That's fantastic news! I'm so glad the technical terminology helped you get connected to the right department. It's really frustrating how many DEO representatives aren't familiar with these cross-system issues, but once you reach someone who understands the ID.me integration problems, they can usually resolve it quickly. Thanks for following up - this thread will definitely help others who run into the same email mismatch nightmare. The key really is knowing the right words to use when you call!

Just wanted to add another option that worked for me when I had this same email mismatch issue a few months ago. If you're still having trouble after trying the other suggestions, you can also try logging into ID.me directly (not through the DEO portal) and look for the "Account Settings" or "Personal Information" section. There's usually an option to update your primary email address. After you make the change, ID.me will send a verification email to your new address that you need to click to confirm. Once that's done, give it 24-48 hours before trying to log into CONNECT again. The systems don't sync immediately, which is why the delay is important. I know it's frustrating to wait when you need access to your benefits, but this method avoided me having to call anyone and worked without any additional fees or services.

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!

Another avenue to try - contact your state representative or senator's office! I had an impossible DEO situation last year (different issue but similar runaround) and my rep's constituent services office got results in 2 weeks that I couldn't get in 6 months of calling myself. They have direct contacts at DEO who actually respond. You can find your reps at myfloridahouse.gov and flsenate.gov - just explain the situation and that you need help getting historical payment records. It's literally their job to help with state agency issues like this. Don't feel bad about using this option - you already tried everything else and DEO is clearly not being responsive through normal channels!

One more thing to add - if you're getting nowhere with phone calls, try contacting DEO through their formal grievance process. You can file a grievance online at floridajobs.org under "File a Complaint" - this creates an official case number and forces them to respond within specific timeframes. In your grievance, explain that you're being asked to pay an overpayment that was already satisfied in 2017 and that DEO has failed to provide adequate payment history records despite multiple requests. This approach often gets routed to supervisors who have better system access than frontline agents. Also document every attempt you've made to resolve this (dates, times, who you spoke with) - this shows good faith effort on your part and strengthens your case if you need to escalate further.

To all those having trouble reaching a human at Florida Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss

I'm in a similar situation - been trying to reach someone for weeks with no luck. Have you tried calling first thing in the morning right when they open? I've heard that's when you have the best chance of getting through. Also, make sure you're calling the right number and have all your documentation ready before you call. It's frustrating but don't give up! You might also want to try reaching out to your local state representative's office - sometimes they can help escalate unemployment issues.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm going to file today. Sounds like it might be cutting it close with the timing, but worth trying. I'll make sure to be clear about the "business needs" reason consistently. And I'll definitely check out that Claimyr service if I run into trouble getting through to DEO. Really appreciate all the help!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - if you're worried about the timing, you can also call the DEO customer service line at 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to check on your claim status once you submit it. They're usually swamped but sometimes you can get through early in the morning (like 7-8 AM). Also, even if your benefits don't arrive before you start your new job, they'll still be backdated to cover those eligible weeks. So don't stress too much about the timing - just get that application in ASAP and let the process work. You've got this!