DEO Process
Do I Qualify for Unemployment?
- If you lost your job through no fault of yourself, it can't be due to attendance issues, performance issues, misconduct, gross negligence, etc.
- You must be able, ready and willing to work and you must show proof that your searching for a job.
- You must have earned the minimum amount of wages required, best is to apply for unemployment and let the DEO determine if you meet this standard. Generally, you must have earned at least $3,400 or you just lost a new job right after leaving a previous job in which you had earned generally at least $3,400.
Where do I File for Unemployment in Florida and What is the Process?
- You can file online with the DEO here.
- The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or the "DEO" processes claims for unemployment.
- First, the DEO will make a monetary determination to confirm you earned the minimum wages required.
- Second, the DEO will contact your former employee to get their reason for the termination or confirm if they agree with the employee's allegations.
- Third, the DEO will make an eligibility determination based on the reason for termination.
- If unemployment is denied, the employee has a deadline to file an appeal and at this point best to get an employment lawyer involved.
What do I do if Unemployment Claim is Denied?
- File an appeal ASAP!! (The attorney will NOT do this for you and you have less than 20 days).
- Considering hiring a Florida Employment Lawyer to represent you at the appeal hearing.
- You have a deadline to proof to the unemployment department AND the company
- You only get one appeal to submit proof and witnesses so best to have an employment attorney
- Appeal hearings are done over the phone
Hiring a Florida Employment Lawyer to help!
- Provide copies of your application, Monetary and Eligibility Determinations, all documents submitted or received from the DEO.
- Provide proof and witnesses. Emails, text, termination letters, contact information for witnesses.
- Provide any deadlines that apply.
- A flat fee is required in most cases.