The main Florida unemployment website is CONNECT, run by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

CONNECT (Comprehensive Online Notification Centralized Employment Re-employment) is the official portal where you file claims, check claim status, and manage your account. You reach it at floridajobs.org/connect. This is where you go to file a new claim, certify weekly or biweekly for benefits, upload documents, and see payment history.

CONNECT is the only place to file a claim with the state of Florida. No other website, phone line, or office can start your claim for you. You must create an account with a username and password, then complete the claim form online. The system asks for your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, employment history for the past 18 months, and the reason you are no longer working.

The website works on a schedule: you can file or certify 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, the state processes claims and payments on a set timeline. Claims filed Monday through Friday are usually processed within one business day. Claims filed on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day.

Key Takeaways

  • CONNECT at floridajobs.org/connect is the only place to file a Florida unemployment claim or certify for weekly benefits.
  • You must create an online account with a username and password; there is no paper process or phone filing option.
  • The state processes claims filed Monday through Friday within one business day, and weekend filings the next business day.
  • If you cannot use the website, you can call the CONNECT helpline at 1-833-352-7992 to file by phone or get account help.
  • The website shows your claim status, payment history, and any documents the state needs from you in real time.

How to create a CONNECT account and file your first claim

Go to floridajobs.org/connect and select "New User" or "Create Account." You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number. The system will send you a verification code by email or text to confirm your identity. Write down your username and password somewhere safe — you will use this account every week or every two weeks to certify for benefits.

Once your account is active, select "File a New Claim" and answer the questions in order. The form asks for your name, address, employment history, and the date you stopped working. Be exact about dates and employer names, because the state cross-checks this information with what employers report. If your dates do not match what your employer told the state, your claim may be delayed while the state investigates.

After you submit your claim, CONNECT gives you a confirmation number. Write this down. The state then contacts your most recent employer to verify that you worked there and the reason you left. This verification step usually takes three to five business days. During this time, your claim shows as "pending" in CONNECT.

Checking your claim status and payment history in CONNECT

Once you log into CONNECT, the dashboard shows your claim status at the top of the page. "Pending" means the state is still verifying your employment. "Active" means your claim has been approved and you can certify for benefits. "Ineligible" or "Denied" means the state has determined you do not meet the requirements; the reason appears on the same page.

Under "Payment History," you can see every payment the state has sent you, the amount, and the date it was deposited. Payments are sent to a debit card or bank account you provide during the claim process. If you do not see a payment you expected, check the date — the state processes payments on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week, and the bank takes one to two business days to deposit the money.

If your claim shows "Ineligible" or if a payment is missing, CONNECT displays a message telling you what documents or information the state needs. You can upload documents directly in CONNECT — most commonly, proof of your separation from your job (a termination letter or final paycheck stub) or proof of your income. Do not wait for the state to contact you; upload documents as soon as you see the request.

Certifying for benefits each week or every two weeks

After your claim is approved, you must certify — tell the state that you are still unemployed and looking for work — on a schedule. Florida uses either weekly or biweekly certification depending on your claim type. CONNECT shows you which schedule applies to you and when your next certification is due.

To certify, log into CONNECT, select "Certify for Benefits," and answer a short set of questions about whether you worked, earned any income, or turned down a job offer during that week or two-week period. Answer honestly: if you worked even one day, you must report the hours and gross pay. The state reduces your benefit payment by the amount you earned.

Certification windows usually open on Sunday and close on Friday of the same week. If you certify late — after the Friday important date — your payment may be delayed by one week. If you miss certification entirely for two weeks in a row, your benefits may be suspended until you certify.

Phone and chat support if you cannot use the website

The CONNECT helpline is 1-833-352-7992. This line is for account help, password resets, filing by phone if you cannot access the website, and questions about your claim status. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week and early in the morning. Calling after 2 p.m. or on Thursday or Friday usually means shorter waits.

CONNECT also offers a live chat feature on the floridajobs.org website. Select "Chat with us" at the bottom right of the page. Chat is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Chat agents can answer questions about your account, help you reset your password, or direct you to the right form or document.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the Florida Relay Service at 711 before calling the CONNECT helpline. The relay service will connect you to an agent at no cost.

Documents you may need to upload to CONNECT

The state asks for different documents depending on why you are unemployed and your work history. The most common requests are:

  • A termination letter, separation notice, or final paycheck stub showing the date you stopped working.
  • Pay stubs from the last four weeks of work, to verify your income.
  • A letter from your employer explaining the reason for separation (if you were laid off, fired, or quit).
  • Proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport, if the state questions whether your account belongs to you.
  • Proof of citizenship or work authorization, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card.

Upload documents as PDF, JPG, or PNG files. The file size limit is 10 MB per document. Take clear photos of paper documents — blurry or sideways images may be rejected. If CONNECT rejects your upload, try a different file format or contact the helpline for help.

What to do if you cannot log into CONNECT or forget your password

Select "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" on the CONNECT login page. The system will send you a reset link by email. Click the link and create a new password. If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, check your spam folder.

If you cannot reset your password or do not remember the email address you used to create your account, call the CONNECT helpline at 1-833-352-7992. An agent can verify your identity and reset your account. Have your Social Security number and driver's license number ready.

If your account has been locked due to multiple failed login attempts, wait 30 minutes and try again. If it remains locked, call the helpline. Do not try to create a second account — the state will see duplicate claims and may delay both of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim by phone instead of using the CONNECT website?

Yes. Call the CONNECT helpline at 1-833-352-7992 and tell the agent you want to file by phone. The agent will ask you the same questions as the online form and enter your information into the system. Filing by phone takes longer than filing online, and wait times are often 30 minutes or more. If possible, file online to speed up the process.

How long does it take to get my first payment after I file a claim?

The state processes claims filed Monday through Friday within one business day. Your employer then has three to five business days to respond to the state's verification request. Once your claim is approved, your first payment is usually sent within one week. In total, expect two to three weeks from the date you file to the date you receive your first payment.

What if CONNECT says my claim is denied?

CONNECT shows the reason for the denial on your claim status page. Common reasons are that you quit your job without good cause, you were fired for misconduct, or your employer reported that you are still employed. You have the right to appeal a denial. Select "Appeal" in CONNECT or call the helpline to request an appeal hearing. You must appeal within 20 days of the denial date.

Can I update my bank account or debit card information in CONNECT?

Yes. Log into CONNECT, select "Account Settings," and choose "Payment Method." You can change your bank account or debit card at any time. Changes take effect within one to two business days. If you change your payment method mid-week, your next payment may go to your old account; contact the helpline if this happens.

What should I do if I see fraudulent activity on my CONNECT account?

Change your password when ready and call the CONNECT helpline at 1-833-352-7992 to report the fraud. The state can freeze your account and investigate. If someone filed a claim using your name and Social Security number without your permission, report this to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at 1-888-357-7332 as well.