Just wanted to update - I successfully reopened my claim and already claimed my first two weeks! The ID.me verification took about 10 minutes (way easier than I expected). My weekly benefit amount stayed the same as before. Thanks for all the help everyone!

That's awesome that it worked out so smoothly for you! Quick tip - I'd recommend keeping a spreadsheet or notebook to track all your work searches with dates, company names, and method of contact. The DEO can request proof at any time and having everything organized will save you major headaches if they audit you. Also, make sure you're reporting your work searches correctly in CONNECT each week - don't just put "online application" for everything. Be specific about what you did (applied online, called, visited in person, etc.). Good luck with your job search!

I've been through the Florida unemployment system multiple times over my career, and here's what I can tell you with certainty: 1. Florida's system is designed to be one of the most restrictive in the nation 2. Regular state benefits max out at 12-19 weeks (currently 12 weeks) 3. The federal extensions that were available during COVID have ALL expired 4. There is no special September 2025 cutoff - your benefits end when your weeks run out 5. Once your weeks are exhausted, you cannot file a new claim unless you've earned sufficient wages in a new base period My advice? Start applying for ANYTHING you can get, even outside your field or below your previous pay. Florida's system is designed to force people to take whatever job they can get as quickly as possible. It's not fair, but it's the reality of our state's approach to unemployment.

I went through something similar last year and want to share some resources that helped me. For hospitality/tourism jobs, try checking the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association job board (FRLA.org) - they often have openings that aren't posted on the main job sites. Also, many of the theme parks and cruise lines are still hiring but the pay might be lower than what you're used to. One thing that really helped me was signing up for temp agencies like Adecco and Kelly Services - they often have short-term hospitality gigs that can at least provide some income while you're looking for something permanent. Some of these temp jobs even turn into permanent positions if you do well. Also, don't forget about applying for SNAP benefits if you qualify - it can help stretch your budget while you're job hunting. The application is online and much easier than dealing with DEO! Good luck with your search, and remember that taking a lower-paying job now doesn't mean you have to stay there forever.

Update: I finally got through to DEO this morning after trying for hours! Turns out there was an issue with my employment separation reason. My employer had coded it as "quit" instead of "layoff due to lack of work" which triggered the adjudication. The agent was able to update it after I explained the situation and provided the layoff letter. She said my payments should be released within 48-72 hours. Fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. This whole process has been so stressful.

Congrats on getting through and finding out what the issue was! That's such a relief. The employer coding error is unfortunately pretty common - I've seen this happen to several people where the company accidentally marks "voluntary quit" instead of "layoff" or "reduction in force." For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation, this is a perfect example of why it's so important to keep all your separation paperwork (layoff letters, WARN notices, etc.) and be prepared to provide them to DEO if needed. Emma's case shows how one simple coding error can hold up benefits for weeks. Hope your payments come through quickly now! Keep us posted on when they actually hit your account.

The no special characters thing is so true! I used to put (123) 456-7890 format and it would crash every time. Now I just do 1234567890 with no spaces or anything and it works fine. CONNECT is super picky about formatting but never tells you what format it wants!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustration! I just started my unemployment claim process last week and I'm already dreading having to deal with CONNECT based on what I'm reading here. The fact that it erases your work search entries after hours of work is absolutely unacceptable. I'm taking notes from all these helpful tips - screenshots, early morning claiming, Firefox browser, and keeping everything simple with no special characters. It's ridiculous that we have to develop workarounds for a system that should just work properly. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!

That's great news about getting through with Claimyr! I'm in a similar situation - been waiting 6 weeks with "determination needed" status and no communication from DEO. My local CareerSource office basically told me the same thing everyone else is saying here - they can't help with adjudication issues. I'm going to try both the Claimyr service and contacting my state rep's office. The fact that you got an actual explanation (employer response issue) gives me hope that there might be a real reason mine is stuck too, not just lost in the system. Keep us posted on whether you actually see movement in those 14 days! And congrats on the new job - at least you'll have income coming in while waiting for the back pay.

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now! Been waiting 8 weeks with "determination needed" status and absolutely no communication from DEO. Called probably 50+ times and either get disconnected or stuck in endless hold loops. My CareerSource office was completely useless too - they basically admitted they can't access any of the systems that matter. Reading through these comments is both depressing and helpful. Sounds like the Claimyr service and contacting state representatives are the only things that actually work. I'm definitely going to try both approaches this week. @Diego Vargas really hoping your 14-day timeline works out! Please keep us updated. It's insane that we have to use third-party services and political connections just to get basic government benefits we're entitled to. The whole system is completely broken. For anyone else in this situation - don't give up! Seems like persistence and finding the right workarounds eventually pay off, even if it takes months longer than it should.