In 2022, the Florida unemployment rate is projected to be 5.0%. This would be a decrease of 0.5% from the previous year. The number of unemployed Floridians is expected to decrease by approximately 32,000 from 2021 to 2022.
There are many reasons why someone may be unemployed. They could have lost their job, they could be new to the workforce, or they could be unable to find a job. Whatever the reason, being unemployed can be very difficult. It can lead to financial problems and even mental health issues.
If you are unemployed in Florida, some resources can help you. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity offers assistance with finding a job, filing for unemployment benefits, and more. In addition to the resources offered by the state, there are also many private organizations that can help with your job search.
If you are unemployed, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people in Florida are facing the same challenges as you. But with some help, you can find a job and get back on your feet again.
Florida Reemployment Assistance
The Florida Reemployment Assistance program provides temporary financial assistance to qualified individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own and are actively seeking employment. To be eligible for the program, you must meet certain requirements, including being a resident of Florida and having lost your job due to no fault of your own.
There are many resources available to help you if you are unemployed in Florida. The Reemployment Assistance program can provide you with the financial assistance you need while you are looking for a new job. If you are eligible for the program, you will receive benefits for up to 26 weeks. The amount of your benefit will depend on your previous salary and other factors. You will also be required to participate in work search activities, such as attending job fairs or meetings with an employment counselor. For more information about the program, including how to apply, visit the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and private organizations offer services to help you find a job, file for unemployment benefits, and more. With some help, you can find a job and get back on your feet again.
Eligibility & Claims
Florida unemployment benefits are available to those who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for Florida unemployment benefits, claimants must:
- Be unemployed or underemployed as a direct result of a major disaster for which a Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) declaration has been made; OR
- Have exhausted all rights to regular unemployment compensation under state or federal law; AND
- Be able and available for work, unless they are receiving extended benefits.
To file a claim for Florida unemployment benefits, claimants can do so online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at StateofFlorida.com
Or by calling the Reemployment Assistance Claims Center Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time at 1-800-204-2418 (TTY 1-866-640-8734). When calling, please have the following information ready:
- Your social security number;
- The names, complete addresses, and phone numbers of all employers you worked for in the past 18 months (even if it was just for one day);
- The first and last dates you worked for each employer;
- Your gross earnings (before taxes are deducted) for each week you worked in the past 18 months; and
- A copy of your most recent DD214 Member 4 page if you served in the military in the past 18 months.
Additional Resources
- Florida Unemployment Compensation Handbook
- Reemployment Assistance FAQs
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) information and application (online form in English and Spanish) – DUA is for individuals who become unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster declaration and who are not eligible for regular unemployment compensation.
Note: You must apply for DUA within 30 days from the date the disaster area is announced by the President of the United States. If you are eligible, your benefit period will begin on the Sunday following the date your application is filed. You may receive benefits for up to 26 weeks, as long as your unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.
- Florida job listings – Jobs.MyFlorida.com
- One-Stop Career Centers – Locations and contact information
- Reemployment Assistance Tax Information – Information about the unemployment tax program in Florida, including who must pay taxes and how to file quarterly reports.
- Employer Unemployment Tax Services – Online services for employers, including registering for an employer account, filing quarterly reports, and paying unemployment taxes online.
Florida Reemployment Tax
Florida Reemployment Tax (RA) is a state unemployment tax paid by employers to finance the state’s unemployment compensation program. The amount of RA tax you pay is based on how much your employees earn and how often they are unemployed.
There are two types of RA taxes: an annual tax and a per-claim tax. The annual tax is a flat rate that all employers must pay, regardless of how many claims are filed against them. The per-claim tax is assessed on a per-claim basis and is only paid if an employee files a claim for unemployment benefits.
You can find more information about Florida’s unemployment compensation program, including how to file a claim, on the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website. You can contact the Department of Economic Opportunity by phone at 1-800-342-9909.
Employment Fraud in Florida
Employment Fraud in Florida is a serious problem. According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, there were over 2,000 complaints of employment fraud in 2017. This type of fraud can cost victims their job, their savings, and even their identity.
There are many different types of employment fraud, but some of the most common include:
- False promises of high salaries or benefits
- Requiring payment for training or certification
- Offering a job in exchange for sex or other favors
- Asking for personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account numbers
If you think you may be a victim of employment fraud, it’s important to act quickly. You can report the crime to the Florida Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-2762. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP.