Is DEO work search requirement still extended or back to normal now?

no the work search exemption ended a looooong time ago. ur friend is wrong. u need to do 5 work searches per week now, its back to normal rules. dont mess this up or they'll flag ur account!!

The work search requirement was temporarily waived during the height of the pandemic, but Florida DEO has fully reinstated the standard requirements. You must complete and report 5 work search activities for each week you claim benefits in 2025. Make sure you keep detailed records of all your job contacts (company name, date, position, contact method, etc.) as DEO can audit these at any time. They've been doing random checks more frequently lately.

I just had to deal with this last month! Not only are the work search requirements back to normal, but they're actually auditing people more than ever. I got an email asking for proof of my work searches from 3 weeks ago! Had to scramble to find all the info. Keep screenshots of everything!!

Its 5 work searches per week UNLESS you're registered with CareerSource Florida - then you only need to complete the activities they assign you. Worth registering with them if you haven't already. They count virtual workshops and career counseling sessions as work search activities too, which is easier than just applying to random jobs all the time.

I spent HOURS trying to get through to DEO last month to ask this exact question because I was so confused. The CONNECT system kept timing out when I tried to enter my work searches. I finally got through by using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me connected to a DEO agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj. The agent confirmed it's 5 work searches per week, and if you miss even one, they can deny your benefits for that week. Don't risk it!

I just claimed last week and YES you need 5 work searches. But here's somethig important - not all "work searches" have to be job applications! They can be: - submitting applications - attending job fairs (even virtual ones) - registering with employment agencies - networking for job leads - updating your resume on job sites like Indeed Most people don't know this and make it harder on themselves. As long as you have 5 TOTAL activities, you're good. Just be ready to provide proof if they ask.

Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful information! I'm going to register with CareerSource tomorrow and start documenting all my work searches carefully. I had no idea they were doing more audits now. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to clarify this for me!

kinda related but has anyone else noticed that the CONNECT site is working better lately? it used to crash all the time for me but now i can actually log in without it timing out. at least ONE thing about florida unemployment isnt terrible lol

One more important thing - if you're on Extended Benefits or any special program (not regular Reemployment Assistance), double-check the specific requirements for your program. Some have different work search rules. You can see which program you're on in the "Program Type" field when you log into CONNECT.