I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Got that 403 error when trying to access the link in the email they sent me yesterday. It's so stressful not knowing if my work searches from last week actually went through or if I need to do them again. Reading through all these responses is really helpful though - sounds like it's definitely a system issue on their end and not something we did wrong. I'm going to try the incognito browser suggestion first, and if that doesn't work I'll call them early tomorrow morning. Really hoping this gets resolved soon because constantly worrying about whether my benefits will be delayed is exhausting!

I'm having the exact same problem! Got that 403 error yesterday when trying to access the work search link from their email. I already submitted my 5 work searches through CONNECT on Monday, so I'm really hoping those are still recorded in their system. It's such a relief to see I'm not the only one dealing with this - I was starting to think I did something wrong with my account. Based on what everyone is saying here, it sounds like this is definitely a DEO system issue and not our fault. I'm going to try the incognito browser suggestion and calling first thing in the morning at 7:30am like @Christian Burns recommended. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - makes me feel less anxious knowing this is a known issue they're working to fix!

To all those having trouble reaching a human at Florida Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss

I'm in a similar situation - been trying to reach someone for weeks with no luck. Have you tried calling first thing in the morning right when they open? I've heard that's when you have the best chance of getting through. Also, make sure you're calling the right number and have all your documentation ready before you call. It's frustrating but don't give up! You might also want to try reaching out to your local state representative's office - sometimes they can help escalate unemployment issues.

Another avenue to try - contact your state representative or senator's office! I had an impossible DEO situation last year (different issue but similar runaround) and my rep's constituent services office got results in 2 weeks that I couldn't get in 6 months of calling myself. They have direct contacts at DEO who actually respond. You can find your reps at myfloridahouse.gov and flsenate.gov - just explain the situation and that you need help getting historical payment records. It's literally their job to help with state agency issues like this. Don't feel bad about using this option - you already tried everything else and DEO is clearly not being responsive through normal channels!

One more thing to add - if you're getting nowhere with phone calls, try contacting DEO through their formal grievance process. You can file a grievance online at floridajobs.org under "File a Complaint" - this creates an official case number and forces them to respond within specific timeframes. In your grievance, explain that you're being asked to pay an overpayment that was already satisfied in 2017 and that DEO has failed to provide adequate payment history records despite multiple requests. This approach often gets routed to supervisors who have better system access than frontline agents. Also document every attempt you've made to resolve this (dates, times, who you spoke with) - this shows good faith effort on your part and strengthens your case if you need to escalate further.

When I had issues last month I actually had better luck with the email than phone. Try [email protected] and put your claimant ID and "URGENT" in the subject line. They got back to me in 3 days. Better than never getting through on phone!

This is so encouraging to hear! I've been stuck in pending status for over a month now and was starting to lose hope. Question - when you called on Saturday, did you use the main DEO number (833-FL-APPLY) or a different one? Also, did they tell you specifically what was wrong with your work search entries? I'm wondering if I might have the same issue since my claim has been pending since I started submitting my work searches. Thanks for sharing this - gives me hope that there might be light at the end of this tunnel!

One more tip that saved me - when you submit your appeal and waiver request, also send a physical copy by certified mail to the DEO Appeals Office. I know it seems redundant, but their online system sometimes has glitches and doesn't properly timestamp submissions. Having that certified mail receipt gives you backup proof of when you filed within the 20-day deadline. The mailing address is: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Appeals Office 107 E. Madison Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-4143 Also, don't forget to include a cover letter explaining that you're submitting both an appeal of the overpayment determination AND a request for overpayment waiver. Be very clear about which forms and documents relate to each request. You've got this! The fact that you kept screenshots shows you were being responsible about reporting - that's going to work in your favor.

I went through this same nightmare last year! DEO sent me an overpayment notice for $4,800 claiming I didn't report my part-time work correctly, but I had reported every penny. Here's what worked for me: First - breathe! You're going to get through this. The screenshots you saved are going to be your lifeline. I submitted both the appeal AND the waiver request simultaneously (like others mentioned, these are separate processes). For the financial hardship documentation, I included everything - rent receipts, grocery bills, childcare costs, medical expenses, utility bills. Don't be embarrassed about showing your financial struggles - it's literally what they need to see. What really helped me was writing a detailed timeline of exactly what I reported each week, with dates and amounts. I cross-referenced this with my bank statements and screenshots to show there were no discrepancies on my end. The whole process took about 2 months, but my waiver was approved and I didn't have to pay back a cent. The key is being thorough with your documentation and meeting every single deadline they give you. Start your appeal TODAY - don't wait even one more day. You've got a strong case since you were diligent about reporting and have proof!