Just want to emphasize what everyone else is saying - DO NOT answer "no" to the work search question! I learned this the hard way when I first started claiming. I thought maybe I could skip it one week when I was really busy, and my benefits got suspended immediately. It took 6 weeks and multiple phone calls to get it resolved. Florida is really strict about this requirement. The 5 work searches per week might seem tedious, but it's so much better than dealing with the nightmare of getting your claim back on track. Trust me, just do the searches and keep detailed records. Your future self will thank you!

Isabella, I'm so glad you asked this question before making that mistake! Your friend gave you absolutely terrible advice that could have ruined your claim. I work in workforce development and see people mess this up all the time. Florida Statute 443.091 is very clear - you MUST actively seek work unless you qualify for a specific exemption. When you answer "no" to that work search question, the system automatically flags your claim for investigation. Your payments stop immediately and won't resume until you prove you had a valid reason for not searching. Most people wait 4-8 weeks minimum for resolution, and that's IF they can prove their exemption. Since you mentioned being behind on rent, the last thing you want is your benefits suspended. Keep doing those 5 work searches each week - it's annoying but it's the law. And always keep documentation of your job search activities in case DEO audits you later!

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.

UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO today after using Claimyr (thanks for that suggestion). The supervisor looked at my account and found that my adjudication was actually completed back in JUNE but nobody ever removed the hold flag from my account! She said this happens sometimes when the adjudicator completes the determination but forgets to release the payments. She removed the hold and said I should see all my backpay within 2-3 business days. I'm cautiously optimistic but not celebrating until I see the money in my account. Will update again when/if the payments come through. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

Wow, that's incredible that your adjudication was actually done months ago but just sitting there with a flag! This really shows how broken their internal systems are. I'm dealing with a similar situation (7 weeks pending after my interview) and this gives me hope that it might just be a simple system error rather than my case actually being stuck in review. Definitely going to try Claimyr this week and specifically ask a supervisor to check if my adjudication is complete but the hold wasn't removed. Fingers crossed for your backpay - please keep us posted!

When I had issues last month I actually had better luck with the email than phone. Try DEOUICustomerCareReps@deo.myflorida.com and put your claimant ID and "URGENT" in the subject line. They got back to me in 3 days. Better than never getting through on phone!

This is so encouraging to hear! I've been stuck in pending status for over a month now and was starting to lose hope. Question - when you called on Saturday, did you use the main DEO number (833-FL-APPLY) or a different one? Also, did they tell you specifically what was wrong with your work search entries? I'm wondering if I might have the same issue since my claim has been pending since I started submitting my work searches. Thanks for sharing this - gives me hope that there might be light at the end of this tunnel!

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.