TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  –  Florida’s improving unemployment rate may be good news for most people, but it will have a negative effect on many of the estimated 836,000 workers who remain jobless.

That’s because Florida no longer qualifies for federal extended benefits because of its lower jobless rate, which is likely to reduce state benefits as well.

Those two factors are compounded by the impending expiration of federal emergency unemployment compensation at the end of the year.

Unless Congress extends the emergency benefits, the net effect could be a reduction in combined state and federal compensation, which once offered up to 99 weeks of benefits, to 20 weeks or less for Florida workers who lose their jobs in 2013 or beyond. Those currently drawing compensation or who apply before the end of this year are facing less drastic reductions.