Labor & Employment Law
Florida Unemployment Benefits
Navigating unemployment benefits in Florida can be complex, but understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and benefit structure is key to receiving the support you need. Unemployment benefits are designed to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are actively seeking new employment.
To qualify, you must meet specific criteria, including being terminated without misconduct, meeting minimum earnings thresholds, and being ready, willing, and able to work. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online or with assistance from CareerSource centers. Benefits range from $32 to $275 per week, with payments made via direct deposit or a state-issued debit card, and eligibility typically lasts between 12 to 23 weeks.
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal through a structured process that includes telephonic hearings and further legal recourse if necessary. Staying informed about deadlines, work search requirements, and payment processes is crucial to maintaining benefits and ensuring a smooth experience.
Florida Unemployment Benefits Frequently Asked Questions
You are entitled to unemployment benefits in Florida if you meet all of these requirements:
- You were not terminated for misconduct
- You did not voluntarily quit your job
- You meet minimum earnings requirements as set by the DEO during the base period (the first four quarters of the last five quarters before benefits start)
- You are ready, willing and able to work—meaning physically capable of performing job duties and actively seeking work and ready to accept suitable work
Note about misconduct: Misconduct is defined very narrowly meaning many terminable offenses do not rise to the level of misconduct to lose benefits. Misconduct has been held to include things like chronic absenteeism, violation of a company policy, failing a drug test, etcetera.
You can initiate an unemployment claim through these methods:
- File online at FloridaJobs.org
- Go to a CareerSource center for assistance with submitting an application for benefits
Benefits range from $32 to $275 per week, before tax deductions. Your amount is determined by your earnings over the first four quarters of the last five completed quarters immediately preceding your application.
There is a mandatory “waiting week” before any benefits are paid. Realistically, it may take a few weeks for the benefits to start after the waiting week, assuming your application is approved.
Important: To continue receiving your unemployment, you must claim your weeks of unemployment before each posted deadline. Late claims could result in loss of benefits.
In Florida, claimants have two options:
- Direct deposit directly into a bank account
- Loaded on to a debit card
Claimants can receive unemployment benefits anywhere from 12 to 23 weeks. The exact duration is determined by the current unemployment rate.
Yes. You must:
- Apply for three or five jobs per week (depending on where you live in Florida)
- Register with Employ Florida
Note: There are exemptions from this requirement, however, they will not apply to most claimants. If you refuse suitable work while claiming unemployment benefits, you could jeopardize your benefits.
You have 20 calendar days from the date of the determination notice to appeal.
Appeals can be submitted:
- Online
- By e-mail
- By mail
- By facsimile
The appeal process involves:
- A telephonic hearing where you provide evidence
- Right to subpoena witnesses and records
- Decision received by mail and/or electronically in the DEO’s CONNECT system
Further Appeals: If you disagree with the Appeal Referee’s decision, you can appeal to the Florida Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission within 20 days. If you disagree with the Commission’s decision, you can file a complaint in the appropriate Florida District Court of Appeal.
Contact Information
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
107 East Madison Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
800.204.2418
850.245.7105 – Helpline
www.FloridaJobs.org
Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission
1211 Governors Square Boulevard, Suite 300
Tallahassee, Florida 32301