Welcome to

Florida’s jobless rate didn’t move much in the latest report for April.  The legislature took steps in trying to help job seekers during the 2014 legislative session.

Florida’s unemployment rate is hovering around 6.2% for 2014.

The latest report shows there’s 599,000 people looking for work. To collect unemployment benefits – they can only apply online. When Florida enacted an online only system in 2011, the Feds bashed it.

The U.S. Department of Labor said the system was a violation of civil rights and made it difficult on some seeking work. Lawmakers voted to change that this past session.

“You can apply over the phone and people will not have to go on the internet because everyone does not have access to their own computer,” said Sen. Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa).

Florida’s scrutinized unemployment system also requires a mandatory assessment test before anyone can collect a check. That’s on its way out, too.

“They thought it was a roadblock to applying for unemployment comp benefits, that they’d have to fill out this 35 to 45 minute review, this makes it completely voluntary,” said Sen. Nancy Detert (R-Venice).

The Department of Economic Opportunity says they believe the online system is the best way.

“Ultimately, the law still says that the main way of filing for benefits is online, I think we have to have a fail safe in the event of an emergency and we’ll look at the way to do that, but this is a modern society in which many things are done on computers,” said DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio.

If it’s signed into law, the changes would go into effect in July. The DEO says they’ve supported the bill throughout session.