Unclaimed Property in Florida: Everything You Need to Know

2021-05-24

florida

Did you know that the state of Florida holds onto billions of dollars in unclaimed property? That's right—money, stocks, bonds, and other valuables that have been turned over to the state because the owners couldn't be found. If you think you might have some unclaimed property in Florida, here's everything you need to know about how to find it and claim it.

Unclaimed property is any property that has been abandoned or left inactive for a certain amount of time. This can include things like bank accounts, stocks, bonds, insurance policies, and even safe deposit boxes. When property goes unclaimed, the state takes custody of it and tries to find the rightful owner. If the owner can't be found after a period of time, the property becomes the property of the state.

Now that you know what unclaimed property is, it's time to learn how to find out if you have any.

unclaimed property florida

Billions of dollars waiting to be claimed.

Check online or by mail.
Search by name or property type.
No filing fees or costs.
File a claim form.
Provide proof of ownership.
Receive payment or property.
Deadline to claim: 5 years.
State holds property if unclaimed.
Search other states too.
Use a finder service (for a fee).

Don't miss out on what's rightfully yours. Check for unclaimed property today!

Check online or by mail.

The easiest way to find out if you have unclaimed property in Florida is to check online or by mail. The Florida Department of Financial Services has a website where you can search for unclaimed property by name or property type. You can also request a search form by mail.

Search online:
Go to the Florida Department of Financial Services website and click on the "Unclaimed Property" link. Enter your name and state of residence, and click "Search." The website will return a list of any unclaimed property that matches your search criteria.
Search by mail:
You can also request a search form by mail. To do this, write to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0320. Include your name, address, and phone number in your letter.
No filing fees or costs:
There are no filing fees or costs associated with searching for or claiming unclaimed property in Florida. The state does not charge any fees for this service.
File a claim form:
If you find unclaimed property that belongs to you, you will need to file a claim form. You can download the claim form from the Florida Department of Financial Services website or request a form by mail. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a copy of your driver's license or a bank statement.

Once you have filed a claim form, the state will review your claim and determine if you are the rightful owner of the property. If your claim is approved, you will receive payment or the property itself.

Search by name or property type.

When you search for unclaimed property in Florida, you can search by name or property type. If you search by name, you will need to enter your first and last name, as well as your state of residence. You can also search by property type. Some of the most common types of unclaimed property include:

Bank accounts
Stocks and bonds
Insurance policies
Safe deposit boxes
Utility deposits
Tax refunds
Unpaid wages
Inheritances

If you know the type of property you are looking for, you can narrow your search by selecting the appropriate property type from the drop-down menu on the Florida Department of Financial Services website.

You can also search for unclaimed property by business name. This is helpful if you are a business owner or if you are looking for unclaimed property that belongs to a business.

Once you have entered your search criteria, click on the "Search" button. The website will return a list of any unclaimed property that matches your search criteria.

If you find unclaimed property that belongs to you, you will need to file a claim form. You can download the claim form from the Florida Department of Financial Services website or request a form by mail. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a copy of your driver's license or a bank statement.

No filing fees or costs.

One of the best things about claiming unclaimed property in Florida is that there are no filing fees or costs associated with the process. The state does not charge any fees for searching for or claiming unclaimed property. This means that you can file a claim without having to worry about paying any additional fees.

No search fees:
The Florida Department of Financial Services does not charge any fees to search for unclaimed property. You can search online or by mail for free.
No filing fees:
There is no fee to file a claim for unclaimed property. You can download the claim form from the Florida Department of Financial Services website or request a form by mail.
No processing fees:
The state does not charge any fees to process your claim. Once you have filed a claim, the state will review your claim and determine if you are the SUCHrightful owner of the property.
No fees to receive payment or property:
If your claim is approved, you will receive payment or the property itself without having to pay any additional fees.

The fact that there are no filing fees or costs makes it easy and affordable for everyone to claim their unclaimed property in Florida. So if you think you may have some unclaimed property, don't hesitate to search for it and file a claim. It's free and easy to do, and you could be surprised at what you find.

File a claim form.

Once you have found unclaimed property that belongs to you, you will need to file a claim form. The claim form is available on the Florida Department of Financial Services website. You can also request a claim form by mail.

Download the claim form:
Go to the Florida Department of Financial Services website and click on the "Unclaimed Property" link. Under the "File a Claim" section, click on the "Claim Form" link. The claim form will be downloaded as a PDF file.
Request a claim form by mail:
To request a claim form by mail, write to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property, 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0320. Include your name, address, and phone number in your letter.
Complete the claim form:
Once you have the claim form, you will need to complete it. The claim form is relatively straightforward. You will need to provide your name, address, and Social Security number. You will also need to provide information about the unclaimed property, such as the type of property, the amount of the property, and the name of the company or agency that is holding the property.
Provide proof of ownership:
You will also need to provide proof of ownership for the unclaimed property. This can include a copy of your driver's license, a bank statement, or a tax return. If you are filing a claim for unclaimed property that belongs to a deceased person, you will need to provide a copy of the death certificate.

Once you have completed the claim form and provided proof of ownership, you can submit your claim to the Florida Department of Financial Services. You can submit your claim online, by mail, or in person. If you submit your claim online or by mail, you will receive a confirmation number. You can use this confirmation number to track the status of your claim.

Provide proof of ownership.

One of the most important steps in filing a claim for unclaimed property in Florida is to provide proof of ownership. This is necessary to show that you are the rightful owner of the property and that you are entitled to receive it.

There are a number of different types of documents that you can use to provide proof of ownership. Some common examples include:

Driver's license or state ID card: This is a common form of identification that can be used to prove your identity and residency.
Bank statement: This can be used to show that you have an account with the bank or credit union that is holding the unclaimed property.
Tax return: This can be used to show that you have reported the unclaimed property on your taxes.
Stock certificate: This can be used to prove that you own shares of stock in a company that is holding the unclaimed property.
Insurance policy: This can be used to prove that you have an insurance policy with the company that is holding the unclaimed property.
Death certificate: If you are filing a claim for unclaimed property that belongs to a deceased person, you will need to provide a copy of the death certificate.

In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your ownership of the unclaimed property. For example, if you are claiming unclaimed property that is held by a government agency, you may need to provide a copy of your birth certificate or marriage certificate.

If you are not sure what type of documentation you need to provide, you can contact the Florida Department of Financial Services. They will be able to help you determine what documentation is required.

It is important to note that you will not be able to file a claim for unclaimed property if you cannot provide proof of ownership. Therefore, it is important to gather all of the necessary documentation before you file your claim.

Receive payment or property.

Once your claim for unclaimed property has been approved, you will receive payment or the property itself. The method of payment or delivery will depend on the type of property and the amount of the claim.

Payment:

If your claim is for money, you will receive payment by check or direct deposit. The check will be mailed to the address that you provided on your claim form. If you choose direct deposit, the money will be deposited into your bank account.
If your claim is for stocks or bonds, you will receive a stock certificate or bond certificate in the mail. You can then sell the stocks or bonds or hold them for investment.

Property:

If your claim is for physical property, such as jewelry or artwork, you will need to pick up the property in person. You may need to provide identification and sign a release form before you can take possession of the property.
If your claim is for a safe deposit box, you will need to go to the bank or credit union that is holding the safe deposit box to access the contents. You may need to pay a fee to open the safe deposit box.

In some cases, you may have the option to receive payment for the property instead of the property itself. This is called a "cash award." If you choose to receive a cash award, you will receive a check for the value of the property.

It is important to note that you may be required to pay taxes on the unclaimed property that you receive. This is especially true if you receive payment for the property. You should consult with a tax advisor to determine if you are required to pay taxes on the unclaimed property.

Deadline to claim: 5 years.

There is a deadline to claim unclaimed property in Florida. You have 5 years from the date the property was reported to the state to file a claim. After 5 years, the property becomes the property of the state.

The 5-year clock starts ticking on the date the property is reported to the state, not the date the property was abandoned or left inactive. This means that you may have less than 5 years to file a claim if the property has been reported to the state for some time.

It is important to note that the deadline to claim unclaimed property is a strict deadline. If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to file a claim for the property, even if you are the rightful owner. Therefore, it is important to file your claim as soon as possible after you find out that you have unclaimed property.

There are a few exceptions to the 5-year deadline. For example, if you are a minor, you have until 5 years after you turn 18 to file a claim. Also, if you are mentally incapacitated, you may have more time to file a claim.

If you are not sure whether you have unclaimed property or if you are worried about missing the deadline to file a claim, you can contact the Florida Department of Financial Services. They can help you determine if you have unclaimed property and how to file a claim.

State holds property if unclaimed.

If unclaimed property is not claimed by the rightful owner within the 5-year deadline, the property becomes the property of the state. This means that the state can sell or use the property as it sees fit.

The state holds unclaimed property in a variety of ways. Some of the most common ways include:

Selling the property: The state may sell unclaimed property at auction or through a public sale. The proceeds from the sale are then deposited into the state's general fund.
Using the property for public purposes: The state may also use unclaimed property for public purposes. For example, the state may use unclaimed land for parks or recreation areas. The state may also use unclaimed buildings for government offices or schools.
Holding the property in trust: In some cases, the state may hold unclaimed property in trust for the rightful owner. This is typically done when the rightful owner is unknown or cannot be found.

The state is required to make a reasonable effort to locate the rightful owners of unclaimed property before selling or using the property. This is typically done by publishing a notice in a newspaper or online. The state may also try to contact the rightful owner directly.

If you believe that the state is holding unclaimed property that belongs to you, you can file a claim with the Florida Department of Financial Services. You will need to provide proof of ownership and your identity. If your claim is approved, you will receive the property or the proceeds from the sale of the property.

Search other states too.

In addition to searching for unclaimed property in Florida, you should also search for unclaimed property in other states where you have lived or worked. Many states have unclaimed property laws similar to Florida's law. This means that if you have unclaimed property in another state, you may be able to file a claim and receive the property or the proceeds from the sale of the property.

Check the National Unclaimed Property Database:
The National Unclaimed Property Database is a website that allows you to search for unclaimed property in all 50 states. You can search by name, state, or property type. The website is free to use.
Contact the unclaimed property office in each state:
You can also contact the unclaimed property office in each state directly. The contact information for each state's unclaimed property office can be found on the National Unclaimed Property Database website.
Use a finder service:
There are also a number of finder services that can help you search for unclaimed property in other states. These services typically charge a fee for their services.
Search for unclaimed property in your home state:
Even if you have never lived or worked in another state, you should still search for unclaimed property in your home state. This is because some states have laws that allow you to claim unclaimed property that is owed to you by another state.

Searching for unclaimed property in other states can be a time-consuming process. However, it is worth it if you are able to find and claim your unclaimed property. You could be surprised at what you find.

Use a finder service (for a fee).

If you don't have the time or resources to search for unclaimed property on your own, you can use a finder service. Finder services specialize in helping people find and claim unclaimed property. They typically charge a fee for their services, but they may be able to help you find property that you would not be able to find on your own.

Here are some of the benefits of using a finder service:

Expertise: Finder services have the expertise and experience to help you find unclaimed property that you may not be able to find on your own.
Convenience: Finder services can handle the entire process of searching for and claiming unclaimed property for you. This can save you a lot of time and hassle.
Success rate: Finder services typically have a high success rate in helping people find and claim unclaimed property.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using a finder service:

Fees: Finder services typically charge a fee for their services. The fee can vary depending on the service and the amount of property that you are claiming.
Potential for fraud: There are some finder services that are not reputable and may try to scam you. It is important to do your research and choose a finder service that is reputable and trustworthy.

If you are considering using a finder service, it is important to do your research and choose a service that is reputable and trustworthy. You should also make sure that you understand the fees and the terms of service before you sign up for the service.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about unclaimed property in Florida:

Question 1: How do I know if I have unclaimed property?
Answer 1: You can search for unclaimed property in Florida by name or property type on the Florida Department of Financial Services website.

Question 2: Is there a fee to search for unclaimed property?
Answer 2: No, there is no fee to search for unclaimed property in Florida.

Question 3: How do I file a claim for unclaimed property?
Answer 3: You can file a claim for unclaimed property online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a driver's license or a bank statement.

Question 4: How long do I have to file a claim for unclaimed property?
Answer 4: You have 5 years from the date the property was reported to the state to file a claim. After 5 years, the property becomes the property of the state.

Question 5: What happens if I miss the deadline to file a claim?
Answer 5: If you miss the deadline to file a claim, you will not be able to claim the property, even if you are the rightful owner.

Question 6: Can I use a finder service to help me find and claim unclaimed property?
Answer 6: Yes, you can use a finder service to help you find and claim unclaimed property. However, finder services typically charge a fee for their services.

Question 7: What should I do if I receive a letter or phone call from someone claiming to be a finder service?
Answer 7: Be cautious of any unsolicited letters or phone calls from finder services. There are some finder services that are not reputable and may try to scam you. It is important to do your research and choose a finder service that is reputable and trustworthy.

Closing Paragraph:

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about unclaimed property in Florida. If you have any other questions, you can contact the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Now that you know more about unclaimed property in Florida, here are a few tips to help you find and claim your unclaimed property:

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you find and claim your unclaimed property in Florida:

Tip 1: Search regularly.

The Florida Department of Financial Services recommends that you search for unclaimed property at least once a year. This is because new property is reported to the state all the time. You can search for unclaimed property online or by mail.

Tip 2: Search for common types of unclaimed property.

Some of the most common types of unclaimed property include bank accounts, stocks and bonds, insurance policies, and safe deposit boxes. If you have ever had any of these types of accounts or policies, you should search for them to see if they have been reported to the state as unclaimed property.

Tip 3: Search for property in other states.

If you have ever lived or worked in another state, you should also search for unclaimed property in that state. Many states have unclaimed property laws similar to Florida's law. This means that you may be able to claim unclaimed property in another state, even if you no longer live there.

Tip 4: Use a finder service (for a fee).

Closing Paragraph:

These are just a few tips to help you find and claim your unclaimed property in Florida. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding and claiming your unclaimed property.

Now that you know how to find and claim unclaimed property in Florida, it's time to take action. Search for unclaimed property today and see if you have any money or property waiting for you.

Conclusion

Unclaimed property is a common problem in Florida and across the United States. Millions of dollars in unclaimed property goes unclaimed each year. This property can include money, stocks, bonds, insurance policies, and safe deposit boxes. If you think you may have unclaimed property in Florida, there are a few things you can do to find it and claim it.

First, you can search for unclaimed property online or by mail. The Florida Department of Financial Services has a website where you can search for unclaimed property by name or property type. You can also request a search form by mail.

Second, you can search for unclaimed property in other states. If you have ever lived or worked in another state, you should search for unclaimed property in that state. Many states have unclaimed property laws similar to Florida's law. This means that you may be able to claim unclaimed property in another state, even if you no longer live there.

Finally, you can use a finder service to help you find and claim unclaimed property. Finder services specialize in helping people find and claim unclaimed property. They typically charge a fee for their services, but they may be able to help you find property that you would not be able to find on your own.

If you find unclaimed property that belongs to you, you will need to file a claim with the Florida Department of Financial Services. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as a driver's license or a bank statement. Once your claim is approved, you will receive payment or the property itself.

Closing Message:

Don't let your unclaimed property go unclaimed any longer. Search for unclaimed property today and see if you have any money or property waiting for you.