What CONNECT is and how to access it

CONNECT is Florida's online system for filing and managing unemployment claims. It is run by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and is the only way to file a new claim or check the status of an existing one. You cannot file by phone, mail, or in person — the system is entirely digital.

You reach CONNECT at connect.myflorida.com. The site works on desktop computers, tablets, and phones. You will need an email address and a password to log in. If you do not have an account yet, you create one during the filing process. The system is available 24 hours a day, though DEO staff who answer questions are available only during business hours.

CONNECT handles both regular unemployment insurance (UI) and Reemployment information for Individuals in Fisheries (RAIF), a program for commercial fishermen. Most filers use the regular UI path. The system also lets you view payment history, upload documents, and respond to requests for information from DEO.

Key Takeaways

  • CONNECT is the only way to file a Florida unemployment claim, and you must create an online account with an email address and password.
  • You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your most recent job to complete the filing form.
  • After you file, CONNECT shows your claim status, payment history, and any messages from DEO asking for more information.
  • If CONNECT is down or you cannot access it, you can call the DEO customer service line, but filing online is faster and more reliable.
  • You must file a new claim each week to receive payments — CONNECT will prompt you to do this, and missing a week stops your payments.

Creating your CONNECT account and filing your first claim

Start by going to connect.myflorida.com and clicking "Create Account" or "New User." You will enter your email address and create a password. Florida then sends you a confirmation email — check your inbox and spam folder, and click the link to verify your address. This step is required before you can file.

Once your account is active, log in and select "File a New Claim." The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and driver's license or Florida ID number. You will also enter your address, phone number, and citizenship status. Have your ID in front of you — the numbers must match exactly.

Next, you provide information about your most recent job: the employer's name and address, your job title, the dates you worked there, and your reason for separation (laid off, quit, fired, or other). Be specific and honest about why you left. If you were fired, explain what happened. If you quit, explain why. DEO uses this information to determine whether you meet the rules for receiving payments.

You will also answer questions about whether you are looking for work, whether you have any job offers pending, and whether you have any disqualifying issues (such as a pending criminal case or a previous overpayment you owe back). Answer truthfully. Lying on a claim can result in overpayment demands and criminal charges.

What happens after you file

After you submit your claim, CONNECT shows a confirmation page with a claim number. Write this number down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you call DEO or if something goes wrong. The system then processes your claim, which usually takes three to five business days.

During this time, log back into CONNECT and check your claim status regularly. The status page tells you whether your claim is "pending," "approved," "denied," or "under review." If it is under review, DEO may be checking your work history with your former employer or verifying other details. This can take longer than five days.

If your claim is approved, CONNECT will tell you your weekly benefit amount and your benefit year end date (usually 52 weeks from the week you filed). You will also see instructions for filing your weekly claim. If your claim is denied, CONNECT shows the reason — usually that you do not meet the earnings requirement, that you quit without good cause, or that you were fired for misconduct.

Filing your weekly claim and receiving payments

Once your claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim every week to receive a payment. CONNECT will send you an email reminder, usually on Sunday or Monday, telling you that your weekly claim is ready to file. Log in, click "File Weekly Claim," and answer a short set of questions: whether you worked that week, whether you earned any money, whether you refused any job offers, and whether you are still looking for work.

Answer these questions accurately. If you worked and earned money, report it — DEO will reduce your payment by a portion of your earnings, but you still receive something. If you lie about working or earning money, DEO will demand repayment and may pursue fraud charges.

After you file your weekly claim, payments are usually deposited into your bank account within two to three business days. Florida uses a debit card system called the Prepaid Debit Card, issued by a bank partner. When you file your claim, you choose whether to receive payments by direct deposit to your own bank account or by debit card. Direct deposit is faster and more find.

If you miss a week and do not file your weekly claim, you do not receive a payment for that week. You can file a late weekly claim up to two weeks after the week ends, but only if you have a good reason (illness, system outage, emergency). Repeated missed weeks can result in your claim being closed.

Responding to DEO messages and document requests

While your claim is active, DEO may send you messages through CONNECT asking for more information or documents. Common requests include proof of your identity, verification of your work history, or clarification about why you left your job. These messages appear in your CONNECT inbox, and DEO also sends an email notification.

Read these messages carefully and follow the instructions exactly. DEO will give you a important date — usually 10 to 14 days — to respond. If you miss the important date, DEO may deny your claim or stop your payments. If you do not understand what DEO is asking for, call the customer service line and ask for help.

To upload documents, log into CONNECT, find the message, and click "Upload Documents." You can upload images of your driver's license, pay stubs, separation letters, or other proof. Take clear photos or scans — blurry or sideways images may not be readable. Label each file with what it is (for example, "ID_front.jpg" or "final_paycheck.pdf").

Troubleshooting common CONNECT problems

If you forget your CONNECT password, click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Florida sends a reset link to your email. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and try again. If the reset link does not work, call DEO customer service and ask them to help you regain access.

If CONNECT is slow or will not load, try a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If the entire system is down, DEO usually posts a notice on the CONNECT homepage. System outages are rare but can last a few hours. If you cannot file your weekly claim because of an outage, call DEO and ask them to note the outage on your account so you are not penalized for a late filing.

If you see an error message when you try to file, write down the exact message and call DEO. Common errors include mismatched Social Security numbers, address problems, or a claim that was closed by mistake. DEO can usually fix these issues over the phone or by email.

If you believe DEO made a mistake on your claim — for example, if your benefit amount is too low or if your claim was denied incorrectly — you have the right to file an appeal. CONNECT will show an "Appeal" button if you are may be able to access. You must appeal within 20 days of the decision. An appeal hearing is held by phone or video, and you can present evidence and answer questions about your claim.

When to call DEO customer service

The Florida DEO customer service line is 1-833-352-7759. This number is for questions about your claim, status updates, and technical problems with CONNECT. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week and early in the morning. Call in the afternoon or late in the week if you can.

Have your claim number, Social Security number, and any relevant documents in front of you before you call. Be ready to explain your situation clearly and answer security questions to verify your identity. If you reach a representative who cannot help, ask to speak to a supervisor or ask for a callback number so you do not have to wait on hold again.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Florida offers a relay service. Call 711 and ask for the DEO number. If you speak a language other than English, DEO can provide an interpreter, but you may need to request this in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I was fired?

You can file, but whether you receive payments depends on why you were fired. If you were fired for misconduct — breaking a rule, being late repeatedly, or behaving badly at work — you are usually disqualified. If you were fired for poor performance or because the job was not a good fit, you may still receive payments. Be honest about the reason on your claim form.

What if I quit my job?

You can file a claim, but you must have had "good cause" to quit. Good cause means the job was unsafe, the pay was cut drastically, or you had a serious personal or family emergency. Quitting because you did not like the job or wanted to look for something better is usually not good cause. Explain your reason clearly on the claim form.

How long does it take to receive my first payment?

After you file your claim, it usually takes three to five business days for DEO to approve it. Once approved, your first weekly claim is filed automatically, and the payment is deposited within two to three business days. Total time from filing to first payment is usually one to two weeks, but can be longer if DEO needs to verify information with your employer.

What if CONNECT says my claim was denied?

CONNECT shows the reason for the denial — read it carefully. Common reasons are that you do not meet the earnings requirement, that you quit without good cause, or that you were fired for misconduct. You have 20 days to file an appeal. Click the "Appeal" button in CONNECT and explain why you believe the decision was wrong. An appeal hearing is held by phone, and you can present evidence and answer questions.

Do I have to report my earnings if I work part-time while receiving payments?

Yes. Report all earnings on your weekly claim form, even if you worked only a few hours. DEO will reduce your payment based on how much you earned, but you still receive a partial payment. If you do not report earnings and DEO finds out, you will owe back all the payments you received, plus penalties.