Is there a working DEO phone number that actually gets through to agents in 2025?

Unfortunately DEO changed their phone system again last month. The 833 number is basically useless now - I tried for 4 days straight and never got through. What worked for me was calling exactly at 7:29am right before they officially open at 7:30. You get put in the queue before everyone else who waits until 7:30. Also, press 5 when it asks for the reason, then 2, then 4 in the next menu. That route got me to an actual agent after about 40 minutes on hold.

i got thru yesterday!!! try 1-800-297-0586 then press 1,1,2 when the menus come up. i was on hold for like an hour but actually talked to someone finally

I'm calling right now too and getting nothing but recordings and disconnects. Been trying for THREE DAYS!!! This is ridiculous! My benefits got stopped for no reason and nobody will tell me why. I can't even get through to ask what's going on. My rent is due next week and I have no idea if I'll get paid. The system is DESIGNED to make us give up!!!!

The DEO's phone system is deliberately designed to prevent claimants from getting assistance. None of the published numbers work consistently. Here's what I recommend based on helping hundreds of claimants: 1. Email DEO at DEO.CONNECT@deo.myflorida.com with your claimant ID, last 4 of SSN, and a BRIEF description of your issue 2. Contact your state representative's office - they have special channels to DEO 3. If your monetary determination is pending, check that all your employment history quarters show correctly in CONNECT 4. For fastest results, try calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 10-11am when call volume is statistically lower 5. Use the callback feature if offered rather than waiting on hold Pending monetary determinations typically mean they're either verifying wages with former employers or there's a wage discrepancy that needs resolving.

Last week I went through the same thing but I found out they have another number that's not published anywhere on their website. Try 850-204-2374 and press 2 for claims questions. I had to wait about 30 minutes but actually got through to a person!

I had this same issue with my monetary determination. Is your claim showing any "pending issues" in the determination section of CONNECT? Mine got stuck because my last employer disputed my reason for separation. Once I figured that out, I uploaded documentation showing I was laid off (not fired) and it moved forward within 48 hours. Might be worth checking if there's a specific pending issue rather than just a general processing delay.

I've been dealing with Florida unemployment for years (unfortunately) and I've found that calling the main DEO number at exactly 7:30am works about 50% of the time. But honestly, the best solution I found was using Claimyr. It's a service that connects you directly to a DEO agent without having to deal with busy signals and disconnections. The website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj It saved me so much frustration when my benefits suddenly stopped last month. I got connected to an agent who fixed my monetary determination issue in about 15 minutes.

Update on my earlier comment - I just found out that if you're dealing with a monetary determination issue specifically, you need to get to the wage determination department, not general claims. When you call the main number, press 5, then 3, then 2 in the menu system. This routes you to the specific team that handles wage and monetary determination issues. Much shorter wait time (only 20 mins when I called yesterday) compared to the general queue.

try chatting with them on facebook messenger!!!! worked for me when i couldn't get thru on phone. search for florida department of economic opportunity and send them a message with ur claimant ID