CareerSource Brevard and COVID-19 Archived Updates

COVID19-Coronavirus-For the latest updates visit floridahealthdotgovforwardslashCOVID-19.

CareerSource Brevard is actively monitoring key developments related to COVID-19. The health and well-being of our customers, employees, and community partners are of the utmost importance. We understand the concern and uncertainty surrounding this crisis and are committed to being responsive to your needs as the situation evolves and strive to give you the best level of service possible. This is an archive of updates shared during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Job Seekers

6/23/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • Claimants that do not have the ability to enter required weekly work searches, or previously were unable to enter work searches, when requesting their Reemployment Assistance benefits in CONNECT, now have the opportunity to provide the Department with their weekly work searches through the Work Search Form found in the Reemployment Assistance Help Center
  • It is important to note, in order to complete the Work Search Form, claimants must provide their claim-specific “Issue ID.” Issue ID’s can be found in correspondence from the Department or in CONNECT. For more information about how to locate an Issue ID or guidance on completing the Work Search Form, click here.
  • DEO encourages claimants to enter their required work searches if prompted in CONNECT.

6/1/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • All claimants, unless otherwise exempt, are now required to submit work searches for every week of state or federal benefits requested. For a step-by-step guide on submitting required work searches, click here.
  • Additionally, all new claimants, unless otherwise exempt, must complete the work registration requirement through Employ Florida. Click here to view instructions on how to register with Employ Florida.
    • An accurate work search record may include, but is not limited to, registering for work and reemployment services with a local CareerSource Center, completing a job application in person or online, mailing a job application or resume, making in-person visits with potential employers, interviewing with potential employers, or registering for work with employment or placement agencies to name a few.
    • Click here for a list of options claimants can consider to meet the work search requirement for each week. To determine how many work searches you will be required to complete, click here.
    • For a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the work search and work registration requirements, click here.
  • DEO issued Emergency Order 21-015 to continue waiving the waiting week requirement through June 26, 2021.

5/24/21 update:

Newest Updates from the DEO:

  • Florida will end its participation in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, the $300 per week supplemental FPUC payment, effective June 26, 2021. The additional federal Reemployment Assistance benefit programs, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), will continue for the time being.

5/19/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • The Department encourages claimants to begin searching for work before the Work Search and Work Registration waivers expire on May 29, 2021. They also encourage existing claimants to create an account and register at Employ Florida.
  • Click here for a list of options claimants can consider to meet the work search requirement for each week. To determine how many work searches you will be required to complete, click here.

4/27/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • The Work Search and Work Registration waivers have been extended through May 29. The waiting week waiver will be extended through June 26. The Department encourages claimants to continue searching for work regardless of the waiver extension.

4/14/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • The DEO has recently provided claimants the option to verify their identity through ID.me, if they have a “locked” claim status.
  • If a claimant has already verified their identity through ID.me, the claimant does not need to re-verify their claim. However, you may be prompted to login to ID.me using multifactor authentication throughout the Reemployment Assistance claims process.
  • If the claimant has a “locked” claim status, the link to verify their identity can be found on their CONNECT homepage. For more information about ID.me, click here.
  • DEO is aware of an issue where some claims are being re-locked in CONNECT after a claimant verifies their identity through me. DEO is working diligently to resolve the issue and unlock claims that have been re-locked. For existing claimants who have verified their identity, please allow 24-48 hours for your claim to be unlocked.
  • DEO also provided an identity theft toolkit which details what Floridians should do if they are a victim of identity theft and steps they should take to mitigate fraudulent activity on their account. To view the identity theft toolkit, click here.
  • Any new claimant filing for Reemployment Assistance will need to verify their identity through ID.me. For more information about ID.me visit the claimant resource page, here.
  • DEO launched an online fraud form providing Floridians the opportunity to report instances of Reemployment Assistance fraud or identity theft. If someone is aware of any instance of Reemployment Assistance fraud or believes they are a victim of Reemployment Assistance identity theft, please click here and select the “Online Fraud Form” to provide the Department with additional information about fraudulent claims.

3/16/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • DEO recently launched a Reemployment Assistance Help Center, an online portal where claimants or employers can receive and provide additional information to the Department regarding Reemployment Assistance. Individuals can also notify the Department of suspected Reemployment Assistance fraud or identity theft. To access this new online portal, click here.

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021:

  • As a result of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefit programs have been extended to September 6, 2021.
  • Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides an additional $300 for eligible claimants, has also been extended to September 6, 2021.
  • Claimants should continue to request their benefit payments as weeks become available in their CONNECT account if they remain unemployed. The DEO encourages individuals to continue checking their CONNECT account every 48 hours for additional updates or notifications from the Department.

Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation:

  • Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) is a federally funded program that provides an additional $100 per week to eligible individuals in addition to the benefits they are currently receiving. MEUC is not available to claimants who are currently receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.
  • Claimants may be eligible for MEUC if they have received at least $5,000 in net income from self-employment for the tax year prior to their initial claim.
  • MEUC benefits are in addition to the $300 supplemental Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefits (FPUC) benefit programs, which expires on September 6, 2021.
  • Eligible claimants can apply for MEUC benefits here. For information on how to apply for MEUC, click here.

2/28/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • The work search, work registration, and waiting week requirements have been extended through April 24, 2021.

2/17/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • In 2020, the DEO partnered with ID.me, a trusted technology partner, assisting claimants who were locked out of their accounts. The Department has recently expanded that partnership to help keep Floridians’ identities secure from fraudulent activity and bolster current fraud prevention measures.
  • Any new claimant filing for Reemployment Assistance will need to verify their identity through ID.me. For more information about ID.me visit the claimant resource page, here.
  • Any new state Reemployment Assistance claims filed January 1, 2021, and forward are eligible for up to 19 weeks of benefits instead of 12 weeks of benefits.

2/10/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • The DEO is currently processing Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payments which were extended and modified by the Continued Assistance Act. Beginning the week ending January 2, 2021, claimants who are eligible for at least $1 of their original unemployment benefit amount, will be eligible to receive an additional $300 FPUC payment supplementing their weekly benefit amount. No additional action is required to receive the FPUC payment, but claimants should continue to request their weekly benefits to receive any benefit payments. The FPUC program expires on March 14, 2021. This means the last payable week for FPUC is the week ending March 13, 2021.
  • The DEO completed electronically processing 1099-G Tax Forms for all claimants on January 17, 2021. All claimants should have access to their 1099-G Tax Form in their CONNECT account. Claimants who opted to receive communication from the Department through U.S. Mail should have received their 1099-G tax form no later than January 31, 2021. 1099-G Forms were also made available in CONNECT for these claimants on January 17, 2021. If a claimant did not receive their 1099-G tax form by January 31, 2021, they received a 1099-G tax form by mistake, or their 1099-G tax form is incorrect, please click here for additional resources to obtain the form. The DEO has created Frequently Asked Questions to provide more information about the 1099-G Tax Form.

2/2/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • Due to recent federal requirements, claimants receiving PUA benefits are now required to upload employment documentation to CONNECT. Please see the Department’s fact sheet for more information and directions for uploading your proof of employment documentation.
  • Claimants are asked to continue checking their CONNECT account for additional changes and updates.

1/27/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • The DEO has begun to add additional weeks of benefits, as authorized by the Continued Assistance Act, for eligible claimants. This includes PUA, PEUC, and FPUC benefit payments.
    • The Continued Assistance Act is now available for PEUC claimants who had previously exhausted their benefits. Log-in to CONNECT and take action on your account.
    • If you are unemployed or partially unemployed after December 27, 2020, and you have not exhausted your PEUC maximum weekly entitlement, you need to continue requesting your benefit payments in order to continue receiving PEUC benefits.
    • After the Continued Assistance Act extensions are implemented, some claimants may need to submit an application for state Reemployment Assistance benefits if they can establish a new benefit year.
    • Claimants who will soon exhaust their Reemployment Assistance benefits and remain unemployed should continue to request any benefit weeks available. When extended programs are available, claimants will be able to continue requesting benefit payments. Not requesting benefit payments when weeks are available will delay payments on their claim
    • Claimants who are unemployed or partially unemployed after December 27, 2020, and have not exhausted their eligible benefits should continue requesting benefit payments in order to continue receiving PEUC or PUA benefits.

1/12/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • Beginning the week ending January 2, 2021, claimants who are eligible for at least $1 of their original unemployment benefit amount, will be eligible to receive an additional $300 FPUC payment supplementing their weekly benefit amount. No additional action is required to receive the FPUC payment, but claimants should continue to request their weekly benefits to receive any benefit payments. The FPUC program expires on March 14, 2021. This means the last payable week for FPUC is the week ending March 13, 2021.
  • The DEO has begun processing 1099-G Tax Forms for claimants to view in CONNECT. Claimants should receive their 1099-G tax form no later than January 31, 2021.
  • The DEO is working to implement the new Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program extensions for individuals who have exhausted their eligible benefits under the CARES Act. Claimants who have exhausted their eligible weeks of benefits under the CARES Act and are unemployed or partially unemployed after December 27, 2020, will be able to request benefit payments soon. Claimants who have exhausted their benefit payments and are waiting for the CARES Act program extensions, should not submit an additional application for Reemployment Assistance benefits at this time.

1/4/21 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants. These requirements will continue to be waived through February 27, 2021. Answers to work search questions are still required to process your claim in the CONNECT system, but will not impact benefit payments.

12/15/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • The DEO would like to remind claimants that it is important to continue requesting benefits to receive payment. This video and guide may be helpful.
  • Extended Benefits: The Extended Benefits application is now available for eligible claimants in the CONNECT system. Individuals who are eligible for Extended Benefits will be notified by the DEO and can access step-by-step instructions on how to apply here or view an instructional video here.

12/2/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants. These requirements will continue to be waived through January 2, 2021.
  • Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through December 26, 2020.

11/10/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates from the DEO:

  • Florida DEO has been notified by the U.S. Department of Labor that Extended Benefits ended on November 7. This means that only individuals who have exhausted their Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits between June 7, 2020, and November 7, 2020, may be eligible for the six weeks of Extended Benefits when the application is available in the CONNECT system.
  • Individuals who have exhausted their Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits after November 7, 2020, will not be eligible for Extended Benefits. They will however receive the opportunity to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
  • The Department is working diligently to stand up the Extended Benefits program as quickly as possible. The Department anticipates having the Extended Benefits application completed and ready for Floridians in December.
  • Click here to review all of the Florida Reemployment Assistance benefits available.

11/3/20 update:

CareerSource Brevard presents the following upcoming Virtual Job Fairs:

Visit our events calendar for more recruitment events, job fairs, and workshops.

9/29/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

9/15/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • The Department has submitted and has been approved to provide a fourth week of Federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program benefits for eligible Floridians. Eligible Floridians, which includes Floridians receiving Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance who are not typically eligible for state Reemployment Assistance, should expect to receive this additional benefit sometime this week. The fourth week will be the last week of LWA benefits provided.
  • The original LWA application was for three weeks and those payments have been provided to eligible Floridians for weeks ending August 1, August 8 and August 15, 2020.  For more information about the LWA program, click here.
  • DEO highly recommends that Reemployment Assistance claimants select direct deposit as their means of receiving benefits to ensure payments are received as quickly as possible. This video and guide may be helpful.

9/5/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants for an additional 90 days. These requirements will continue to be waived through December 5, 2020.
  • Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through December 5, 2020.
  • The Department is working diligently to implement the necessary technology changes to ensure eligible Floridians receive the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program benefits as quickly as possible. The LWA program will allow Florida to offer an additional $300 per week to eligible Reemployment Assistance claimants. To be eligible for this benefit, claimants must have a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 in an approved Reemployment Assistance program and must certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19. Payments will be retroactive to the week ending August 1, 2020.

9/2/20 update:

  • Have you been laid off due to COVID-19? Tell your former employer about the Workforce Recovery Assistance Program. This program, provided in partnership with the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, makes funds available for small businesses (fewer than 50 employees) with funds to rehire employees laid off due to COVID-19. Click here to learn more.

8/25/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • The DEO has recently shared a video to help claimants understand claim messages and statuses in CONNECT. This video can be viewed here.

7/29/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • Governor DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search, work registration requirements, and waiting week requirement for claimants through September 5, 2020.
  • The Department has updated benefit payment statuses to reflect the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payments in CONNECT. To better understand a claimant’s Reemployment Assistance weekly benefit payment status, view the step by step guide here.

7/20/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

When the work search waiver is lifted, you will be required to report your work search activities. What to do:

  • Get fully registered now in Employ Florida! Employ Florida is a FREE online job seeker and employer resource dedicated to matching talent and opportunity in Florida. By being fully registered in Employ Florida, you’re increasing the odds of being contacted by an employer and the staff at CareerSource Brevard for potential job opportunities. Additionally, if you are receiving reemployment assistance benefits, you may soon be required to complete a full registration in Employ Florida to continue receiving benefits.
  • How do I get “fully registered?” Visit employflorida.com and create your account if you don’t already have one. Make sure you have your background information complete and have an active online resume within your account. This will allow you to access a wide range of CareerSource Brevard services and Employ Florida features. Employers and CareerSource Brevard staff also use this information to find potential candidates for job openings.
  • Receiving unemployment? If you are receiving reemployment assistance benefits, you may already be registered in Employ Florida. If you do not remember your username and password, contact our staff who can help you log in to your account. Once there, please review your account to be sure you are fully registered — which includes updated background information and your most current resume.

Follow this step-by-step guide for help.

 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Updates from the DEO:

  • Pursuant to the CARES Act, the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) provides an extra $600 weekly payment to all unemployment claimants and is 100% federally funded.
  • States do not have the ability to extend FPUC. The last payment will be on claims for the claim week ending Saturday, July 25, 2020, per federal guidelines.
  • Floridians who have filed claims and requested benefits before the week ending 7/25 will receive all the payments they are eligible for.
  • Claimants currently receiving unemployment benefits will continue to receive their state weekly benefit amount as long as they are eligible.

For more updates on FPUC and other CARES Act programs, visit FloridaJobs.org/CARES-Act.

7/14/20 update:

Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • You must continue to “claim your weeks” by returning to the CONNECT system every two weeks to request your benefits, even if your claim is pending for review.
  • According to the DEO, if you are currently receiving RA benefits, but no longer wish to, do not claim your weeks, and payments will stop processing.
  • For more information about Reemployment Assistance, visit FloridaJobs.org or review our COVID-19 updates archive page.

7/6/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • The Governor has directed the DEO to continue to waive work search requirements through August 1, 2020.  Answers to work search questions are still required to process your claim in the CONNECT system, but will not impact benefit payments. For more information and assistance, review the Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide, page 7.
  • Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through August 1, 2020. The waiting week has been waived so eligible Floridians may receive the support they need to help recover from the current economic impacts of COVID-19. Previously, after your claim was filed and accepted, the state of Florida required a “waiting week” during which no benefits could be paid.

6/24/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • Beginning Monday, July 6, if you would like to request to modify the date of your claim, you must call the RA Customer Service center at 1-833-352-7759, option 5.
  • You may be eligible to modify the date of your claim to the date you originally attempted to apply for Reemployment Assistance only if you were unable to file a claim between the weeks of March 9, 2020, to April 9, 2020.

6/17/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • Start here to learn what benefits you may be eligible for.
  • Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): This program, offered through the federal CARES Act and administered by DEO, provides up to 13 weeks of benefits if you have exhausted your RA benefits. Per the DEO, you will need to apply for PEUC benefits once the balance of your current claim is exhausted.

If you need help with any questions regarding your Reemployment Assistance claim, please click here to contact DEO’s Reemployment Assistance team who will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also speak with a customer service representative by calling 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759).

6/12/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • The Governor has directed the DEO to continue to waive work search requirements through July 4, 2020. Answers to work search questions are still required to process your claim in the CONNECT system, but will not impact benefit payments. For more information and assistance, review the Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide, page 7.
  • Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through August 1, 2020. The waiting week has been waived so eligible Floridians may receive the support they need to help recover from the current economic impacts of COVID-19. Previously, after your claim was filed and accepted, the state of Florida required a “waiting week” during which no benefits could be paid.

6/1/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • The Governor has directed the DEO to continue to waive work search requirements through June 13th. Answers to work search questions are still required to process your claim in the CONNECT system, but will not impact benefit payments. For more information and assistance, review the Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide, page 7.
  • The Governor has also waived the requirement to wait a week to receive RA benefits beginning March 29, 2020 through June 13, 2020.
  • You must continue to “claim your weeks” by returning to the CONNECT system every two weeks to request your benefits, even if your claim is pending for review.
  • According to the DEO, if you are currently receiving RA benefits, but no longer wish to, do not claim your weeks, and payments will stop processing.
  • The DEO has launched a Virtual Waiting Room for the CONNECT system. The CONNECT Virtual Waiting Room allows claimants to reserve their place in line while other claimants access the system.

5/28/20 update:

Live Virtual Workshops: Until further notice, workshops will not be provided in-person but will continue to be provided virtually. For more information about upcoming virtual workshops, visit our events calendar.

5/19/20 update:

Brevard’s employers are hiring! Our Hot Jobs Now list is updated each weekday with new jobs posted by local employers from across Brevard County.

5/12/20 update:

Newest Reemployment Assistance Claims Filing Updates:

  • The Governor has directed the DEO to continue to waive work search requirements through May 30th.
  • You must “claim your weeks” by returning to the CONNECT system every two weeks to request your benefits, even if your claim is pending for review.
  • According to the DEO, if you are currently receiving RA benefits, but no longer wish to, do not claim your weeks, and payments will stop processing.

5/6/20 update:

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA):

PUA provides unemployment benefits to those who may not be eligible for Reemployment Assistance (RA) benefits (self-employed, gig worker, etc.)

  • Apply for PUA: Visit www.floridajobs.org, and select “File a Claim.”
  • If you filed for RA benefits on or after April 5th, and you were deemed ineligible, you’ll receive a request for additional application information from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).
  • If you filed for RA benefits on or before April 4th, and are self-employed, an independent contractor, or a gig worker, you should apply again for PUA at www.floridajobs.org, and select “File a Claim.”

Did YOU Know…

  • RA Claim benefits may begin the day you became unemployed? Visit www.floridajobs.org to learn more.
  • It is possible your claim may be retroactive to the day of your layoff or when you lost your job? To request to modify your claim filing date, you should visit www.floridajobs.org, select “Request to Modify Claim (Application) Filing Effective Date.”

Community Resources: We have moved the list of Community Resources to this page.

4/29/20 update:

Reemployment Assistance Update: Floridians who may not be eligible for the Reemployment Assistance program may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). More information is available here.

Virtual Workshops: Click here to register for workshops you can attend anytime, or visit our Events Calendar for live events.

4/22/20 update:

Virtual tools and training: 

  • OptimalResume helps you create the resume employers want now, step-by-step, with templates and tips!
  • Visit our Virtual Services page for more information and resources.

4/16/20 update:

Reemployment Assistance Update: Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 20-104, which suspends the biweekly “actively seeking work” reporting requirement by claimants. Click here to view the Executive Order.

4/10/20 update:

If you do not have access to a desktop computer to apply for reemployment benefits via CONNECT, you may begin your application by using the new mobile-friendly website here. Note: CONNECT is still the most efficient way to file your claim.

4/6/20 update:

Paper applications are now available online at the state’s COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance resource page: covid19.floridajobs.org.

You may download and print an application or pick one up at one of our three career centers.

Career centers remain closed, but applications are available at each entrance during career center hours. Reemployment benefit applications are available in English, Spanish, and Creole. 

Once you have completed your application, sign it, and mail it to:

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
P.O. Box 5350
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350

FedEx offers free printing and mailing of your application – click here. 

Important: The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has informed citizens that the paper application process will take longer than applying online. Click here to complete the online application for Reemployment Assistance.

4/2/20 update:

CareerSource Brevard is pleased to share several new videos with you to help answer your questions:

Per the Governor’s 30-day stay at home order, CareerSource Brevard will continue providing services virtually and career centers will remain closed until further notice. For additional information or one-on-one help, e-mail us at [email protected].

3/30/20 update:

We’ve published 5 Tips for Job Searching During the COVID-19 Pandemic on our news page. You may also find our 5 Tips for Using Your Smartphone to Apply for Jobs helpful.

3/26/20 update:

CareerSource Brevard has begun sending out e-mail blasts with job opportunities and resources. Click here to join our e-mail list.

3/25/20 update:

News from the U.S. Department of Labor

  • The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), effective April 1, will help the United States combat and defeat COVID-19 by giving all American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. Visit this website for fact sheets for employees and employers, Q&As, and posters regarding employee rights.

3/23/20 update:

News from the Joint Information Center on COVID-19 for the State of Florida:

  • The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has suspended the work registration and work search requirements for Reemployment Assistance applicants. The suspension of these requirements applies to claims filed from March 15, 2020-May 2, 2020. Visit their website for the latest details.

3/18/20 update:

Until further notice, we are following Brevard County health officials’ recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. ALL in-person events, job fairs, training courses, workshops, and group-based activities have been canceled until further notice.  

Employers

We want to take this opportunity to underscore the impact the virus is having (and will continue to have) on local businesses. We are working with CareerSource Florida and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to provide resources and services to support the community. This is an archive of updates shared during the COVID-19 crisis.

Assistance for Businesses:

6/3/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

  • The SBA and Public-Private Strategies Institute are hosting an educational webinar to help you get your business back on track. The local webinar will be held on July 22nd. Click here to learn more and to register.

6/1/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

  • Did you know that the American Rescue Plan extends a number of critical tax benefits, particularly the Employee Retention Credit and Paid Leave Credit, to small businesses? Learn more.

5/21/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

  • The SBA will soon launch the Community Navigator Pilot Program, a $100 million grant program enacted through the American Rescue Plan Act, which will provide counseling, networking, and the assistance needed during this time of economic recovery to the nation’s smallest businesses. The program will target small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as women and veterans.
  • SBA is currently offering Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans originated only by participating community financial institutions including Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA Microlenders, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) until May 31, 2021, or until remaining funds are exhausted. Please note that not all community financial institutions are participating in PPP.
  • SBA recently posted FAQs about funds returned by banks for Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Targeted Advance. When a bank returns Targeted EIDL Advance or Supplemental Targeted Advance funds to SBA, the funds cannot be immediately re-disbursed. SBA is working to mitigate this issue.

5/11/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

  • Funding for the Paycheck Protection Program has been exhausted. The SBA will continue funding outstanding approved PPP applications, but new qualifying applications will only be funded through Community Financial Institutions, financial lenders who serve underserved communities.

4/28/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

  • Registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will begin Friday, April 30 at 9:00 am, and SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portal on Monday, May 3 at 12:00 pm. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. For more information, read the press release here. If you were unable to attend one of the webinars held earlier this week which covered RRF program details and a demonstration of the application portal, you can watch the recording here.

4/27/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

4/21/21 update:

Updates from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO):

  • A new law, recently signed by Governor DeSantis, changes Florida’s reemployment tax rate computation for 2021. The Department of Revenue is currently computing the 2021 revised rate, which will be effective for all wages paid in 2021, including wages paid in the first quarter as reported on the Employer’s Quarterly Report (Form RT-6) due by April 30, 2021. After the Department of Revenue completes the new rate computation, you can see your new rate by logging in to your account online at fcom/taxes/filepay. The Department of Revenue will also mail a revised Reemployment Tax Rate Notice (Form RT-20) to employers.
  • Pursuant to Executive Order #21-80, COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance/Payment of Employer Contributions, the due date for payment of reemployment tax for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, has been extended to May 31, 2021. This extension applies only to the payment; to be considered timely, employers must complete and file the Employer’s Quarterly Report (Form RT-6) no later than April 30, 2021.
  • The Florida DEO has developed additional guides for employers to better understand how to navigate the CONNECT system. To view these guides, click here.

4/19/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

Effective immediately, applicants can send a request for reevaluation of a Targeted EIDL Advance application that was declined to the following email address: [email protected].

Applicants should follow these instructions when requesting a reevaluation:

  • Send an email to [email protected]
  • Use the subject line “Reevaluation Request for [insert your 10-digit application number]”
  • In the body of the email, include identifying information for the application such as application number, business name, business address, business owner name(s) and phone number
  • Important: Include an explanation and any documentation that addresses the reason for the decline, if available. SBA will contact applicants if additional documentation is required to complete the review.

Information about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF):

  • Get the program details such as eligibility, funding amount, allowable use of funds and more. If you haven’t already, sign up for RRF email updates.
  • Currently, SBA is not accepting applications for RRF. However, you can prepare your application by reviewing the sample application, program guide, and cross-program eligibility chart on SBA COVID-19 relief options. You will be able to apply through SBA-recognized Point of Sale Restaurant Partners or directly via SBA in a forthcoming online application portal.
  • The official application launch date will be announced shortly. The application portal will be opened to the public following a pilot program.

4/13/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

3/29/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

  • Congress passed an extension of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) that allows small businesses and eligible non-profits to apply for PPP loans through May 31st.
  • The SBA is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

3/19/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

2/22/21 update:

Updates from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):

  • In order to reach the smallest businesses, the SBA will offer Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to businesses with 20 or less employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable. Learn more about how to apply for PPP.
  • The Targeted EIDL Advance provides businesses located in low-income communities with additional funds to ensure small business continuity, adaptation, and resiliency. Applicants do not need to take any action at this time. SBA will reach out to those who qualify. To help applicants determine if they are located in a low-income community as defined in section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, a lookup tool is now available. Note that the business address must be located in a low-income community in order to qualify, so SBA encourages potential applicants to check the map to see if they meet the low-income community eligibility requirement before you apply.

2/16/21 update:

The Brevard Business Community COVID-19 Response Team invites businesses interested in applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to a free informational webinar on Tuesday, March 9th at 1:00 p.m. Click here to register for the webinar.

2/10/21 update:

The Florida DEO has developed additional guides for employers to better understand how to navigate the CONNECT system. To view these guides, click here.

1/19/21 update:

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications today at 9 a.m. EST. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA.

  • Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available here and here.

1/11/21 update:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. Click here for details.

12/16/20 update:

Commissioner Curt Smith has decided to allocate part of the $5 million of the county CARES Act monies given to him to disburse to the small business community. Businesses should reach out to the county via Kathy Wall, 321-637-5337, to discuss qualifications and whether or not they qualify.

  • You can apply even if you have already received the $10,000 grant funding or other assistance
  • This “grant” would not be limited to $10K. Could be $100,000 per se if the losses were proven
  • The funds are not limited to businesses in D4. Businesses located anywhere in the county may apply for funding.
  • Beginning January 2021, every PUBLIC employer (or those private employers wanting to engage in a contract with a public entity or receive public funding of some sort) in the State of Florida will need to be using E-Verify. In hopes that many businesses are starting the process of signing up for e-verify, but may not yet be completely enrolled, any and all businesses should apply NOW for both the county grant and for this new money from Commissioner Smith by December 30th. There is some flexibility now, but will be less after January 1st. To learn more about the e-verify requirement for PUBLIC employers or those doing business with PUBLIC entity ready HERE and/or HERE.

Please call Commissioner Smith directly, 321-633-2044, with any additional questions. The number for Kathy Wall is 321-637-5337.

11/20/20 update:

  • The Workforce Recovery Assistance Program application period has ended.

9/29/20 update:

  • The 2020 Small Business Credit Survey, from the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast in partnership with the Federal Reserve, highlights the experiences of small businesses and provides critical information that service providers, policymakers, and lenders use to improve programs for small business owners. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. All responses are confidential. The survey closes on October 31, 2020. Click here to complete the survey.

8/25/20 update:

  • The Workforce Recovery Assistance Program has resumed accepting applications. This program, provided in partnership with the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, makes funds available for small businesses (fewer than 50 employees) with funds to rehire employees laid off due to COVID-19. Click here to learn more.

8/11/20 update:

8/4/20 update:

  • The Brevard Business Community COVID-19 Response Team presents a free business webinar: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgiveness Webinar Tuesday, August 11th, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Presented by Leslie Tibbitts, Community Credit Union. Click here to learn more and register.

7/27/20 update:

Brevard County Small Business Relief Programs:

  • Small Business Economic Recovery Program: This program will provide eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with grants of up to $10,000 for recovery and stabilization of business operations.
  • PPE Kits Available for Small Businesses: Small businesses in Brevard County that employ 25 or fewer workers can apply for County-provided Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits funded through the federal CARES Act.

7/14/20 update:

  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program Update: The Small Business Administration (SBA) has stopped processing EIDL Advance requests since program funds have been fully allocated. EIDL loan applications continue to be accepted.

7/6/20 update:

  • The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. The new deadline to apply for a loan is August 8, 2020.

6/24/20 update:

5/4/20 update: 

IT employers are invited to participate in our Virtual IT Job Fair, May 19th-May 23rd. Let us connect you with skilled IT talent specifically selected for you! Click here to learn more.

4/27/20 update:

The SBA has resumed accepting new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Visit their website for the latest information.

4/22/20 update:

The DEO has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the state’s assistance programs.

4/16/20 update:

The SBA is currently unable to accept new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program based on available appropriations funding. Learn more.

4/13/20 update:

Short-Time Compensation Program Update: The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is updating the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on their website daily as they get federal direction and implement new processes to help streamline the application process. Learn More.

4/2/20 update:

CareerSource Brevard has begun sending out e-mail blasts with resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Click here to join our e-mail list.

Additionally, we are pleased to share the following videos with you to help answer your questions:

Per the Governor’s 30-day stay at home order, CareerSource Brevard will continue providing services virtually and career centers will remain closed until further notice. For additional information or one-on-one help, e-mail us at [email protected].

3/30/20 update:

The CARES Act revises and expands the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Click here for the Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act.

3/25/20 update:

News from the U.S. Department of Labor

  • The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), effective April 1, will help the United States combat and defeat COVID-19 by giving all American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. Visit this website for fact sheets for employees and employers, Q&As, and posters regarding employee rights.

3/23/20 update:

News from the Joint Information Center on COVID-19 for the State of Florida

  • Governor DeSantis directed DEO to waive penalties to employers – no longer “charging” employers for every employee that is laid off.

3/18/20 update:

Until further notice, we are following Brevard County health officials’ recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. ALL in-person events have been canceled until further notice.