How to File for Unemployment in Florida
How to apply for unemployment in Florida, what you need, and what you must do each week to keep getting benefits.
Short answer: After filing a claim with FloridaCommerce, you must request benefits at least every two weeks, certifying that you are able and available for work and are seeking work, and report your work search contacts. Fla. Stat. §§ 443.111(1)(b), 443.091(1)(d)
| How to apply | After filing a claim with FloridaCommerce, you must request benefits at least every two weeks, certifying that you are able and available for work and are seeking work, and report your work search contacts. |
|---|---|
| Earnings needed to qualify | You need wage credits in two or more calendar quarters of your base period, and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your high-quarter wages, but not less than $3,400. Source: Fla. Stat. § 443.111(2) |
| Work search requirements | You must complete the state's online work registration (unless exempt, for example non-Florida residents, people on temporary layoff and certain union members) and contact at least five prospective employers for each week claimed; in small counties the requirement is at least three. Instead of contacts, you may meet in person with a one-stop career center representative for that week. You may also be required to take part in reemployment services. |
More Florida unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Florida Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Florida
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Florida
- Unemployment After Quitting in Florida
- How Much Unemployment Pays in Florida
- All Florida unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How do I apply for unemployment in Florida?
After filing a claim with FloridaCommerce, you must request benefits at least every two weeks, certifying that you are able and available for work and are seeking work, and report your work search contacts.
How much do you need to have earned to get unemployment in Florida?
You need wage credits in two or more calendar quarters of your base period, and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your high-quarter wages, but not less than $3,400.
What are the work search requirements for unemployment in Florida?
You must complete the state's online work registration (unless exempt, for example non-Florida residents, people on temporary layoff and certain union members) and contact at least five prospective employers for each week claimed; in small counties the requirement is at least three. Instead of contacts, you may meet in person with a one-stop career center representative for that week. You may also be required to take part in reemployment services.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.