in the week if possible.
You can also visit a DEO office in person. Find your local office at floridajobs.org. Some offices have computers available for filing claims, and staff can answer questions about your account. Call ahead to ask whether your office requires an appointment.
If you need help in a language other than English, DEO offers interpretation services. Tell the customer service representative which language you speak, and they will connect you with an interpreter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim by phone or mail instead of using CONNECT?
No. Florida only accepts new unemployment claims through CONNECT. There is no phone line or mail option. If you cannot access the internet, you can use a public library computer or visit a DEO office, where staff can help you file through CONNECT on their computers.
What if I forget my CONNECT password?
Go to connect.myflorida.com and select "Forgot Password." Florida will send you a link to reset it. Check your email, including your spam folder. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, try again or contact DEO customer service at 1-833-352-7897.
How long does it take to get my first payment after I file?
If your claim is approved when ready, you may receive your first payment within one to two weeks. If Florida needs more information or needs to verify your wages with your employer, it can take three to four weeks or longer. Check your CONNECT account daily to see whether Florida has asked for anything from you.
Do I have to file a weekly claim even if I worked part-time that week?
Yes. You must file a weekly claim every week, and you must report any work or income you earned. Your weekly benefit amount will be reduced based on what you earned, but you may still receive a partial payment. If you do not file your weekly claim, you will not receive any payment that week.
What if CONNECT says my claim was denied but I think the decision is wrong?
You have the right to appeal. CONNECT will show the denial notice with instructions on how to request an appeal. You must request an appeal within 20 days. An appeal hearing is held by phone or video, and you can explain your side of the story to a hearing officer who will make a new decision.