Did you know Florida is holding over $2 billion in lost or forgotten assets? This isn't just theory—it's real money from old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and deposits. Experts estimate that one in five Floridians has unclaimed property waiting for them.
Checking is free, fast, and could lead to a great financial surprise!
The list of forgotten items is long; Most commonly, it includes dormant bank accounts, stocks, customer overpayments, and uncashed rebate or payroll checks. It can also include tangible items, such as jewelry and valuables recovered from abandoned safe deposit boxes. If a company can't find you, they turn the asset over to the state for safekeeping.
The search is 100% free. Your starting point is the official state website: FLTreasureHunt.gov. You can also check the nationwide database at missingmoney.com. Simply enter your name (or the name of a family member). Don't trust any service that charges a fee; you can file the claim yourself for free.
A common mistake is only searching for your current, formal name.
Try these tips for better results:
- Search all known variations: Maiden names, nicknames, and common misspellings.
- Search for past addresses or cities where you've lived in Florida.
- If you were married, try searching for the plural of your last name (e.g., "SMITHS THE").
If a match appears, click on it to see the reporting entity and the type of property. You will need to file a claim form and provide documentation. This typically includes a copy of your photo ID and proof of ownership. The state generally takes up to 90 days to verify and process your claim.
In November alone, over $55 million was returned to Floridians. While money is returned directly, physical items (like those from safe deposit boxes) may be auctioned off if the owner isn't found after two years. Crucially, if the item is auctioned, the owner or heir is still entitled to receive the proceeds from the sale at any time.
Key Takeaways
- It's Your Money: The State of Florida holds the funds in trust, and there is no statute of limitations.
- Look Beyond Florida: Check if you have funds waiting in other states you have lived in.
- Check for Family: You can file a claim for a deceased relative, provided you can prove you are the rightful heir.
