Florida waives work-search requirement for unemployment benefits through July
Out-of-work Floridians got an additional break this week after Gov. Ron DeSantis again waived requirements to prove they have searched for work to qualify for unemployment benefits.
The waiver — first announced March 20 — has been extended several times. The most recent suspension would have ended on July 4.
The announcement issued Thursday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity means those seeking unemployment are exempt from proving they are actively seeking work.
Prior to the pandemic, the state required applicants requesting unemployment benefits to list their work history and job applications. The state requested an applicant’s work searches, listing at least five places applied to, or a visit to a CareerSource center each week.
Fewer Floridians filed for unemployment benefits for the week ending June 27. The week saw a total of 68,152 initial claimants, down from the prior week, which saw 76,304 initial claimants.
Still, the number of new COVID-19 cases has spiked in recent days to record levels, and economists warn of an uncertain future. The state now has an approximately 12% unemployment rate.
Thus far, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has paid 1.62 million claimants a total of $8.54 billion.
