Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Looking for work takes real courage, especially when money is tight or life has thrown you a curveball. I'm cheering you on.
Here is the easy first step: find your local CareerSource career center. Their help is at no cost, and they can help with job leads, resumes, training money and more. This guide walks you through it, plus unemployment pay, help for people with disabilities, and a fresh start if you have a record.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a job, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Start with CareerSource. CareerSource Florida says local career centers help career seekers online, on the phone and by appointment, with job searches, resume writing, career events and more.
Florida's no cost job site, Employ Florida, is where you can search jobs and sign up.
How to get started, step by step
- Find your local CareerSource team at careersourceflorida.com, or use the county list later in this guide.
- Sign up on Employ Florida at employflorida.com. Many career centers ask you to do this first.
- Call or visit the career center and ask for a career counselor or a workshop.
- Bring a list of past jobs, dates and any work you did at no cost or for family.
- Ask about training money, apprenticeships and job fairs coming up.
- Write down the name of the program and when to call back.
What to say at the career center
"Hi. I'm looking for work and I'd like help with my job search."
"Can someone help me with my resume and online applications?"
"Do you have training programs or apprenticeships I might qualify for?"
"Are there job fairs or hiring events coming up?"
Use the library, too
No computer at home? Your public library has no cost computers and WiFi, and many libraries have no cost help with resumes and applications. Easy peasy!
What if I just lost my job?
FloridaCommerce says Reemployment Assistance, also called unemployment pay, gives temporary help to qualified people who are out of work through no fault of their own. You apply online through the Reconnect system.
- After you apply, FloridaCommerce says you request benefit payments in Reconnect every two weeks, on or within seven days of your scheduled report date.
- If you need help filing because of language, a disability, legal reasons or trouble using a computer, call 1.833.FL.APPLY (833.352.7759). FloridaCommerce offers no cost interpreter help.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://floridajobs.org/workforce-resources/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-for-benefits
Before you apply for Reemployment Assistance, gather what you can
Losing a job doesn't say anything bad about you. It's a season, and seasons change. One phone call at a time, friend.
From the Bunklow team
What if I have a disability?
The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, called VR, helps people with disabilities find, keep or get a better job. VR says anyone with a disability can apply, and you can refer yourself.
After a referral, VR contacts you about an orientation and next steps.
- Call VR headquarters at 800.451.4327, or find your area office on rehabworks.org.
- VR says students with disabilities can connect starting at age 14 for help exploring careers.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.rehabworks.org/customers/vr-steps.html
Say you have a back injury
Say a back injury means you can't lift heavy boxes anymore, and you want a different kind of job. You could call VR at 800.451.4327 and ask to be referred. VR says it will contact you about an orientation and the next steps.
At the same time, you could visit your CareerSource center to look at training for jobs that fit what you can do now.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.rehabworks.org/customers/vr-steps.html
Can I get a job if I have a record?
Yes, many people do. CareerOneStop, from the U.S.
Department of Labor, has a no cost section for people with a criminal record, with tips on talking about a conviction in an interview, a ReEntry Program Finder, and help with IDs and basic needs. Several Florida career centers also list fair chance and reentry help, so ask your local team.
- Use the ReEntry Program Finder at careeronestop.org to find a program near you.
- Need your ID first? See Guide 11, Getting ID and Documents Back.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/default.aspx
Practice your answer
Practice a short, honest answer about your record, then turn it toward what you learned and what you can do now. Saying it out loud a few times makes it so much easier. You've got this!
Where can I get no cost job training?
- CareerSource training money. Ask your local career center about training scholarships and on the job training. Some boards, like CareerSource Palm Beach County, list training scholarships and apprenticeships on their sites.
- Apprenticeships. You earn a paycheck while you learn a trade. Ask CareerSource what's open near you.
- Job Corps, ages 16 to 24. Job Corps says it is a no cost career training and education program for young adults with low incomes, with no cost housing and meals while you train. Call 800.733.5627.
- SNAP job help. Several CareerSource boards list SNAP Employment and Training services. If you get SNAP, ask about it.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.jobcorps.gov/
How do I get ready for interviews?
- Write a simple resume. One page is fine. List your jobs, skills, and any training. Your career center can help at no cost.
- Plan the trip. Know the bus route and leave early. Dial 211 to ask about ride help.
- Dress neat and clean. Need interview clothes? See Guide 5, Clothing and Hygiene.
- Bring copies. Your resume, your ID, and a list of references with phone numbers.
- Follow up. A short thank you call or email the next day helps you stand out.
Is CareerSource really at no cost?
Yes. CareerSource Florida says local career centers help job seekers with job searches, resumes and more. Ask your center what they offer.
Do I have to sign up on Employ Florida?
Many career centers ask you to. Employ Florida is Florida's no cost job site for searching jobs and finding help.
How often do I request my unemployment pay?
FloridaCommerce says every two weeks in Reconnect, on or within seven days from your scheduled report date.
Who can apply for Vocational Rehabilitation?
VR says any person with a disability can apply, and you can refer yourself.
Can I get job help if I don't have a home address?
Yes, you can still ask. Tell the career center your situation and ask how they can reach you by phone or email.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
American Job Center Finder (CareerOneStop)
What it offers A no cost tool from the U.S. Department of Labor to find job centers near you, with no cost job search help and training.
How to reach Search by ZIP code at https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx
Source https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Job Corps
What it offers No cost career training and education for young adults ages 16 through 24 with low incomes, with housing and meals while you train.
How to reach Call 800.733.5627. Learn more at https://www.jobcorps.gov/
Source https://www.jobcorps.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
CareerOneStop for Justice Impacted Job Seekers
What it offers No cost tips and tools for people with a criminal record, including a ReEntry Program Finder, job search help and a state resource finder.
How to reach Visit https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/default.aspx or call 877.872.5627.
Source https://www.careeronestop.org/JusticeImpacted/default.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Florida
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Florida
What it offers Florida's network of local workforce boards and about 100 career centers. Local teams help with job searches, resumes and training, online, by phone and by appointment.
How to reach Find your local team at https://www.careersourceflorida.com/
Source https://www.careersourceflorida.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 (United Way 211)
What it offers Dial 211 to reach your local 211. A real person can connect you with help paying bills, food, housing, crisis support and more.
How to reach Dial 211. Learn more at https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Source https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Last checked October 16, 2026
Reemployment Assistance (FloridaCommerce)
What it offers Temporary pay for qualified people out of work through no fault of their own. Apply online in Reconnect. No cost interpreter help.
How to reach Call 833.352.7759. Apply at https://floridajobs.org/workforce-resources/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-for-benefits
Source https://floridajobs.org/workforce-resources/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-for-benefits
Last checked October 16, 2026
Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
What it offers Help for people with disabilities to find, keep or get a better job. You can refer yourself.
How to reach Call 800.451.4327. Find an area office at https://www.rehabworks.org/customers/contact.html
Source https://www.rehabworks.org/customers/vr-steps.html
Last checked October 16, 2026
Employ Florida
What it offers Florida's no cost online job site. Search jobs by keyword and location, and register to get help from your local career center.
How to reach Visit https://www.employflorida.com/
Source https://www.employflorida.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Miami Dade County
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource South Florida
What it offers The local workforce board for Miami Dade. Job search, training research and career services.
How to reach Find a center at https://www.careersourcesfl.com/
Source https://www.careersourcesfl.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Broward
What it offers Career centers in Broward with no cost job search help. They ask job seekers to register on Employ Florida first.
How to reach Central Center 954.677.5555. South Center 954.967.1010. Visit https://careersourcebroward.com/
Source https://careersourcebroward.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Palm Beach County
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Palm Beach County
What it offers Job seeker services, training scholarships, apprenticeships, veteran and disability services, programs for ages 18 to 24, and SNAP Employment and Training.
How to reach Find a career center at https://www.careersourcepbc.com/
Source https://www.careersourcepbc.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Tampa Bay
What it offers Career centers in Tampa, Ruskin and Plant City, open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
How to reach Tampa Center, 9215 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612. Call 813.930.7400.
Source https://careersourcetampabay.com/contact-us/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County (Orlando)
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Central Florida
What it offers No cost career services for job seekers in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Sumter counties.
How to reach Call 800.757.4598. Visit https://careersourcecentralflorida.com/
Source https://careersourcecentralflorida.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Northeast Florida
What it offers Job seeker services, training, reemployment help, fair chance resources, SNAP E&T, and programs for young job seekers and veterans.
How to reach Call 904.356.5627. Visit https://careersourcenefl.com/
Source https://careersourcenefl.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pinellas County (St. Petersburg and Clearwater)
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Tampa Bay, Pinellas centers
What it offers Career centers in St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Tarpon Springs, open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
How to reach St. Petersburg Center, 3420 8th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. Call 727.524.4344.
Source https://careersourcetampabay.com/contact-us/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lee County (Fort Myers)
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Southwest Florida
What it offers Job search, education and training, apprenticeships, young adult programs ages 16 to 24, disability and veteran services, and SNAP job help.
How to reach Call 866.992.8463. Visit https://www.careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/
Source https://www.careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Polk County (Lakeland)
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Polk
What it offers Career seeker services with a career center in Lakeland.
How to reach Call 863.508.1100. Visit https://careersourcepolk.com/
Source https://careersourcepolk.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Brevard County
Here are some places to start.
CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia
What it offers Job search help, interview and resume help, training, on the job training, apprenticeships and SNAP Employment and Training.
How to reach Call 321.504.7600 for the location nearest you. Visit https://careersourcebrevard.com/
Source https://careersourcebrevard.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bring to the career center, if you can
My job plan for this week
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My job search
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. I'm proud of you for taking this step. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 16, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
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