Where to File Florida Unemployment: The Process Explained (Simply)

Losing a job is a gut punch. One day you’re in a routine, and the next, you’re staring at a blank calendar and a dwindling bank account. If you’re in the Sunshine State, your first thought is probably about how to keep the lights on. You need the Reemployment Assistance program—Florida’s fancy name for unemployment benefits. But honestly, trying to figure out where to file florida unemployment can feel like you're lost in a swamp without a map.

The system has changed a lot over the last couple of years. If you haven't touched the system since before 2021, forget everything you remember. It's different now. It’s more digital, more secure, and, frankly, a bit more of a headache if you don't have your paperwork ready to go.

The Only Official Way to File Your Claim

Don't get scammed by "help" sites that look official but ask for a fee. Filing is free. You do it through FloridaCommerce, the state agency that handles these things.

The primary portal is called Reconnect. You can find it at FloridaJobs.org.

Most people just head straight to the "Claimants" section. Once you're there, look for the big "File a New Claim" button. It’s available 24/7. You can use a computer, a tablet, or even your phone. The mobile interface has improved quite a bit recently, but a desktop is still your best bet for the initial application just because there’s so much typing involved.

If you aren't great with computers or have a disability that makes online filing a nightmare, you can call them. The number is 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759).

Just a heads up: the hold times are legendary. If you decide to call, do it the second they open at 8:00 a.m. EST. Otherwise, you’ll be listening to hold music for a long, long time. They stop taking calls at 5:00 p.m. sharp on weekdays.

Don't Forget the ID.me Step

This is where people usually get stuck. Florida is obsessive about fraud prevention. Before you can even get into the Reconnect system to enter your work history, you have to prove you are who you say you are.

The state uses a third-party service called ID.me.

It’s a multi-factor authentication process. You’ll need a smartphone and a government-issued photo ID. You take a picture of your ID and a "video selfie" so the system can match your face to your license. It feels a bit like something out of a spy movie, but it's mandatory.

If you’ve used ID.me for the VA or the IRS, you might already have an account. If not, set aside 20 minutes just for this part.

What If ID.me Rejects You?

It happens. Sometimes the lighting is bad or your ID is expired. If you can’t get past the identity check, you won't be able to access the Reconnect portal. In that case, you have to use the Reemployment Assistance Help Center online to request a manual identity verification. It slows everything down, so try to get the photo right the first time. Use a plain background and make sure there's no glare on your ID card.

What You Need Before You Start

Nothing kills the momentum like getting halfway through an application and realizing you don't know your former boss's zip code.

Basically, you need 18 months of history.

Gather these details before you sit down:

• Your Social Security number (obviously).
• Your Driver’s License or State ID.
• The FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) for every employer you worked for in the last year and a half. You can find this on your W-2 or an old pay stub.
• The exact dates you started and stopped working at each place.
• The reason you’re no longer there. Be honest. If you were laid off, say so. If you quit, you’ll have to explain why, and "I hated my boss" usually won't get you paid.
• Your gross earnings (total pay before taxes) for each of those jobs.

If you were in the military or worked for the federal government recently, you’ll need your DD-214 or SF-50/SF-8 forms. Non-citizens need their Alien Registration Number and work permit expiration dates.

The Reality of the "Waiting Week"

Here is something most people get wrong: you don't get paid for the first week you're eligible. Florida law requires a "waiting week."

You file, you're approved, you claim your first week, and you get... zero dollars. It’s sort of a "deductible" for unemployment. You only start seeing money in your bank account starting with the second week of your claim.

Also, keep in mind that the maximum weekly benefit in Florida is still $275. That’s it. It hasn’t been raised in years. It’s one of the lowest in the country. If you’re used to a high salary, this is going to be a massive adjustment. It's meant to be a bridge, not a permanent solution.

Keeping the Money Flowing: Work Searches

Once you've figured out where to file florida unemployment and actually got your claim into the system, your job isn't done. You have to "claim your weeks" every 14 days.

This involves proving that you are looking for work.

The rules are strict. If you live in a big county (population over 75,000), you must complete 5 work searches per week. If you’re in a smaller, rural county, it’s 3 per week.

A "work search" can be:

1. Submitting an application online.
2. Going to a job interview.
3. Attending a job fair.
4. Using Employ Florida (the state’s job portal).

You have to log these in the Reconnect system. They want the date, the name of the company, the person you contacted, and their phone number or website. Don't fake these. The state does random audits, and if they catch you lying, they will demand all the money back and might even hit you with a fraud charge.

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Special Requirements for 2026

If you are filing in the latter half of 2026, keep an eye on Senate Bill 216. New rules are kicking in that require even more frequent identity checks. The department is now cross-checking claims against incarceration records and even the SAVE database for non-citizens every two weeks.

They are also getting more aggressive about "suitable work." Basically, the longer you are on unemployment, the more "flexible" you have to be about what jobs you'll take. After you've been on benefits for a while, you can't just hold out for a management position if there are entry-level jobs available that pay at least 120% of your weekly benefit.

Actionable Next Steps

Don't wait. The effective date of your claim is usually the Sunday before you file. If you wait until Thursday to file, you’ve already lost days of potential eligibility.

1. Check your ID: Make sure your license isn't expired. If it is, ID.me will reject it instantly.
2. Setup ID.me first: Go to the ID.me website and get your identity verified before you even touch the FloridaCommerce site. It saves a lot of back-and-forth.
3. Register for Employ Florida: You are required to create a profile and upload a resume on EmployFlorida.com as part of your claim. Do this right after you submit your initial application.
4. Log your searches daily: Don't try to remember five job applications you did two weeks ago. Keep a spreadsheet or a notebook.
5. Set a reminder: The Reconnect system won't always email you when it's time to claim your weeks. Put a recurring alert on your phone for every two weeks so you don't miss a deadline and have your claim closed.

The process is tedious, but if you have your FEINs and your ID ready, you can usually knock out the whole application in under an hour. Just be prepared for that unpaid waiting week and stay on top of your work search logs to avoid any interruptions.