The State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (“DEO”) administers the State’s Reemployment Assistance Program, which in part involves the payment of compensation to unemployed individuals. DEO makes a “determination” regarding a claim for compensation, and that determination can result in a claimant being denied benefits or in an employer being charged for benefits paid. If an adversely affected party disagrees with DEO’s determination, there is a right to appeal. To exercise that right, the party must file an appeal with DEO’s Office of Appeals (the “Office”), through which an appeals referee will hold a hearing. An adversely affected party may in turn appeal the appeals referee’s decision to the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission (the “Commission”). The Commission is the last level of administrative review for reemployment assistance determinations. The Commission is an independent body within DEO and is comprised of three commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. The law and rules regarding reemployment assistance claims are in Chapter 443 of the Florida Statutes and Chapters 73B-11, 73B-20, 73B-21, and 73B-22 of the Florida Administrative Code. General information about the Reemployment Assistance Program can be found on DEO’s website at www.floridajobs.org. Information about how to appeal a claim determination is available at www.floridajobs.org/job-seekers-community-services/reemployment-assistancecenter/file-an-appeal. The Commission’s website is available at www.raac.myflorida.com and provides online access to appeal a referee’s decision as well as access to important Commission orders, newsletters, and links to relevant statutes and rules.
