Every year, I like to share this as a simple reminder for friends and family across Florida: take a minute and search Florida’s official unclaimed property website, FLTreasureHunt.gov. The site is managed by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property, and it helps people find money or property that may have been forgotten, lost, or left inactive over time.
Unclaimed property can come from many places, including old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, refunds, deposits, credit balances, stocks, dividends, and even contents from abandoned safe deposit boxes. These assets are typically turned over to the state after a business or government agency has been unable to reach the owner for a period that is usually about five years.
Florida says the Department is allowed up to 90 days after receiving a complete claim package to make a determination, although some claims may be processed sooner.
One reason this reminder is worth sharing every year is that Florida says one in five Floridians has unclaimed funds from a forgotten financial account. The site also reports that $349 million was paid out to Floridians last year, which shows this is not a minor program—it is actively reconnecting people with real money and assets.
So if you live in Florida, used to live in Florida, have family members who lived here, or are helping settle a loved one’s estate, it is worth taking a minute to search. It is quick, official, and free—and you may discover money or property you did not even know existed.
Search here: https://www.fltreasurehunt.gov/