When did DEO reinstate work search requirements in Florida?

The work search requirements were actually reinstated back in May 2021 after being temporarily waived during the height of the pandemic. They've been in place continuously since then - Florida requires 5 work search contacts per week unless you have a specific exemption. DEO should have sent notifications through CONNECT and email, but their communication isn't always great. For your current situation, you need to start recording your work searches immediately. For previous weeks, you'll need to try reconstructing your activities as best you can - include any job applications, resume submissions, networking events, or career workshops you might have attended.

THEY NEVER TELL US ANYTHING!!! I got hit with this too and ended up with an overpayment notice for $4,800 because apparently I was supposed to be doing these searches the whole time. DEO is a JOKE with their communication. I even called and the rep said "it's been on the website" like we're all supposed to read every page of their website daily. Good luck getting through to anyone who can actually help you now.

It's actually been a requirement since May 2021, but sometimes the CONNECT system doesn't prompt for the information consistently. What likely happened is they updated or fixed something in the system that now makes it properly request the work search info every time. For your previous weeks, you should go back and try to document any job search activities you actually did. Things that count include: - Job applications - Sending resumes - Employment interviews - Registration with CareerSource Florida - Using Employ Florida job search tools - Attending job fairs or workshops If you truly don't have 5 activities per week, you might face an issue, but start tracking properly going forward.

if u need to reach deo about this call early in morning like 7:30 right when they open. thats the only time i ever got thru.

My neighbor works at CareerSource and says lots of people are coming in with this exact problem. The system glitches sometimes and doesn't prompt for work searches for weeks then suddenly starts asking. He said to just start doing them now and if they question past weeks tell them the system never asked. Better start keeping records now tho!!!!

Update: I managed to speak with a DEO rep today. She explained that there was indeed a system update in late April 2025 that fixed an error where some claimants weren't being prompted for work search info. She advised me to start documenting properly going forward and said they're handling these situations case by case. For anyone else with this issue, start keeping detailed records now! I'm creating a spreadsheet with dates, company names, contact info, and application methods for each job search activity.

To answer your question @profile5 - the rep said they're reviewing cases individually and not automatically demanding repayments for this specific system error. She suggested I gather whatever documentation I can for previous job searches, even if it's incomplete, and be ready to provide it if requested. She also mentioned something about a "good faith" policy for system errors, but didn't go into details.

The most frustrating thing about Florida's unemployment system is how the requirements are enforced inconsistently. I know people who never did a single work search during their entire benefit period and had no issues, while others get flagged and investigated for the smallest discrepancy. The work search requirement has technically been in place since 2021, but the system enforcement varies wildly. My advice is always document EVERYTHING and take screenshots of every screen when you claim. Better safe than sorry with DEO.