If you've filed for unemployment benefits in Florida, nearly everything you need to do — certify for weekly benefits, check your claim status, respond to agency requests, update your information — runs through a single online portal. Knowing how that system works, and what to expect when you log in, can save you time and prevent delays in your benefits.
Florida's unemployment insurance program is administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), now operating under Reemployment Assistance. The online system used to manage claims is called CONNECT — an acronym for Claimant Online Connection to Claimant Employment for November Technology (commonly shortened to just CONNECT in all official communications).
CONNECT is where claimants:
The portal is accessible at connect.myflorida.com. Florida does not operate a separate mobile app for CONNECT — access is browser-based, though the site is functional on mobile devices.
To access your existing CONNECT account, you'll need:
If you're logging in for the first time after creating an account, DEO will have sent confirmation to the email address on file. That email typically contains your Claimant ID, which you'll want to keep on hand — it's used throughout the claims process.
🔐 Login steps (standard):
Login issues are among the most frequently reported frustrations with CONNECT. Some common scenarios:
Forgot password: There's a password reset option on the login page. You'll need access to the email address tied to your account. If you no longer have access to that email, you'll likely need to contact the DEO directly to verify your identity and update your contact information.
Account locked: After a certain number of failed login attempts, accounts may be temporarily locked. DEO's contact center can assist with unlocking accounts, though wait times have historically been lengthy during high-volume periods.
Can't find your Claimant ID: This was provided in your initial registration confirmation email. It may also appear on determination letters or correspondence from DEO.
Browser or technical errors: CONNECT has historically had compatibility issues with certain browsers. If you encounter errors, try clearing your cache, switching browsers (Chrome and Firefox have been reported to work more reliably), or attempting access during off-peak hours.
Identity verification holds: Florida uses identity verification steps as part of fraud prevention. If your account is flagged, you may be prompted to verify your identity through the portal or through a third-party verification service before login access is restored.
Logging in isn't just about checking a status. Florida's reemployment assistance program requires claimants to take specific actions through CONNECT to remain eligible for payments.
Benefit certifications — Florida requires claimants to certify on a scheduled basis (typically every two weeks) to confirm they are still eligible. During certification, you'll be asked about:
Missing your certification window can delay or interrupt payments. CONNECT will show your scheduled certification dates when you're logged in.
Work search requirements: Florida requires claimants to conduct a minimum number of work search activities each week and report them. These are logged during certification. The specific number of required contacts and what qualifies as an acceptable work search activity is set by DEO and can change — the portal will display current requirements.
If your claim is being reviewed — because of a question about your separation reason, your earnings history, or employer response — CONNECT is where you'll typically find notices and where you may be asked to respond. Deadlines on these requests matter. Missing a response window can result in a denial by default.
Determination letters issued through CONNECT include information about your right to appeal and the timeframe in which an appeal must be filed. Florida operates a formal appeals process through the Office of Appeals, and that process is also initiated through the portal or in writing within the deadline stated in your determination.
Not every claimant's experience with CONNECT looks the same. Several factors affect what you'll see when you log in:
| Factor | How It Affects Your Portal Experience |
|---|---|
| Claim status | Active, pending, appealed, or exhausted claims show differently |
| Separation type | Quits, layoffs, and discharges may trigger adjudication holds |
| Employer response | If your former employer contests your claim, expect pending status |
| Identity verification | Flagged accounts may require additional steps before access is restored |
| Payment method | Direct deposit vs. debit card setup happens through CONNECT |
Whether you're dealing with a straightforward layoff claim or navigating a contested separation, the CONNECT portal is the primary interface between you and Florida's reemployment assistance program. How your claim moves through that system depends on the facts specific to your situation — your separation circumstances, your wage history, your employer's response, and how quickly and completely you respond to any requests DEO sends your way.