Where to log in and what you need

Florida's unemployment system uses a single login portal called CONNECT, which handles both initial claims and ongoing benefit management. You log in at connect.myflorida.com using your Social Security number and a password you create during your first visit.

You do not need a separate username. The system identifies you by your Social Security number and the password combination. If you have never logged in before, the first time you visit the site, you will be prompted to set up your password and answer security questions.

Once you are logged in, you can view your claim status, check payment history, report weekly work search activity (if required), and upload documents. The system is available 24 hours a day, though the site sometimes goes offline for maintenance early in the morning.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at connect.myflorida.com using your Social Security number and a password you create on your first visit.
  • You can check your claim status, view payments, and report work search activity from your account dashboard.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email or security questions.
  • The system sometimes requires you to verify your identity by uploading a photo ID or answering questions about your personal history.
  • If you cannot log in after multiple attempts, contact the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity by phone or through the CONNECT system's message feature.

What to do if you forget your password

Click "Forgot Password" on the connect.myflorida.com login page. The system will ask you to enter your Social Security number and then offer two reset options: receive a link by email, or answer security questions you set up during registration.

If you choose email, check your inbox and spam folder for a message from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The reset link is valid for a limited time. If you choose security questions, answer them as you entered them originally — the system is case-sensitive and exact.

If neither option works, you will need to contact the department directly. Call 1-833-352-7897 (the main unemployment line) and explain that you cannot reset your password. They can verify your identity and either reset it for you or walk you through the process.

Identity verification and document uploads

CONNECT sometimes flags accounts for identity verification, especially on first login or after a long period without activity. When this happens, you will see a message asking you to upload a photo ID and sometimes other documents.

Acceptable photo IDs include a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Take a clear photo or scan of both the front and back. Upload it through the CONNECT system using the link provided in the message. The system accepts JPG, PNG, and PDF files up to 10 MB each.

Verification usually takes one to three business days. During this time, you may not be able to access your full account, but you can still check your claim status. If verification is denied, the system will send you a message explaining why and how to resubmit.

Checking your claim status and payment history

After you log in, your dashboard shows your current claim status at the top of the page. The status will say one of the following: "Active," "Inactive," "Pending," "Denied," or "Closed." Each status means something different about whether you are currently receiving benefits.

Below the status, you will see a section called "Payment History" or "Benefit Payment Information." This shows every payment the state has sent you, the amount, the date it was sent, and whether it has been deposited. If a payment shows "Pending," it means the state has approved it but it has not yet reached your bank account — this usually takes one to two business days.

If you see a payment you do not recognize, or if a payment you expected is missing, do not assume there is an error. Log in again the next day to see if the information has updated. If the discrepancy remains after 48 hours, contact the department.

Reporting weekly work search activity

If your claim requires you to report work search activity, you will see a section in CONNECT labeled "Weekly Claim Certification" or "Work Search Report." This is mandatory for most people receiving regular unemployment benefits — you must complete it every week to keep receiving payments.

The report asks how many employers you contacted, what jobs you searched for, and sometimes for details about each contact. You have until the end of the week (usually Sunday at 11:59 p.m.) to submit it. If you miss the important date, your payment for that week will be held until you submit a late report, and some weeks may be denied entirely.

Keep records of your job search activities — dates, company names, job titles, and how you applied — so you can fill out the report accurately. If you are unsure whether a particular activity counts, the CONNECT system includes a help section with examples of what does and does not may have access to.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see an error message saying "Invalid Social Security Number" or "Account Not Found," double-check that you are entering your Social Security number correctly, with no spaces or dashes. The system expects nine digits in a row. If you are still blocked, it may mean your claim has not been processed yet or was denied.

If the page loads but you cannot click buttons or fill in fields, try a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge). Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If you are using a mobile phone, try the desktop version of the site instead, or vice versa.

If you see a message saying "Your account is locked" or "Too many login attempts," wait at least 30 minutes before trying again. The system locks accounts temporarily after several failed login attempts to prevent unauthorized access. If the account remains locked after an hour, contact the department.

Contacting the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

If you cannot resolve your login problem through the CONNECT system, you have several ways to reach the department. The main phone line is 1-833-352-7897, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Call volume is highest early in the week and early in the morning.

You can also send a message through CONNECT itself. Log in if you can, or use the "Contact Us" link on the login page. Messages sent through the system are answered within one to three business days. Include as much detail as possible about what you are trying to do and what error message you are seeing.

The department also has a website at floridajobs.org with additional resources, including a chat feature during business hours. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the Florida Relay Service at 711 to call the unemployment line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes, CONNECT works on phones and tablets, but the mobile version can be slow or glitchy. If you have trouble on your phone, try the full desktop version by requesting it in your browser settings, or use a computer instead. Some features, like uploading documents, work better on a desktop.

What if I never received a confirmation email when I first created my account?

CONNECT does not always send confirmation emails. If you set up your password and security questions, your account is active even if you did not receive an email. Try logging in with your Social Security number and the password you created. If it does not work, use the "Forgot Password" option to reset it.

Is my personal information safe on CONNECT?

CONNECT uses encryption and security measures standard for government websites. Do not share your login information with anyone, including state employees — the department will never ask for your password. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and contact the department.

Can I log in if I am outside Florida or outside the United States?

Yes, CONNECT is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Your location does not prevent you from logging in or checking your account. However, if you are outside the United States and receiving benefits, you may have additional reporting requirements — check your claim details or contact the department.

What should I do if my account shows a claim status I do not recognize?

Log out and log back in to make sure the information has refreshed. If the status still looks wrong, contact the department with your claim number (visible in CONNECT) and explain what you see. Do not assume the status is an error — sometimes claims are automatically closed or moved to a different status based on state rules.