Where to find Florida's unemployment website and what it does
Florida's unemployment website is CONNECT (the Reemployment information Claims System), located at connect.myflorida.com. This is the only official state portal where you file claims, check claim status, view payment history, and manage your account. It is run by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), which administers the state's unemployment program.
CONNECT is where you go to do almost everything related to your claim after you file it. You cannot file an initial claim by phone or mail — it must be done through CONNECT. The system is available 24 hours a day, though the state processes claims during business hours. If you have never used CONNECT before, you will need to create an account with a username and password before you can file.
The website also hosts information about reemployment services, job search resources, and answers to common questions. However, if you need to speak to a person, CONNECT has a contact option, though wait times can be long during high-volume periods.
Key Takeaways
- CONNECT at connect.myflorida.com is the official Florida unemployment website where you file claims and check your account status.
- You must create a username and password to use CONNECT, and you cannot file an initial claim by phone or mail.
- The website shows your claim status, payment history, and any issues that need your attention, updated regularly but not in real time.
- If you cannot log in or have technical problems, CONNECT has a help section and a contact option to reach DEO staff.
- Florida also offers a phone line for reemployment services and claim questions, though wait times vary by time of day and season.
How to create a CONNECT account and log in
To create an account, go to connect.myflorida.com and select the option to create a new user ID. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Florida will send you a verification code to that email — you must enter it to complete registration. Choose a username and password that you can remember; you will use these every time you log in.
Once your account is created, log in with your username and password. If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. If you forget your username, you can recover it using your Social Security number and email address. Keep your login information in a safe place, because you will need it to check your claim status and manage your account throughout the year.
If you have trouble creating an account or logging in, CONNECT has a help section with troubleshooting steps. You can also contact DEO through the website's contact form or by phone during business hours. Technical issues are common during the first few days after you create your account, so try logging in from a different browser or device if you get an error message.
What information you see in your CONNECT account
Once you log in, your dashboard shows your current claim status, which tells you whether your claim is pending, active, or closed. It also displays the weeks you have filed for (called "weekly certifications") and which weeks have been paid. You can see the payment amount for each week and the date it was deposited to your bank account or debit card.
Your account also shows any issues or "alerts" that need your attention. These might include missing documents, a question about your work history, or a notice that you need to respond to something. If you see an alert, read it carefully and follow the instructions — ignoring alerts can delay or stop your payments. The alert will usually tell you how many days you have to respond.
You can also view your claim details, including the employer you listed, your weekly benefit amount, and the total amount of benefits you are may have access to to receive. This information is based on what you reported when you filed. If any of it is wrong, you can contact DEO to correct it, though changes may take several days to process.
Filing your weekly certification through CONNECT
After you file your initial claim, you must file a weekly certification each week to continue receiving payments. CONNECT will show you which weeks are available to file. You typically have a window of several days to file for each week — do not wait until the last day, because technical issues or high traffic can prevent you from filing on time.
When you file your weekly certification, you will answer questions about whether you worked that week, how much you earned, and whether you looked for work. You must answer honestly. If you worked, report your gross earnings (before taxes) for that week. If you did not look for work, you may be asked why — some reasons are acceptable under Florida law, but others are not.
After you submit your weekly certification, CONNECT will show you a confirmation number. Save this number or take a screenshot. The system will then process your certification, which usually takes a few business days. Once it is processed, you will see the payment status change in your account, and the money will be deposited on the schedule shown on your account.
Troubleshooting common CONNECT problems
If you cannot log in, first check that you are using the correct username and password. If you are sure they are right, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then log in again. If you are still locked out, use the password recovery option. If that does not work, contact DEO through the website's contact form — they can reset your account, though it may take a day or two.
If you filed a weekly certification but do not see it in your account, wait at least one business day. CONNECT does not update in real time, so there is often a delay between when you submit and when the system shows it as received. If more than two business days have passed and you still do not see it, contact DEO with your confirmation number.
If you see an error message when you try to file, note the exact text of the message and contact DEO. Some errors are temporary (the system is busy or under maintenance), while others mean there is a problem with your account that needs to be fixed before you can file. DEO staff can tell you which one it is and what to do next.
Contacting Florida DEO if you need help
CONNECT has a contact form where you can submit questions or report problems. Fill out the form with as much detail as possible — include your claim number, the date of the problem, and what you were trying to do. DEO usually responds within one to three business days, though during high-volume periods it can take longer.
Florida also has a phone line for reemployment services and claim questions. The number is available on the CONNECT website and on your claim documents. Call times vary, but the line is typically busiest on Mondays and Tuesdays and right after a major policy change or news event about unemployment. Early morning or late afternoon calls often have shorter wait times.
If you need to speak to someone about a specific issue with your account, have your claim number and Social Security number ready. The person you speak to may be able to fix the problem when ready, or they may need to escalate it to another department. Either way, ask for a reference number so you can follow up if needed.
Understanding CONNECT's payment schedule and deposit timing
Florida deposits unemployment payments by direct deposit to your bank account or by debit card, depending on which method you chose when you filed. Payments are typically deposited on a set day each week — CONNECT will show you which day that is for your account. The day varies by claim, so check your account to see your specific schedule.
After you file your weekly certification, there is usually a delay of two to four business days before the payment is processed and deposited. This means if you file on a Monday, you might not see the money until Wednesday or Thursday. If you do not see a payment by the day after your scheduled deposit day, log into CONNECT and check whether your weekly certification was processed. If it shows as "pending," wait another day. If it shows as "denied" or "disqualified," contact DEO when ready.
CONNECT shows your payment history for the past several months, so you can see exactly when each payment was made. This is useful if you need to dispute a payment or if you are trying to figure out why a payment did not arrive. Keep records of your CONNECT account activity in case you need them later for tax purposes or to resolve a payment issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I forget my CONNECT username or password?
Use the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" link on the CONNECT login page. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number and email address. Florida will send you a recovery link or temporary password to your email. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder. If you still cannot recover your account, contact DEO through the website's contact form.
Can I file my weekly certification on the same day I file my initial claim?
No. Your initial claim must be processed first, which usually takes one to three business days. After that, CONNECT will show you which weeks are available to file. You cannot file a weekly certification until your initial claim is approved and your account is active.
Why does CONNECT show my claim as "pending" for weeks after I filed?
Pending status usually means DEO is still reviewing your claim or waiting for information from you. Check your account for any alerts or messages. If you see an alert, respond to it right away. If you do not see any alerts and your claim has been pending for more than two weeks, contact DEO to find out what is holding up the decision.
Is CONNECT the same as the federal unemployment website?
No. CONNECT is Florida's state website for state unemployment benefits. Federal programs like Pandemic Unemployment information (PUA) or Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) were also filed through CONNECT when they were active, but those programs have ended. If you are looking for information about a federal program, contact DEO to find out whether it is still available.
What if I cannot access CONNECT because I do not have internet at home?
Many public libraries in Florida offer free computer access and internet. You can use a library computer to log into CONNECT and file your weekly certification. Some libraries also have staff who can help you navigate the website. Call your local library to ask about their hours and whether they offer this service.