Unemployment Appeals in Pembroke Pines, Florida

Andrew Cargill represents claimants in Florida unemployment compensation appeals — telephonic hearings, briefs, and further review before the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission. Handling unemployment matters in South Florida since 2009.

What Andrew Handles

Andrew has handled unemployment matters since 2009, when he began working as an independent contractor on unemployment briefs and telephonic hearings. He continued that work through 2019 and brings that depth of experience to the firm’s unemployment appeals practice today.

Initial Appeals

When a Florida unemployment claim is denied, the claimant has a limited time — typically 20 calendar days from the mailing date of the determination — to file an appeal. Miss that deadline and the right to appeal is generally lost. Andrew handles the appeal filing, prepares the case, and represents the claimant at the telephonic hearing before the appeals referee.

Telephonic Hearings

Florida unemployment appeals hearings are conducted by phone before an appeals referee. They are recorded and treated as formal evidentiary hearings — both sides can testify, present documents, and call witnesses. Andrew prepares the claimant for the hearing, presents the case, examines and cross-examines witnesses, and makes the legal arguments needed to address the issues raised by the denial.

Misconduct, Insubordination, and Non-Appearance Issues

Many unemployment denials turn on whether the claimant was discharged for disqualifying misconduct, insubordination, or other employer-side allegations. Andrew has handled hundreds of these matters — preparing briefs and memorandums on the legal standard for misconduct, evaluating what the employer can actually prove, and presenting the claimant’s side at the hearing.

Further Review

After the appeals referee issues a decision, either side can seek review by the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission. Further review by petition for writ of certiorari to the appropriate Florida district court of appeal is available in some cases. Each level has its own deadlines and procedures. Andrew handles further-review work when the matter warrants it.

What the Process Looks Like

• File the appeal. Within 20 days of the mailing date of the determination.
• Receive the hearing notice. The appeals office schedules a telephonic hearing and sends notice to both sides.
• Prepare the case. Andrew reviews the employer’s position, gathers the claimant’s documentation, identifies witnesses, and prepares the claimant for the hearing.
• Hearing. The hearing is conducted by phone, typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and is recorded.
• Decision. The appeals referee issues a written decision, usually within a few weeks of the hearing.
• Further review. If warranted, the case can be appealed to the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission and beyond.

Factors That Affect Cost

Unemployment appeals are typically handled on a flat fee per appeal. Further review at the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission and beyond is priced separately. The fee structure is discussed at the consultation and included in the written retainer agreement before any work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

I got a denial — how long do I have to appeal?

Florida unemployment appeal deadlines are short. You typically have 20 calendar days from the mailing date of the determination to file an appeal. Miss that deadline and your right to appeal is generally lost. If you’ve received a denial and are considering an appeal, call the office promptly.

What happens at an unemployment appeals hearing?

The hearing is conducted by phone before a Florida appeals referee. It is recorded and treated as a formal evidentiary hearing — both sides can testify, present documents, and call witnesses. The hearing typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The appeals referee issues a written decision after the hearing, usually within a few weeks.

What counts as “misconduct” that can disqualify a claim?

Florida law defines disqualifying misconduct as conduct that shows willful or wanton disregard of the employer’s interests, deliberate violation of an employer rule, or carelessness or negligence that demonstrates substantial disregard for the employer’s interests. Not every workplace error is disqualifying misconduct. The legal standard is higher than “the employer was unhappy” — it requires willful wrongdoing or substantial disregard.

Can my employer attend my hearing?

Yes. The employer (or the employer’s representative) is invited to the hearing and can testify and present evidence. Many employers use a third-party administrator (a “TPA”) to handle unemployment matters. Andrew’s preparation includes anticipating what the employer side will likely present and preparing the response.

What if I lose at the appeals hearing — is there anything else I can do?

Yes. After the appeals referee issues a decision, either side can seek review by the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission. Further review by petition for writ of certiorari to the appropriate Florida district court of appeal is available in some cases. Each level has its own deadlines and procedures. Andrew handles further-review work when appropriate.

Do I need an attorney for an unemployment appeal?

You can represent yourself. Many people do. Whether you should comes down to how much is at stake (the lost benefits) and whether your case turns on evidence and procedure or on simple facts. For cases involving disqualifying-misconduct allegations or contested termination circumstances, having an attorney prepare the case and present it at the hearing meaningfully changes the level of preparation the case receives. Whether that affects the outcome depends on the facts of the case.

How long does the appeals process take?

Once an appeal is filed, the hearing is typically scheduled within a few weeks. The decision typically issues within a few weeks of the hearing. Further review by the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission adds additional time. The full appellate path — initial hearing through final review — can take several months.

Schedule a Consultation

Unemployment appeals have short deadlines. If you’ve received a denial, call the office promptly so the appeal can be filed in time and the case can be properly prepared.

The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.