How to Appeal a Reemployment Assistance Denial in Florida

• Determination Date: The date FloridaCommerce issued and distributed the determination (also called “distributed date” or “mailing date”)—this is the date from which your 20-day appeal deadline is counted.

• Reason for Denial: A clear statement of why your benefits were denied (e.g., misconduct, voluntary quit without good cause, not able or available for work).

• Law References: Citations to the specific Florida Statute sections that apply to your case (primarily Chapter 443, Florida Statutes).

• Factual Findings: A summary of the facts FloridaCommerce used to make the determination, often based on information from your employer or your claim interview.

• Appeal Instructions: Information about your right to appeal, the 20-day deadline, and how to submit your appeal (online, mail, or fax).

Misconduct Connected with Work: You were discharged for deliberate or negligent violation of employer policies or standards of behavior expected by the employer.

Voluntary Leaving Without Good Cause: You resigned from your job for reasons that Florida law does not consider “good cause attributable to the work or employer.”

Not Able or Available for Work: You cannot work full-time, are unavailable during normal business hours, or have restrictions that prevent you from accepting suitable work.

Refused Suitable Work: You turned down a job offer that FloridaCommerce considered suitable based on your work history and qualifications.

Insufficient Wage Credits: You did not earn enough wages during your base period to qualify financially for Reemployment Assistance benefits.

💡 Pro Tip: Read your determination notice carefully and identify exactly which Florida Statute section is cited. This will help you understand what FloridaCommerce must prove and what you need to disprove or explain in your appeal.

⏰ Start Date & Countdown

Your 20-calendar-day appeal deadline begins on the determination date (also called the “distributed date” or “mailing date”) printed on your Notice of Determination. This is the date FloridaCommerce officially issued and distributed the notice. The 20-day period includes weekends and holidays.

Critical Rule: If the 20th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline automatically extends to the next business day. Your appeal must be received by the Office of Appeals (if in person), postmarked (if by mail), transmitted (if by fax), or submitted online (if via Reconnect or RA Help Center) on or before the deadline.

• Online (Recommended): Your appeal is considered filed when submitted via the RA Help Center or Reconnect system. The submission date is the filing date.

• By Mail: Your appeal must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before the 20th day (or next business day if weekend/holiday). Keep your certified mail receipt as proof.

• By Fax: Your appeal must be successfully transmitted and date-stamped on or before the 20th day (or next business day if weekend/holiday). Save your fax confirmation report.

⚠️ Important: Do not wait until the last day to file your appeal. Mail delays, fax transmission errors, system outages, or office closures can cause you to miss the deadline. File as soon as possible after receiving your determination—ideally within the first week.

✅ Option A: File Online (Recommended)

The fastest and most reliable way to file your appeal is online through either the RA Help Center or the Reconnect system. Filing online ensures immediate confirmation and creates a digital record of your submission.

How to File Online:

1. RA Help Center: Go to floridajobs.org/rahelpcenter and submit your appeal request through the online portal.
2. Reconnect System: Log in to your Reconnect account at connect.myflorida.com and navigate to the appeals section.
3. Complete Your Appeal: Provide your name, Social Security number (or claimant ID), the determination date, and a clear statement explaining why you disagree with the determination.
4. Submit: The filing date is the date your appeal is submitted online. Save a screenshot or confirmation email as proof.

📮 Option B: File by Mail

You can submit your appeal by U.S. Mail using the official Notice of Appeal form or a written letter. The filing date is the postmark date, so make sure your appeal is postmarked on or before the 20th day.

What to Include in Your Appeal:

1. Your Full Name
2. Your Social Security Number or Claimant ID
3. Your Current Mailing Address and Phone Number
4. The Determination Date (found on your notice)
5. A Clear Statement: “I appeal the determination dated [date] denying my Reemployment Assistance benefits.”
6. Explanation: State why you disagree with the determination. Be specific and include all relevant facts.
7. Your Signature and Date
8. Copy of the Determination Notice (if possible)

Where to Mail:

📠 Option C: File by Fax

You can fax your appeal to the Office of Appeals. The filing date is the fax date-stamp. Complete the Notice of Appeal form (or write your own letter following the guidelines above) and fax it to:

📄 Official Notice of Appeal Form

FloridaCommerce provides an official Notice of Appeal form (Form COM-A100) that you can complete and submit by mail or fax. Using this form ensures you include all required information.

Download Notice of Appeal Form (COM-A100)

• Date and Time of Your Hearing: Your hearing will be scheduled at a specific date and time (typically Eastern Time Zone).

• Case Docket Number: A unique case number you’ll use to reference your case.

• Referee’s Contact Information: Name and phone number of the Appeals Referee assigned to your case.

• Issues to Be Decided: The specific questions the Referee will address (e.g., whether your discharge was for misconduct).

• Instructions: How to participate in the telephone hearing, how to submit documents, and how to request a continuance if needed.

How to Request a Continuance:

Submit a Request for Continuance form (Form COM-A200) through the RA Help Center, by mail, or by fax to the Office of Appeals before your scheduled hearing date. You can also make the request on the record during the hearing itself.

Download Request for Continuance Form (COM-A200)

• Days 1-20: File your appeal within 20 calendar days of the determination date on your determination.

• Weeks 2-5: Office of Appeals assigns your case to a Referee and schedules your hearing (typically about 30 days from filing).

• Notice of Hearing: You receive your hearing notice with the date, time, and Referee information (typically 7-10 days before hearing).

• Hearing Day: You participate in a telephone hearing with the Referee and the employer (if they appear).

💡 Pro Tip: Check your mail regularly and make sure FloridaCommerce has your current address and phone number. Missing your Notice of Hearing can seriously harm your case. If you move, update your address immediately through the Reconnect system.

• Text Messages & Emails: Communications with your employer, supervisor, or HR about the incident or your separation.

• Pay Stubs & W-2s: Proof of employment, wages, and work dates.

• Performance Reviews: Evaluations showing satisfactory or excellent performance (especially helpful if you’re accused of poor performance).

• Medical Records or Doctor’s Notes: If you quit or were fired due to health reasons, disability accommodation requests, or injury.

• Photos or Screenshots: Visual evidence of working conditions, safety hazards, harassment, or relevant documentation.

• Company Policies or Handbook: Written policies (especially if the employer claims you violated a policy you were never told about).

• Written Warnings or Disciplinary Records: If you received warnings, bring them. If you didn’t receive warnings, point that out.

• Witness Statements: Written, signed statements from coworkers or others with firsthand knowledge of the situation.

⚠️ Important: Any documents you want to use as evidence must be provided to the Appeals Referee and to the other party (your former employer) at least 24 hours before the hearing. Your Notice of Hearing will include instructions and contact information for submitting documents. Failure to provide documents in advance may result in them not being considered during the hearing. If the 24-hour deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, submit documents the business day before.

• Contact Witnesses in Advance: Confirm they are available and willing to participate in the telephone hearing.

• Prepare Them for Testimony: Explain what the hearing is about and what questions they might be asked.

• Provide Contact Information to the Referee: If you plan to have witnesses, notify the Referee before the hearing and provide their names and phone numbers.

• Keep Them Available: Witnesses should remain by their phone during the hearing until the Referee calls them to testify.

• Write an Outline: Before the hearing, write down the points you want to cover. Make a checklist of the facts you feel are important. Organize your story chronologically with dates, times, and names.

• Address the Reason for Denial: Specifically explain why the employer’s version of events is incorrect or incomplete, or why FloridaCommerce’s determination was wrong.

• Stick to What You Know: Only testify about things you personally saw, heard, or did. Don’t speculate or guess.

• Write Down Questions: Write down any questions you want to ask your witnesses or the opposing side (your employer). Use your list to make sure you don’t forget anything.

• Be Honest: If you don’t know or don’t remember something, say so. Never lie or exaggerate—it will destroy your credibility.

💡 Resources for Legal Help: Contact Florida Legal Services (floridalegal.org), local bar associations, or search for employment attorneys specializing in unemployment appeals for free or low-cost legal assistance.

• Know Your Case Number: Have your case docket number from your Notice of Hearing ready to reference your case.

• Have All Documents Ready: Keep your Notice of Hearing, all evidence, and notes organized and within reach.

• Find a Quiet Location: Choose a private, quiet place free from background noise, interruptions, children, or pets.

• Request Interpreter if Needed: If you or your witnesses need language interpretation or disability accommodations, notify the Office of Appeals before the hearing using the contact information on your Notice of Hearing.

• Be Ready and Available: Be by your phone at the scheduled hearing time. The Appeals Referee will call you—you do not need to call them.

1. Opening & Introduction: The Referee will introduce themselves, confirm the identities of all parties, explain the hearing process, review the issues to be decided, and explain the order of testimony. The Referee will then swear everyone in under oath.

2. Review of the Record: The Referee will review the case file and identify any documents already in the record.

3. Testimony: Each party will present their testimony and evidence. The Referee will ask questions to clarify facts and ensure a complete record. You and the employer may ask questions of each other and each other’s witnesses (cross-examination).

4. Witnesses: If you have witnesses, notify the Referee at the beginning of the hearing. The Referee will call them when it’s time for their testimony.

5. Closing Statements: Both parties may make a brief closing statement summarizing their case and why they believe they should prevail.

6. End of Hearing: The Referee will close the record and explain when you can expect a written decision (typically mailed within a few weeks).

✅ Be Punctual: Be ready by your phone at the scheduled time. The Referee will call you—don’t call the Referee unless instructed.

✅ Answer Clearly & Directly: Listen carefully to each question and answer truthfully. Say “yes” or “no” rather than “uh-huh” or “mm-hmm.”

✅ Stay Calm & Professional: Remain respectful even if you disagree with the employer’s statements. Do not interrupt or argue.

✅ Tell the Truth: Honesty is essential. If you don’t know or don’t remember something, say so.

✅ Take Notes: Write down key points and questions you want to address when it’s your turn to speak or cross-examine.

✅ Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand a question, politely ask the Referee to repeat or rephrase it.

✅ Address the Referee Properly: Refer to the Referee as “Your Honor” or “Referee” to show respect.

⚠️ Warning: If you’re late to the hearing, the Referee may proceed without you. Make every effort to be on time and ready to participate.

✅ What to Do Next: Continue claiming your weeks through Reconnect and looking for work. Follow all FloridaCommerce requirements to maintain eligibility.

• Deadline: You must appeal within 20 calendar days of the date of the Referee’s decision.

• How to File: File your appeal online through the RAAC’s designated internet filing system, or submit a written appeal by mail, fax, or hand delivery.

• What to Include: State why you are appealing the Referee’s decision and include your case docket number.

📍 File Online with the RAAC:

RAAC Online Appeal Filing System

📮 Or Mail/Deliver to:

📠 Or Fax to: 850-488-2123

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