Live in Florida? Here’s some unemployment perspective and some helpful tips at navigating it all…

This writing is mainly geared toward my fellow Floridians attempting to file a Reemployment Assistance (formerly known as Unemployment Insurance) claim with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Perhaps something here may help you navigate your personal unknown, frustrating circumstance while trying to survive on limited-to-no income. I hope this helps someone anyway.

Some perspective on Unemployment here in Florida that will not make anyone happy — the numbers. It’s at least more measurable now versus not knowing who has been paid and who’s still waiting. Stay with me…

As of this moment, of the estimated 1,533,723(!!!) total claims submitted in the State of Florida from March 15 to April 19, only 170,407 claimants have been paid (close to $60M). Regardless if claims were submitted multiple times (via online and/or on paper), this confirms what everyone who has tried to apply has known for well over a month now: It’s going to take awhile to collect benefits.

Myth: Employees pay into Unemployment Insurance in the State of Florida.

Bad (or good?) news. You don’t. Your employers do. As the Claimant FAQ reads on www.floridajobs.org, “Florida employers pay for RA through a tax managed by the Florida Department of Revenue. It is one of the employer’s business costs. Workers do not pay reemployment taxes.”