Where to find Florida's unemployment system online

Florida's unemployment system is run through a website called CONNECT, which stands for the reemployment information system. You reach it at connect.myflorida.com. This is where you'll file your initial claim, check the status of money owed to you, upload documents, and manage your account.

CONNECT is the only official place to file. You cannot file by phone, mail, or in person at a Florida Department of Economic Opportunity office. The website is available 24 hours a day, though you may experience slower speeds during peak hours (typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays).

Before you start, have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your most recent job ready. You'll also need an email address you can access — Florida will send you notices and updates there.

Key Takeaways

  • CONNECT (connect.myflorida.com) is Florida's only official unemployment website, and you must file there rather than by phone or mail.
  • You will need your Social Security number, ID number, and details about your last job before you start filing.
  • After you file, check your claim status regularly in CONNECT because Florida may ask you to upload documents or answer questions about your separation from work.
  • If you cannot access CONNECT or need help understanding a notice, call the Department of Economic Opportunity at 1-833-352-7992, though wait times are often long.
  • Money typically arrives in your bank account or on a debit card within 7 to 10 business days after your claim is approved.

Creating your CONNECT account and logging in

Go to connect.myflorida.com and click "Log In" in the top right corner. If you don't have an account yet, select "Create Account." You'll be asked to enter your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Write down your password and security answers somewhere safe — you'll need them every time you log in.

After you create your account, Florida will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Click the link in that email to verify your account. If you don't see the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. Do not close the browser or navigate away until you've confirmed — the account won't work until you do.

Once your account is confirmed, log back in using your email and password. The CONNECT homepage shows your claim status, any money owed to you, and a list of tasks you need to complete. If you see a red alert or a task marked "Action Required," that means Florida is waiting for something from you — usually documents or answers to questions about why you left your job.

Filing your initial claim step by step

After you log in, look for a button or link that says "File a New Claim" or "New Claim." Click it. The form will ask you questions in this order: your personal information (name, address, phone number), your work history for the past 18 months, why you separated from your most recent job, and whether you've been disqualified from benefits in another state.

For the work history section, start with your most recent job and work backward. You'll need the employer's name, the city where you worked, your job title, the dates you worked there (month and year), and your hourly wage or weekly salary. If you worked for multiple employers in the past 18 months, add each one. Be as exact as you can — if you're off by a month or two, Florida may ask you to correct it later.

The separation question is critical. Florida asks whether you were laid off, quit, or fired. If you were laid off, select that option and briefly explain (for example, "Company closed" or "Position eliminated"). If you quit, you must explain why — Florida will only pay you if you quit for "good cause," which usually means unsafe working conditions, illegal activity by the employer, or a substantial change in pay or hours without your agreement. If you were fired, explain what happened as factually as you can.

After you submit the form, you'll see a confirmation page with a claim number. Write this number down. You should also receive an email confirmation. Do not assume your claim is approved — submission and approval are different. Check your CONNECT account the next day to see whether Florida has sent you any follow-up questions or tasks.

Checking your claim status and responding to requests

Log into CONNECT at least twice a week while your claim is being reviewed. On the homepage, you'll see a section called "My Claims" or "Claim Status." Click on your claim number to open it. If the status says "Pending," Florida is still reviewing. If it says "Approved," money should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it says "Denied" or "Disqualified," you have the right to file an appeal — see the section below on appeals.

Below the status, look for a section called "Tasks" or "Action Items." If anything is listed there, click on it. Florida commonly asks for: proof that you worked at the job you listed (a pay stub, offer letter, or employment verification letter from your employer), clarification about why you left, or confirmation that you're actively looking for work. Upload documents as PDF or image files. Do not send handwritten notes or photos that are blurry.

If Florida asks you to verify your identity, you may be directed to a third-party verification system. Follow the prompts carefully — this usually involves uploading a photo of your ID and sometimes a selfie. If the system rejects your documents, try again with better lighting or a different angle. If you keep getting rejected, call the Department of Economic Opportunity at 1-833-352-7992 to ask for help.

Understanding payment methods and timing

Once your claim is approved, Florida deposits money into a bank account or onto a debit card. When you file, CONNECT asks whether you want direct deposit to your bank account or payment on a prepaid debit card issued by the state. Direct deposit is faster and safer — if you have a bank account, choose that option.

If you choose direct deposit, provide your routing number and account number from your bank. You can find these on a check or by logging into your bank's website. Money typically arrives 7 to 10 business days after your claim is approved. If you choose the debit card, Florida mails it to your address on file, which can take 1 to 2 weeks, and then you can use it when ready once it arrives.

Check your CONNECT account under "Payment History" to see when money was sent and how much. If you were approved for a certain amount per week, that amount will be deposited every week you remain unemployed and meet the work-search requirements (see below). If you go back to work, you must report your earnings in CONNECT — failing to do so can result in an overpayment that you'll have to repay.

Weekly work-search requirements and reporting

In Florida, you must search for work each week to continue receiving money. CONNECT will ask you to log in each week and report your work-search activities. You need to document at least three work-search contacts per week — these can be job applications, phone calls to employers, attendance at a job fair, or meetings with a career counselor.

You do not have to upload proof of each contact every week, but Florida may ask you to provide it later. Keep records: write down the date, the employer's name, the job title you applied for, and how you made contact (online process, phone call, in person). If Florida audits your account and you cannot show that you searched for work, your benefits can be stopped and you may owe back money.

Some people are exempt from work-search requirements — for example, if you're on temporary layoff and your employer told you to expect to be called back within a specific timeframe. If you think you're exempt, contact the Department of Economic Opportunity to ask. Do not assume you're exempt without confirming.

What to do if you're denied or need to appeal

If your claim is denied, CONNECT will show a reason — commonly "quit without good cause," "fired for misconduct," or "insufficient wages." Below the denial, you'll see a link to file an appeal. You have 20 calendar days from the date of the denial to appeal. If you miss this important date, you lose the right to appeal that decision.

To appeal, click the appeal link in CONNECT and write a brief explanation of why you believe the decision was wrong. For example, if you were denied because you quit, explain the circumstances: "I quit because my employer cut my hours from 40 per week to 10 per week without notice" or "I quit because my supervisor asked me to do something illegal." Be specific and factual.

After you file an appeal, Florida sends your case to a hearing officer. You'll receive a notice with a date and time for a phone hearing (rarely in person). Attend the hearing and explain your side. You can bring documents, emails, or witnesses. The hearing officer will also contact your former employer to hear their version. The hearing officer then issues a decision, which you can see in CONNECT within a few days.

Troubleshooting common CONNECT problems

If you cannot log in, first check that you're using the correct email address and password. If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the reset instructions. If you still cannot log in after resetting, the system may be down for maintenance — try again in a few hours.

If CONNECT won't let you upload a document, check the file size (it should be under 10 MB) and the file type (PDF or image files work best). If the upload button is grayed out, you may not have completed a required field earlier in the form — scroll up and look for any fields marked with a red asterisk or error message.

If you see an error message that says "Session Expired," you've been logged out due to inactivity. Log back in and try again. If you see a message about a system error, wait 15 minutes and try again — CONNECT occasionally goes offline for brief periods.

If none of these steps work, call the Department of Economic Opportunity at 1-833-352-7992. Wait times are often 30 minutes to 2 hours, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays. Have your claim number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I was fired?

Yes, you can file. Florida will pay you only if you were fired for reasons other than misconduct — for example, if you made an honest mistake or if your employer didn't train you properly. If you were fired for breaking a rule you knew about, Florida will likely deny your claim. You can appeal the denial and explain the circumstances at a hearing.

What happens if I go back to work part-time while collecting benefits?

You must report your earnings in CONNECT each week. Florida reduces your benefit amount based on how much you earned, but you may still receive partial benefits. If you don't report earnings and Florida finds out, you'll owe back the money you shouldn't have received.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most claims are approved within 1 to 2 weeks if you submit all required documents promptly. If Florida asks follow-up questions and you don't respond, approval can take much longer. Check CONNECT every few days to see whether any tasks are waiting for you.

What if I moved and my address changed?

Log into CONNECT, go to your account settings, and update your address. Florida will mail notices to the address on file, so updating it quickly is important. You can also update it by calling 1-833-352-7992.

Can I file a claim if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You must have a valid Social Security number to file in Florida. If you have a work visa or green card and a Social Security number, you can file. If you don't have a Social Security number, you cannot file for Florida unemployment benefits.