DEO requiring work search activities now? Confused about current requirements
I just applied for Florida unemployment last week after being laid off from my warehouse job. When I was claiming my first weeks today, the CONNECT system asked me to list my work search activities. I thought this requirement was waived? I've been hearing different things from different people. Are we actually required to do job searches every week now? How many searches do we need to do? I'm stressing about doing this wrong and having my benefits denied. Anyone know what the current rules are?
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Chloe Martin
YES you absolutely have to do work searches now!! The waiver ended ages ago. You need 5 work search activities EVERY WEEK or your claim will be denied. DEO is super strict about this now.
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AstroAce
•Oh no! I didn't do any for last week because I thought it was still waived. Will they deny my whole claim or just that week? Can I add them retroactively?
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Diego Rojas
The work search waiver ended back in 2021. The current Florida DEO requirement is that you must complete and document 5 work search activities per week. These can include submitting job applications, attending interviews, registering with employment agencies, or attending CareerSource workshops. Make sure you're keeping detailed records of all activities including dates, company names, contact information, and application methods. The CONNECT system will prompt you to enter this information when you claim your weeks.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•this happened to my brother too he thought it was still covid rules lol. he had to do appeals and it was a huge mess
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Sean O'Donnell
OMG the DEO system is sooooo confusing!!! I got denied for 3 weeks because I didnt know about work searches either. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to understand what your supposed to do. And then when you try to call to ask questions nobody answers!! I tried calling like 87 times one day and either got busy signals or it hung up on me automatically. The whole system is designed to deny people benefits IMO.
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Zara Ahmed
•I had the same problem trying to reach them about work search questions. After days of trying, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a DEO agent in about 30 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj that shows how it works. The agent confirmed I need 5 work searches per week and explained exactly what counts. Saved me from potentially losing weeks of benefits over a misunderstanding.
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StarStrider
Let me clarify something important - not everyone needs 5 work searches. If you have a union hiring hall, are in approved training, or on a short-term layoff with a return-to-work date within 8 weeks, you may be exempt. But you'd need documentation of this exemption. Most claimants do need the full 5 activities though. And yes, the DEO is very strict about enforcing this requirement in 2025. They've been auditing claims and issuing overpayments for people who claimed benefits without proper work search documentation.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•they made me pay back $2100 cuz of this!!! make sure u document EVERYTHING
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AstroAce
Ok this is all really helpful but still confusing. So for the week I already claimed without doing work searches, should I just expect to not get paid for that week? And starting now I'll make sure to do 5 activities every week. Does applying on Indeed count as one activity per job application?
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Diego Rojas
•Yes, each job application counts as one work search activity, whether through Indeed or directly with employers. For the week you already claimed without activities, you'll likely receive a fact-finding notice about it. Be honest - say you misunderstood the requirements. They may deny just that week or potentially give you a warning since it's your first time. Going forward, keep detailed records of your 5 weekly activities. I recommend using a spreadsheet with columns for date, employer name, position, contact info, application method, and result.
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Luca Esposito
When I was on unemployment last year I actually went to my local CareerSource office and they helped me understand all the requirements. They even have workshops that count as work search activities! Plus they helped me with my resume. Might be worth checking out so you don't mess up your benefits.
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AstroAce
•That's a great idea. There's a CareerSource office pretty close to me. I'll check them out this week.
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Chloe Martin
btw just want to add that DEO is super serious about this in 2025. my friend just got hit with an OVERPAYMENT notice for $4800 because she didn't do her work searches correctly last year and they just audited her claim. she's freaking out because she already spent the money!! so PLEASE be super careful with documenting everything!!!
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Sean O'Donnell
•Thats exactly why I hate DEO!!! They make the rules impossible to understand then punish you when you get confused. Its EVIL!!!!
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Nia Thompson
I had this exact issue in February. Here's what I learned: 1) Yes, 5 work searches per week is mandatory 2) Keep DETAILED records - they can audit you years later 3) Not all activities count the same - actual job applications are best 4) If you forget one week, you might get lucky with just a warning 5) The CONNECT system will sometimes glitch and not save your work searches - take screenshots as proof
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AstroAce
•Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely take screenshots. I was surprised by how glitchy the CONNECT system is.
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