403 Forbidden error when trying to access DEO work search submission link

Ugh the DEO site is always having issues. I got the same error 2 days ago when trying to access the work search page. try using a different browser - Chrome worked for me when Firefox gave me that 403 error. Sometimes clearing cookies helps too.

This is a known issue with the DEO system right now. The 403 Forbidden error happens when their server is blocking access to that specific page. If you've already submitted your work searches through CONNECT, they should be recorded in the system - the email might be automated and not synced with your actual account status. To be safe, take screenshots of the error and document that you tried to respond to their request. You can also try accessing the page later tonight (after 10pm) when system traffic is lower.

The DEO email system and the CONNECT system don't talk to each other properly. It's ridiculous! I had the EXACT same problem last month - got the email asking for work searches I'd already submitted. When I called DEO (after trying for THREE DAYS to get through), they confirmed my work searches were already in the system and the email was sent in error. The 403 error is just their website being garbage as usual. Florida's unemployment system is DESIGNED to be frustrating!

After dealing with this exact issue last month (and wasting hours trying to call DEO), I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to a DEO agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days calling. I was skeptical but it actually worked. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj. The agent confirmed my work searches were already recorded and the email/403 error was just a system glitch on their end. Saved me tons of stress.

This is what you need to do: 1. First, don't panic. If you already submitted your work searches in CONNECT, they should be recorded. 2. The 403 Forbidden error is a server-side issue - nothing wrong with your computer or account. It means their web server is configured to block that particular request. 3. Try accessing the link using incognito/private browsing mode. 4. If that doesn't work, call DEO at 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to verify your work searches were received. Call right when they open at 7:30 am for best results. 5. Document everything - take screenshots of the error, note the date/time you submitted your work searches originally, and keep the email they sent you. 6. If your claim is time-sensitive, you can also try contacting them through the CONNECT messaging center directly instead of using the email link. The DEO system is unfortunately notorious for these disconnects between their email notifications and the actual CONNECT system.

I had this problem to. The forbidden thing is becuz their website is broken again. My nephew works in IT and says its their server not us. But my payments stil came even with the error so dont worry to much.

Just a follow-up - I checked the DEO Twitter account and they posted about intermittent technical issues with the Reemployment Help Center links. They're aware of the problem and working on it. They specifically mentioned the 403 errors and said claimants should continue to submit their work searches through CONNECT as normal. So if you've already done that, you should be fine.

One time I got that error and then my whole account got locked for "verification issues" even though I'd already done ID.me. DEO is such a mess. Had to call like 50 times to get someone to help me. They seriously need to fix their systems!!

Update: The DEO just added a banner on their website acknowledging the 403 errors with the Reemployment Help Center links in their emails. They're saying it should be resolved within 48 hours and that claims won't be negatively affected during this time. Work searches already submitted through CONNECT are still being properly recorded in their system.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Got that 403 error when trying to access the link in the email they sent me yesterday. It's so stressful not knowing if my work searches from last week actually went through or if I need to do them again. Reading through all these responses is really helpful though - sounds like it's definitely a system issue on their end and not something we did wrong. I'm going to try the incognito browser suggestion first, and if that doesn't work I'll call them early tomorrow morning. Really hoping this gets resolved soon because constantly worrying about whether my benefits will be delayed is exhausting!

I'm having the exact same problem! Got that 403 error yesterday when trying to access the work search link from their email. I already submitted my 5 work searches through CONNECT on Monday, so I'm really hoping those are still recorded in their system. It's such a relief to see I'm not the only one dealing with this - I was starting to think I did something wrong with my account. Based on what everyone is saying here, it sounds like this is definitely a DEO system issue and not our fault. I'm going to try the incognito browser suggestion and calling first thing in the morning at 7:30am like @Christian Burns recommended. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - makes me feel less anxious knowing this is a known issue they're working to fix!