How to File for Unemployment in Florida
Florida runs its unemployment program, officially called Reemployment Assistance, entirely online through the state's Reconnect system administered by FloridaCommerce — there's no general phone-in filing option, just a translation line for people who need language help completing the online form.
This site is an independent, non-government unemployment directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Labor, any state workforce agency, or other official entity. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
What You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Driver's license or state ID number
- Employer name, address, phone number and FEIN for each job in the last 18 months
- Gross earnings and dates worked for each employer
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
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1
Gather your paperwork first
Have your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, and 18 months of employer details (including each employer's FEIN from a W-2 or 1099) ready before you start.
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2
Set up your Reconnect account
If you haven't filed in Florida before, or haven't logged into Reconnect since September 2021, you'll need to create a new login and pass a multi-factor identity check.
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3
Submit your application online
File through the Reconnect portal, listing every employer from the past 18 months — missing or wrong employer info is one of the biggest causes of delayed payments.
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4
Review your monetary determination
After you apply, check the monetary determination letter in your Reconnect dashboard to see your estimated weekly benefit amount.
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5
Register for work through Employ Florida
Most claimants must complete work registration on Employ Florida unless they qualify for an exemption.
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6
Request benefits every two weeks
Log back into Reconnect every other week to request payment, keep a record of your job contacts, and respond promptly to any fact-finding requests posted to your dashboard.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Florida's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
Helpful Guides
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Learn more →How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
Learn more →Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Learn more →Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Learn more →