Unlock Hidden Wealth in Florida for a Stress-Free Holiday

What is Florida Treasure Hunt?

The FLTreasureHunt.gov site was established in 2017 to provide Florida residents with an easy way to search for missing property. With about 4 million Floridians having unclaimed property waiting for them, there's a 1-in-5 chance that some of it could be yours. It's a simple yet powerful tool for uncovering potential financial gains.

Missingmoney.com is another nationwide search site that is free to use. Both platforms offer a convenient way to start your treasure hunt and potentially find money that you didn't even know existed.

How much money was returned to Floridians in October?

Last month, a significant amount of money was returned to Floridians. In different regions, the amounts varied. Pensacola received $1 million, Panama City got $453,469, Tallahassee had $501,241, Jacksonville received $2.5 million, Gainesville got $439,811, Orlando had $5.4 million, Tampa/St. Petersburg got $10.4 million, Fort Myers/Naples had $2.6 million, West Palm Beach received $5 million, and Miami got $7.8 million. These figures highlight the potential wealth that lies waiting for residents.

The distribution of returned funds across various regions shows the widespread availability of unclaimed property in the state. It's a reminder that everyone should take the time to check for their own share.

What happens to missing property in Florida that isn't claimed?

Under Florida law, unclaimed money must be held by business or government entities for a set amount of time, usually about five years. During this period, they try to track down the owners. If the property remains unclaimed, it is deposited into the state school fund and used for public education. However, there is no statute of limitations, and citizens can claim their property at any time.

Some unclaimed property may also be auctioned off to the public. You can find the schedule for these auctions here. It's an opportunity for others to acquire valuable items that were once considered unclaimed.

Does it cost anything to reclaim my missing property?

No, reclaiming your missing property is completely free according to state law. Don't be fooled by any services that promise to find it for you in exchange for a fee. The state provides this service to help residents access their rightful funds.

How do I search for my missing money in Florida?

You have several options to check for your missing money. You can enter your name or the name of a friend or family member to search for unclaimed property. If something shows up, click on it to see the amount (if available), who reported it, and how to claim it. It's important to search for different versions of your name, including common misspellings, nicknames, and even using just the initial of your first name along with your last name.

If you are or were married, try a plural version of your last name with "THE" after it. The state has up to 90 days to make a determination once it receives your completed claim and proof of ID. You can check the status of your claim here.

Can I claim property that belongs to a deceased relative?

Yes, you can claim property on behalf of a deceased person if you are the next of kin. You will need to provide certified copies of official documentation that establishes your entitlement to the property and a certified death certificate for the owner. This allows you to access and claim the assets that rightfully belong to the deceased.

Does the state pay interest on unclaimed money?

No, the state does not pay interest on unclaimed money. However, two St. Petersburg residents are currently suing the state for this claim, arguing that the state does not offer "just compensation" to those who claim property. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle sided with the state last year, but the case is going to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Georgia this month.

Are there other ways to find missing money in Florida?

There are several different places to check for money or property that belongs to you. By exploring these various avenues, you increase your chances of finding the funds that are rightfully yours. It's a simple process that can lead to significant financial benefits.