St. Petersburg FL Unemployment Office – 3420 8th Avenue South
CareerSource Pinellas South County 3420 8th Ave S St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Phone: (727) 524-4344 | Career counseling and assessment Job search assistance Resume and cover letter writing help Interview preparation |
St. Petersburg FL Unemployment Career Center Office provide individuals seeking employment all the latest tools to find and keep that special job. Employers will find assistance in recruiting new employees including a national job listing network, applicant screening, and space in the centers to conduct testing and employment interviews.
How Do I Qualify For Florida Unemployment Benefits?
To qualify for Florida unemployment benefits, you must:
- Have lost your job through no fault of your own.
- You must be totally or partially unemployed.
- You must have earned at least $3,400 before taxes in what is called the “base period,”.
- You must be able to work, available to work, and actively seeking work.
- Even if you or your employer don’t think you qualify, you should always apply.
What is Florida Base Period?
- Florida “base period,” refers to the first four complete quarters beginning 18 months prior to your claim.
What Information Do I Need To File For My Unemployment Benefits In Florida?
To file for your FL UI Benefits you will need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your Driver’s license or State ID number
- Your employment for the last 18 months including for each employer:
- Employer Name, address, and phone number
- Your first and last day of work
- Your gross earnings before taxes are taken out
- The reason for your separation
- Your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
What is the Maximum Unemployment Benefit I Can Get In Florida?
The State of Florida will determine your benefit amount but you can get a maximum of $275 per week for 12 weeks. You are entitled to a maximum benefit amount of $3,300.
How Do I File My Claim For Florida Unemployment Benefits?
You can file your FL Unemployment Benefits Claim Online through the Florida Department Of Economic Opportunity website:
- You need to set up your PIN while filing so you can log into the CONNECT system and claim your benefits.
- Your PIN must be four digits long
- Make your PIN easy to remember
Can I Get Help While Filing My Florida Unemployment Benefit Claim Online?
- Yes! If you need assistance because you are disabled, have legal problems, computer issues or language problems you should call 1-800-681-8102 for assistance.
How Do I Request My Weekly FL Unemployment Benefit Payments?
- Every two weeks, you login in online with your PIN to claim your unemployment benefits.
- You must request your benefits within seven days of your scheduled report date.
- If the last digit of your Social Security number is even, you claim your benefits on Mondays.
- If the last digit is odd, you claim your benefits on Tuesdays.
- If you are over seven days late to claim, you may be denied payment.
If I work in FL while on unemployment Benefits do I need to report my earnings?
- Yes! When you make your Bi-Weekly Claim you will need to report any work you have done during your claimed week, as well as your gross earnings.
- Even if you have not received payment from your employer you must report
- If you fail to report you would have broken Florida Unemployment Laws which can carry severe penalties.
Do I need to be Seeking A Job While On Florida Unemployment Benefits?
Yes! Your Florida unemployment laws require you to be contacting at least five potential employers each week in order for you to keep getting your UI Benefits.
- You will need to provide dates you contacted the employer.
- Your methods of contact; if in person, phone, online, or fax.
- The Company names you contacted; telephone numbers, websites or email.
- The results of your contact.
- Also, the type of work you were looking for.
Can I file An Appeal If I am denied Unemployment Benefits In Florida?
Yea! You may file an appeal online with the The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity If you were denied unemployment benefits.
- You must wait until after you have received your determination letter by mail to file your appeal.
- Your Determination Letter will have instructions on how to file your appeal if you have been denied benefits.
Will the State of FL help me find a job while on Unemployment Benefits?
Yes! The state of Florida will provides free reemployment services to you while on UI Benefits. If you are an unemployed worker, a recent graduate or just entering the job market you can visit visit the Employ Florida website and get assistance in your job search.
How Do I Contact the Florida Department Of Economic Opportunity?
You can contact FDEO by phone:
- FDEO Hotline: 1-800-204-2418
- Claim Assistance Hotline 1-800-681-8102
I applied on April 13th and all I keep seeing on my claim is that my claim is pending awaiting adjudication. Should I call or go to the main office to find any further information on my claim?
It’s common for Florida unemployment claims to be pending adjudication, and it can take some time. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (now FloridaCommerce) states they usually make a determination within two to six weeks of filing your claim. Since you applied on April 13th, and it’s mid-June, you’re certainly past that initial timeframe.
“Pending adjudication” means that FloridaCommerce is reviewing your claim for any issues related to your job separation, and to determine if you are able and available to work. They may need more information from you or your former employer.
What you should do:
Continue requesting benefits: This is crucial! Even while your claim is pending, you must continue to request benefits every two weeks to show you are still unemployed and seeking work. If your claim is eventually approved, you will receive payments for the weeks you claimed.
Check your CONNECT inbox regularly: The adjudicator might contact you by phone, email, or through your Reconnect inbox for “fact-finding forms.” These forms are essential for resolving any issues. Respond to them accurately and by the due date.
Call the Reemployment Assistance Hotline: Given the time that has passed, it’s definitely advisable to call them.
Reemployment Assistance Hotline: 1-800-204-2418
Another number for Reemployment Assistance Customer Service: 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759)
The best times to reach an agent are generally Wednesday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Be prepared to wait, but it’s the most direct way to get an update on your specific claim.
Contact your local CareerSource office: While the unemployment claims are handled by FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Pinellas (your local office in St. Petersburg) can sometimes offer assistance or guidance.
CareerSource Pinellas: (727) 524-4344
There is a CareerSource office in St. Petersburg at 3420 8th Avenue South. While their main role is job assistance, they may be able to help with general questions or point you in the right direction. However, direct adjudication issues are typically handled by the state hotline.
Should you go to the main office?
Generally, it’s more efficient to handle these issues over the phone or through your online account. Unemployment offices often have limited staff for in-person claim inquiries, and direct contact with an adjudicator is usually done remotely. Calling the hotline is usually the most effective way to speak with someone who can access your claim details.
In summary: Your priority should be to continue requesting benefits and to call the Reemployment Assistance Hotline to inquire about the status of your adjudication and if any further action is required from you.