Florida Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

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Looking for tips to access the California Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Florida Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Florida Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of Florida Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is in charge of the state’s unemployment insurance program. 

The Reemployment Assistance Program, also known as unemployment compensation, provides temporary wage replacement benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work because of no fault of their own.

Florida Unemployment Contact 

Reemployment Assistance Program

Claims and Benefits

  • Phone: 800-204-2418

Appeals – Clerk’s Office

  • Phone: 800-204-2418

Appeals Commission

  • Phone: 850-487-2685

Employer Information

  • Phone: 877-846-8770

General Contact Information

  • Phone: 850-245-7105
  • Department of Economic Opportunity

107 East Madison Street

Caldwell Building

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-4120

Other Inquiries

Reemployment Assistance Claims and Benefits

  • Phone:  800-204-2418

Civil Rights

  • Phone:  850-245-7105 

Ethics Complaints

  • Phone:  850-245-7105

General Counsel

  • Phone:  850-245-7140

How To Qualify for Florida Unemployment Benefits

While individual rulings may vary, claimants who fulfill the following eligibility conditions are likely to be eligible for Florida UI benefits:

  • The claimant has been laid off due to no fault of their own.
  • The claimant is unemployed in full or in part (work hours cut significantly)
  • The claimant has earned a certain amount of money during the base period for review, which in Florida is the first 12 months of the 15 months before the filing of the original unemployment claim.
  • The claimant is physically and psychologically capable of working.
  • The claimant is willing to work and has childcare and transportation arrangements in place if necessary.
  • The claimant is actively looking for new work.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Florida? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: N/A
  • Duration of Benefits: 9-12 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $32 to Max $275
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $6,325

How Do I Apply for Florida Unemployment Benefits?

In Florida, a jobless worker can claim for unemployment benefits in a variety of methods.

Unemployed people can apply online here, which is the quickest and most convenient way to file the first claim. 

Unemployed people can also fill out a paper application by going to FloridaJobs.org and following the instructions there, then mailing it to the following address:

  • Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
  • P.O. Box 5350
  • Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350

CareerSource centers around the state can assist with paper applications if necessary. If you need help completing your online application, call the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity at 833-FL-APPLY and a customer service person would be happy to assist you.

How do I Manage My Florida Unemployment Benefits

If you are receiving unemployment compensation, you must request benefits every two weeks. No payments will be paid until you have certified to the state of Florida that you are still eligible for UI benefits.

You must also register with the Employ Florida Marketplace to look for jobs. Please keep in mind that if you get UI benefits in Florida, you must contact five potential employers each week and maintain track of your efforts.

When you log into your CONNECT account each week, you’ll be asked a series of questions regarding your job-search activity, earnings from the previous week, and any job offers you’ve received. Your responses assist the state of Florida in confirming and documenting your continued eligibility for unemployment benefits.

How Do I Appeal a Florida Unemployment Decision?

If you receive an unfavorable decision regarding your initial unemployment benefits claim, you have the option to file an appeal within 20 calendar days after the postmark date of your official decision letter.

You may submit your request for an appeal via any of the following methods:

  • Online: Through your CONNECT account
  • Email: RA.AppealsClerks@deo.myflorida.com
  • Fax:  850-617-6504
  • Mail:  

Office of Appeals (Download form)
P.O. Box 5250,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-5250

How Do I Report a Florida Unemployment Fraud?

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity asks for your help to stop unemployment fraud and abuse. Your support helps strengthen the Department of Economic Opportunity’s efforts to make sure that Florida tax dollars are spent appropriately and UI benefits are directed toward those who need them the most.

If you suspect anyone of fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits, please use the state of Florida’s online reporting form to make your concerns known.

How Do I Talk to a Person in Florida Unemployment Customer Service?

Contact them directly at 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759). 

Staffed Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 6:30 PM EST. 

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.


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Florida Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Florida Unemployment  OfficeFlorida Unemployment Office LocationsFlorida Unemployment Phone Number
Unemployment Office Gulf Coast1 Bay AvenueApalachicola, FL 32320850-653-4981
Unemployment Office Heartland2160 Northeast Roan AvenueArcadia, FL 34266863-993-1008
Unemployment Office Palm Beach County1085 South Main StreetBelle Glade, FL 33430-7106561-829-2040
Unemployment Office Chipola17336 Main Street NorthBlountstown, FL 32424850-674-5088
Unemployment Office SuncoastC1112 Manatee Avenue, EastBradenton, FL 34208941-893-3408
Unemployment Office Pasco Hernando16336 Cortez BlvdBrooksville, FL 34601352-251-7166
Unemployment Office Escarosa7995 North Century BoulevardCentury, FL 32535850-256-6259
Unemployment Office Citrus Levy Marion2175 NW 11th DriveChiefland, FL 32626352-493-6813
Unemployment Office Chipola757 Hoyt StreetChipley, FL 32428850-845-0733
Unemployment Office Pinellas2312 Gulf-to-Bay BoulevardClearwater, FL 33765727-524-4344
Unemployment Office Pinellas13805 58th Street NorthSuite 1-401Clearwater, FL 33760727-524-4344
Unemployment Office Southwest Florida215 B South Francisco StreetClewiston, FL 33440863-983-6138
Unemployment Office Broward4941 Coconut Creek ParkwayCoconut Creek, FL 33063954-969-3541
Unemployment Office South FloridaOpen Arms Community Center Corp5556 SW 8th StreetCoral Gables, FL 33144305-263-3259
Unemployment Office Capital Region3278 Crawfordville Highway, Suite GCrawfordville, FL 32327850-926-0980
Unemployment Office Pasco Hernando15000 Citrus Country DriveSuite 303Dade City, FL 33523352-251-7166
Unemployment Office Flagler Volusia359 Bill France BoulevardDaytona Beach, FL 32114386-323-7001
Unemployment Office Okaloosa WaltonEmerald Coast Technical College761 North 20th StreetDefuniak Springs, FL 32433850-520-5990
Unemployment Office Northeast Florida1845 Town Center BoulevardSuite 150Fleming Island, FL 32003904-356-5627
Unemployment Office South Florida35801 SW 186th AvenueFlorida City, FL 33034305-245-7738
Unemployment Office Southwest Florida6800 Shoppes at Plantation DriveSuite 170Fort Myers, FL 33912239-931-8200
Unemployment Office Research Coast2102 Avenue Q, Room 16Fort Pierce, FL 34950866-482-4473
Unemployment Office Okaloosa Walton409 N.E. Racetrack RoadFt. Walton Beach, FL 32547-2503850-833-7587
Unemployment Office South Florida240 East 1st Avenue, Suite 222Hialeah, FL 33010305-883-8070
Unemployment Office Broward7550 Davie Road ExtensionHollywood, FL 33024954-967-1010
Unemployment Office South FloridaMiami Dade Public Library700 North Homestead BlvdHomestead, FL 33030305-246-0168
Unemployment Office Southwest Florida750  South 5th StreetImmokalee, FL 34142239-658-3300
Unemployment Office Northeast Florida5000 Norwood AvenueSuite 2Jacksonville, FL 32208904-356-5627
Unemployment Office Northeast Florida11160 Beach BlvdSuite 111Jacksonville, FL 32246904-356-5627
Unemployment Office South Florida103400 Overseas HighwaySuite 239Key Largo, FL 33037305-853-3540
Unemployment Office South Florida1111 12th StreetSuite 307 and 308Key West, FL 33040305-292-6762
Unemployment Office Central Florida1800 Denn John LaneCIT Building, Suite 300Kissimmee, FL 34744407-705-1555
Unemployment Office Southwest Florida921 Anvil WayLabelle, FL 33935863-675-1412
Unemployment Office Florida Crown1389 U.S. Highway 90 WestSuite 170Lake City, FL 32055386-755-9026
Unemployment Office Polk309 North Ingraham AvenueLakeland, FL 33801863-508-1100
Unemployment Office Citrus Levy Marion683 South Adolph PointLecanto, FL 34461352-249-3278
Unemployment Office Central Florida9909 US Hwy 441, Bld M29Leesburg, FL 34788-8751352-360-6280
Unemployment Office North Florida1558 Ohio Avenue SouthLive Oak, FL 32064850-973-9675
Unemployment Office Northeast Florida1184 South 6th StreetMacclenny, FL 32063904-356-5627
Unemployment Office North Florida705 East Base StreetMadison, FL 32340850-973-9675
Unemployment Office Chipola4636 Highway 90 East, Suite EMarianna, FL 32446850-633-4419
Unemployment Office South Florida18901 South West Avenue, Suite 218Miami, FL 33157305-252-4440
Unemployment Office South FloridaKendale Lakes Branch Library15205 S.W. 88th StreetMiami, FL 33196305-388-0326
Unemployment Office South Florida5040 NW 7th Street,Suite 200Miami, FL 33126305-442-6900
Unemployment Office South FloridaFlorida Education Institute, Inc5818 SW 8th StreetMiami, FL 33144305-263-9990
Unemployment Office South FloridaUnited Way Center for Financial Stability11500 NW 12th AvenueMiami, FL 33168305-688-3551
Unemployment Office South FloridaMiami Dade Public Library9445 Coral WayMiami, FL 33165305-553-1134
Unemployment Office South Florida1398 SW 1st StreetMiami, FL 33135305-643-8574
Unemployment Office South Florida325 NW 62nd StreetMiami, FL 33150305-795-2058
Unemployment Office South Florida7900 NW 27th Ave, Suite 200Miami, FL 33147305-693-2060
Unemployment Office South FloridaTrinity Church17801 Northwest 2nd AvenueMiami, FL 33169305-749-0190
Unemployment Office South Florida1550 Northwest 3rd AvenueBuilding CMiami, FL 33136305-571-2001
Unemployment Office South FloridaAdults Mankind Organization, Inc1619 SW 107th AvenueMiami, FL 33165305-551-0090
Unemployment Office South Florida1603 NW 7th Ave.Miami, FL 33136305-341-0150
Unemployment Office South Florida325 NW 62 StreetMiami, FL 33150305-795-2058
Unemployment Office South Florida1603 NW 7th AvenueMiami, FL 33136305-929-1540
Unemployment Office South Florida351 NW 5th StreetMiami, FL 33128305-929-1540
Unemployment Office South FloridaMiami Dade Public Library227 22nd StreetMiami Beach, FL 33139305-535-4219
Unemployment Office South Florida4888 NW 183rd StreetSuite 201-206Miami Gardens, FL 33055305-620-8012
Unemployment Office South Florida16401 Donner Hall Building, Suite 107Miami Gardens, FL 33054305-474-6800
Unemployment Office South Florida15800 NW 42nd AveMiami Gardens, FL 33150305-929-1540
Unemployment Office South Florida15800 NW 42nd AveMiami Gardens, FL 33150305-929-1540
Unemployment Office South Florida2455 NW 183rd StreetMiami Dade Public LibraryMiami Gardens, FL 33056305-625-6424
Unemployment Office Escarosa5723 Highway 90Milton, FL 32583850-983-5325
Unemployment Office Southwest Florida3050 Horseshoe Drive NorthBuilding A, Suite 110Naples, FL 34104239-436-4301
Unemployment Office Pasco Hernando4440 Grand BoulevardTrouble Creek SquareNew Port Richey, FL 34652352-251-7166
Unemployment Office South Florida13390 West Dixie HighwayNorth Miami, FL 33137305-573-4871
Unemployment Office South Florida801 NE 167 StreetNorth Miami Beach, FL 33162305-654-7175
Unemployment Office Broward2610 West Oakland Park BoulevardOakland Park, FL 33311-1347954-677-5555
Unemployment Office Citrus Levy Marion2703 NE 14th StreetOcala, FL 34470352-840-5700
Career Source Central Florida9401 West Colonial Drive, Suite 403West Oaks MallOcoee, FL 34761407-531-1223
Unemployment Office Central Florida9401 West Colonial DriveSuite 403Ocoee, FL 34761407-531-1222
Unemployment Office Heartland207 SW Park StreetOkeechobee, FL 34972-4160863-610-6000
Unemployment Office Florida Crown25811 SE Highway 19Old Town, FL 32680352-542-0330
Unemployment Office South Florida780 Fisherman StreetSuite 110Opa Locka, FL 33054305-953-3407
Unemployment Office Flagler VolusiaOrange City Market Plaza846 Saxon BoulevardOrange City, FL 32763386-561-9550
Unemployment Office Central Florida5784 Semoran BoulevardOrlando, FL 32822407-531-1227
Unemployment Office Northeast FloridaPalatka Mall400 North State Road 19Palatka, FL 32177386-530-7089
Unemployment Office Brevard5275 Babcock Street NortheastSuite 8BPalm Bay, FL 32905321-504-7600
Unemployment Office Flagler Volusia20 Airport Road, Suite EPalm Coast, FL 32164386-586-5169
Unemployment Office Gulf Coast625 Highway 231Mariner PlazaPanama City, FL 32405850-872-4340
Unemployment Office Escarosa6913 North 9th AvenuePensacola, FL 32504850-607-8700
Unemployment Office Tampa Bay307 North Michigan AvePlant City, FL 33563813-930-7400
Unemployment Office Southwest Florida3745 Tamiami TrailPort Charlotte, FL 33952941-235-5900
Unemployment Office Research Coast584 Northwest University BoulevardSuite 300Port St. Lucie, FL 34986866-482-4473
Unemployment Office Capital Region1140 W. Clark StreetQuincy, FL 32351850-875-4040
Unemployment Office Brevard295 Barnes BoulevardRockledge, FL 32955-5325321-504-7600
Unemployment Office Tampa Bay201 14th Avenue SERuskin, FL 33570813-419-5300
Unemployment Office Central Florida1209 West Airport BoulevardSanford, FL 32773407-531-1222
Unemployment Office Suncoast3660 N. Washington Blvd.Sarasota, FL 34234941-358-4200
Unemployment Office Heartland5901 US Highway 27 SouthSuite 1Sebring, FL 33870-2117863-385-3672
Unemployment Office Northeast Florida525 State Road 16Suite 109St. Augustine, FL 32084-3840904-356-5627
Unemployment Office Pinellas3420 8th Avenue SouthSt. Petersburg, FL 33711727-524-4344
Unemployment Office North Central Florida101 East Call StreetStarke, FL 32091904-964-8092
Unemployment Office Research Coast710 Southeast Central ParkwayStuart, FL 34994866-482-4473
Unemployment Office Capital Region2601 Blair Stone RoadBuilding C, Suite 200Tallahassee, FL 32301850-922-0023
Unemployment Office Tampa Bay9350 Bay Plaza Boulevard, Suite 121Tampa, FL 33619813-930-7832
Unemployment Office Tampa Bay9215 North Florida Ave.Suite 101Tampa, FL 33613813-930-7400
Unemployment Office Tampa Bay2605 N.  43rd StreetTampa, FL 33605813-419-5311
Unemployment Office PinellasSt. Petersburg College Campus682 East Klosterman RoadTarpon Springs, FL 34689727-524-4344
Unemployment Office Brevard3880 South Washington AvenueSuite 214Titusville, FL 32780321-504-7600
Unemployment Office Research Coast1880 82nd AvenueSuite 101,102,103Vero Beach, FL 32966866-482-4473
Unemployment Office Heartland324 6th Avenue, NorthWauchula, FL 33873-2320863-773-3474
Unemployment Office Palm Beach County3400 Belvedere RoadWest Palm Beach, FL 33406561-340-1060
Unemployment Office Polk500 E. Lake Howard DriveWinter Haven, FL 33881-3135863-508-1100
Unemployment Office Northeast Florida96042 Lofton Square CourtYulee, FL 32097904-432-0009

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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