Can I collect Unemployment in the state of Florida if I quit my job because they transferred me to a new site that is over 50 miles away? - Distance to work

by J
(Port Charolette, Florida)

I work for a bug killing outfit. Recently they shut down the office that I Worked at in Port Charolette Florida. They told me that I had a job at their Sarasota office if I wanted it. I have been working there but it is over 50 miles each way away from where I live. I wonder if I quit will I qualify for unemployment?

Hi J,

I am very familiar with the outfit you work for. They fight everything...right or wrong.

Distance to work is good cause to quit. The section of Florida's statute that says this is:

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, work is not deemed suitable and benefits may not be denied under this chapter to any otherwise eligible individual for refusing to accept new work under any of the following conditions:

1. If the position offered is vacant due directly to a strike, lockout, or other labor dispute.

2. If the wages, hours, or other conditions of the work offered are substantially less favorable to the individual than those prevailing for similar work in the locality.

But I want to make sure you understand that an employer...may still protest this and it could be a problem because you were aware of the distance when you accepted the offer. If it hasn't been a long time since this change happened, you might say that you tried, but became aware quickly that the job was no longer suitable due to the distance.

After all fifty miles is a long way to drive to work. There are cost associated with distance to work.