Unemployment insurance offers Florida residents a way to temporarily make ends meet when job loss strikes. Your eligibility for collecting unemployment benefits depends primarily upon the type of employment you’ve held and the reason for separation from your most recent job. You may collect unemployment benefits if you are either unemployed or partially employed.
You may now
apply for unemployment benefits online. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about unemployment benefits in Florida:
What are the financial requirements for collecting unemployment benefits?
You must have worked and earned wages during the first four of the last five calendar quarters (beginning in January, April, July and October). These five quarters are known as the “base period.” During that time period, you must:
- Have been paid wages in two or more calendar quarters
- Have total wages during the base period of at least 150% of the wages during the highest quarter in the base period
- Have earned at least $3,400 during the base period
What are the job eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance?
In most cases, you must have been involuntarily separated from your job to receive benefits. Furthermore, that separation must be for reasons other than misconduct. You are eligible for benefits if you were fired for unsatisfactory job performance, rather than “intentional or controllable acts…which show a deliberate disregard of the employer’s interest.” In some limited cases, you may receive benefits if you quit your job, provided you can demonstrate that you meet state criteria.
How much money will I receive in unemployment benefits?
The smallest amount you will receive is $32 per week and the largest benefit you can receive is $275 per week. Your benefits are calculated by taking the highest amount of money earned during any quarter in the base period and dividing it by 26, subject to the minimum and maximum limits of $32 and $275.
Do I need to search for a job while receiving unemployment benefits?
Yes. Those collecting benefits must be able to work and actively seeking work. You will be required to keep records related to your job search and provide those records to the state upon request.
How do I file a claim for unemployment benefits in Florida?
The easiest way to apply for unemployment in Florida is to
apply for unemployment benefits online. You may also apply via telephone by calling 1-800-204-2418. Mail-in applications are available at
Florida One Stop Career Centers.
