FL S0728

Increases access to unemployment tax information for payroll service providers by lowering the threshold from 500 to 100 employers requiring a memorandum of understanding.

Requires unemployment claimants to complete an initial skills review online program and contact at least 5 prospective employers per week or report to a one-stop career center to maintain eligibility.

Establishes "gross misconduct" as a separate disqualification category for specified offenses including theft, drug/alcohol violations, assault, insubordination, and willful neglect; individuals disqualified for gross misconduct must earn 17 times their weekly benefit amount before requalifying.

Reduces the weeks of benefits before accepting lower-wage work from 25 weeks to 19 weeks; disqualifies individuals receiving severance pay for a number of weeks equal to severance pay divided by average weekly wage.

Eliminates paper check payments for benefits (except those already receiving checks on July 1, 2011) and requires electronic payment; allows employers to pay quarterly contributions via installment plan for 2012-2014 with a $5 annual administrative fee.