Self employed unemployment benefits - Florida

by Allan
(Sarasota, Florida)

I have been a self-employed carpenter in Florida for 30 years. I've always paid self-employment taxes and all other required filings. I am a state registered LLC. Now that I've had no work for 8 months, I was wondering if I qualify for any relief? I made a call to the local agency and was quickly dismissed.


Hi Allan,

The State of Florida dismissed your claim for unemployment benefits because you are self employed.

Self employment taxes are social security tax and medicare. They do not include paying a state unemployment tax, which is what covers (opens in new window) unemployment benefits.

You can also read Florida's statutes on what is and is not employment here.

Chris