As someone who recently went through the whole unemployment process in Florida, I just want to say how refreshing it is to see someone being this proactive about understanding the requirements! You're absolutely doing the right thing by asking these questions upfront. I wanted to add one thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you have any professional certifications related to restaurant management (ServSafe, food safety, alcohol service, etc.), make sure to include those in your job applications and mention them when networking. Document renewing or obtaining new certifications as work search activities too - "completed online food safety certification course to enhance qualifications" totally counts. Also, since you mentioned being stressed about the process - that anxiety is completely normal! I remember feeling overwhelmed when I first started, but having a solid tracking system (like everyone's recommended) and staying organized really does make it manageable. The restaurant industry connections you already have are going to be your biggest asset. One last tip: if you're comfortable with social media, updating your LinkedIn profile and engaging with hospitality industry groups there can count as networking activities. Just make sure to document it properly - "updated LinkedIn profile and engaged with [specific group name] regarding management opportunities." You're going to do great with this process. The fact that you're asking these detailed questions shows you're taking it seriously, and that preparation will definitely pay off!

As a former restaurant manager myself, I completely understand the stress you're feeling right now! I went through this exact same process about 18 months ago when our location unexpectedly closed. Here's what I wish someone had told me from day one: **treat your job search like a part-time job with specific hours and goals**. I blocked out 9am-1pm Monday through Friday for job search activities, which made it feel more structured and less overwhelming. For restaurant management specifically, don't forget about these often-overlooked opportunities: - Corporate training positions (many restaurant chains need trainers with real management experience) - Food service consulting roles - Hotel F&B management positions - Retirement community dining directors The hospitality recruiting firms others mentioned are gold - I got my current position through a recruiter who specialized in restaurant management. Also, reach out to your state restaurant association - they often have job boards and networking events that can count toward your work search requirements. One practical tip: I kept a small voice recorder app on my phone and would record quick notes immediately after any job-related conversation ("Just spoke with Maria at Downtown Bistro about their GM opening, she said to follow up next week"). Then I'd transcribe these into my tracking spreadsheet that evening. The documentation really is crucial - I got audited about 8 months into my claim and having everything organized made it painless. You're already on the right track by asking these questions early. The restaurant industry needs experienced managers right now, so stay confident in your value!

Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful! I'm getting ready to file my first unemployment claim after being laid off last week, and I was really stressed about the payment timing since I have rent due in two weeks. It's reassuring to see that when everything is set up correctly, most people are getting their payments within that 2-4 business day window. I'm definitely going to follow the advice about claiming early in the week, double-checking all my bank information, and setting up those text alerts. The automated phone line tip is gold too - I had no idea that existed! Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences and practical tips. It's so much better than trying to figure this out from the official DEO website which doesn't give you the realistic timeline expectations. Fingers crossed my experience goes as smoothly as some of yours did!

Great thread with lots of helpful real-world experiences! I'm about to start claiming for the first time next week and this has been way more informative than anything on the official DEO site. Quick question for those who've been through this - do you get any kind of email notification when your payment is processed, or is checking CONNECT/the automated phone line the only way to track status? Also, has anyone noticed if there's a particular time of day that payments typically hit your account? I know it's probably variable, but just curious if there are any patterns. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of community knowledge is invaluable when navigating these systems!

I'm really sorry you're facing this situation - I went through the exact same thing about 8 months ago and remember that sinking feeling when I realized there really wasn't an extension option in CONNECT. Everyone here has given you accurate information that Florida unfortunately only provides 12 weeks with no current extensions available. Since you have 2 weeks left, I'd recommend acting quickly on a few things. Definitely use that Claimyr service people mentioned to call DEO and confirm your exact end date - I found their dashboard confusing and wanted to make sure I wasn't missing any remaining weeks. Start your SNAP application through ACCESS Florida immediately since it can take several weeks to process. One thing that really helped me was signing up with multiple staffing agencies at once rather than just one or two. Different agencies have different client relationships, so casting a wide net increased my chances of getting assignments quickly. I also looked into local hospitals and healthcare facilities since they often need temporary administrative or support staff. Don't forget to check with your local library too - many offer free job search resources, computer access, and sometimes even career counseling services that I didn't know about until someone mentioned it. The whole situation is stressful, but there are definitely ways to bridge the gap while you continue your permanent job search. You've got this!

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress of approaching that 12-week cutoff while still job searching is incredibly overwhelming. Everyone here has given you the accurate (though disappointing) information that Florida unfortunately doesn't offer any extensions beyond the standard 12 weeks of state benefits right now. Since you have about 2 weeks remaining, I'd strongly encourage you to take action on multiple fronts immediately. First, definitely try that Claimyr service others mentioned to get absolute confirmation from DEO about your exact end date and ensure you haven't missed claiming any eligible weeks. Second, start your SNAP application through ACCESS Florida right away - the processing time can be 2-3 weeks, so don't wait until your unemployment stops. I'd also recommend reaching out to temp agencies this week rather than waiting. Even if it's not your ideal work, having some income flowing can significantly reduce stress while you continue your permanent job search. Many temp positions actually do lead to full-time opportunities too. Consider gig work options like DoorDash or Uber as well - they offer flexibility around your interview schedule. Don't forget to call 211 to learn about local emergency assistance programs in your area. Many counties still have pandemic relief funds available for utilities, rent, and other necessities. Your local library may also have job search resources and career counseling services you weren't aware of. I know this isn't what you were hoping to hear about extensions, but at least now you can focus your energy on these concrete steps instead of searching CONNECT for programs that don't exist. You're definitely not alone in dealing with Florida's limited system - you'll get through this transition!

I'm currently going through a very similar situation and this entire thread has been such a lifeline! Just got hit with a $3,900 overpayment notice last month even though I was super careful about reporting my part-time hours at a pharmacy (18-25 hours weekly). My hearing was two weeks ago and I'm still waiting to see any status update on CONNECT. Reading @Chloe Delgado's successful outcome and everyone's explanations about the "ineligible-not denied" status has given me so much hope - I had no idea that could actually be good news! Like everyone else here, I've saved every single timesheet, paystub, and screenshot of my weekly certifications where I reported all my earnings. It's so frustrating how DEO's system seems completely unprepared for part-time work situations - they act like you're either totally unemployed or working full-time with no middle ground. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that @Sophie Hernandez mentioned to get through to an actual person instead of just waiting and stressing. Thank you all for creating such a supportive community around this confusing process - knowing I'm not alone in dealing with DEO's broken system makes such a difference!

This thread has been absolutely amazing to follow! I'm currently dealing with a $2,400 overpayment notice and seeing everyone's experiences has been so reassuring. Like so many others here, I was working part-time at a grocery store (16-22 hours weekly) and reported everything accurately on my weekly certifications. My hearing is scheduled for next week and I've been incredibly anxious about it. Reading @Chloe Delgado's successful outcome and all the detailed explanations about how "ineligible-not denied" can actually lead to a non-fault determination has given me so much hope! I've organized all my documentation - timesheets, paystubs, and screenshots of every weekly certification. It's clear that DEO's system really struggles with part-time work situations, but this community has shown that having proper documentation and being honest throughout the process can lead to positive outcomes. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and creating such a supportive space for people navigating this stressful process!

Just want to add another resource that might help - check with local workforce development boards in your area. They often have emergency assistance programs or connections to temporary work agencies that specialize in hospitality placements. Also, some counties have their own assistance programs that can help bridge the gap between unemployment ending and finding stable work. Your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with county-specific resources. Don't give up hope - the hospitality industry does tend to have seasonal upticks, and with spring/summer approaching, there might be more opportunities opening up soon!

Another option to consider is looking into local community colleges that offer short-term certification programs in high-demand fields. Many have partnerships with local employers and some even offer income support during training. I know Valencia College and St. Pete College have programs specifically designed for career changers. Also, if you're in the Tampa Bay area, the hospitality industry there is actually showing signs of recovery - I've seen more cruise lines resuming operations and theme parks expanding their workforce. Don't lose hope! Sometimes these tough periods force us to discover new opportunities we wouldn't have considered otherwise.