Florida’s Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and What It Might Be Holding for You

The Florida Unclaimed Property Office is the state agency that tracks, safeguards, and returns money and certain valuables that people never claimed or may have forgotten about. It does not create new benefits or financial assistance; instead, it holds on to property that already belongs to individuals, businesses, or heirs until someone proves a right to claim it.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not part of this office, not a government agency, and not a claims portal. This guide explains how Florida’s unclaimed property system typically works so you can take your next steps directly through official state channels.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Florida?

In plain terms, unclaimed property is money or certain assets that belong to you but that a business, bank, or other organization couldn’t successfully return.

Businesses are usually required to turn over this property to the state after they lose contact with the owner for a certain period of time. The Florida Unclaimed Property Office then holds it until the rightful owner or an heir files a successful claim.

Common types of unclaimed property in Florida

The Florida Unclaimed Property Office typically deals with non-real-estate property. That usually includes:

• Bank accounts (savings, checking, CDs) that were inactive
• Uncashed checks, such as:
  • Payroll checks
  • Refund checks
  • Dividend or interest checks
• Utility deposits or refunds from:
  • Electric companies
  • Water or gas providers
  • Cable/internet providers
• Insurance proceeds:
  • Life insurance benefits
  • Annuities
  • Claim payments never cashed or delivered
• Retirement accounts that went dormant or couldn’t reach the account holder
• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds that were abandoned, or proceeds from their sale
• Contents of safe deposit boxes, such as:
  • Jewelry
  • Coins
  • Collectibles
  • Important documents (some items may later be sold if not claimed within a certain timeframe, but records of value are kept)

📝 Important: The office normally does not handle real estate (like houses or land) or most types of vehicles. Those are usually dealt with through county property appraisers, tax collectors, or motor vehicle departments.

What Does the Florida Unclaimed Property Office Actually Do?

The Florida Unclaimed Property Office has several main responsibilities:

1. Receives and safeguards unclaimed property

Businesses, financial institutions, insurance companies, and other “holders” must periodically report and transfer unclaimed property to the state. The office:

• Logs and catalogs each item or account
• Stores physical items (like safe deposit box contents) securely
• Tracks monetary amounts electronically

The goal is to protect the property until someone proves they are entitled to it.

2. Maintains a searchable database of unclaimed property

The office typically offers a public search tool on the state’s official website where people can look up:

• Their name
• A business name
• A maiden name or prior married name
• Names of deceased relatives (for possible heir claims)

This allows residents and former residents to see if the state is holding any unclaimed property in their name.

3. Reviews and processes claims

When someone believes they’ve found property that belongs to them, they can usually file a claim through the official state portal or by mail. The office then:

• Reviews the claim form
• Confirms identity and ownership
• Approves, requests more information, or denies the claim

If approved, the property is returned to the rightful owner or heir, often as a check or transfer of funds. Physical items may be returned or their proceeds paid out, depending on the situation and how the state manages long-held items.

4. Conducts outreach and public-awareness efforts

Many people have no idea they’re owed money. The Florida Unclaimed Property Office often:

• Participates in outreach events
• Shares information through media
• Encourages people to search the official database periodically

Who Might Have Unclaimed Property in Florida?

Almost anyone who has ever lived, worked, done business, or held financial accounts in Florida could have unclaimed property. Some common scenarios include:

• You moved and didn’t update your address with a bank, employer, or insurer.
• You closed an account but never received a final refund check.
• You changed jobs and forgot about an old 401(k) or retirement plan.
• A relative passed away, and the estate didn’t know about all their accounts or life insurance policies.
• You had a utility deposit that was refunded after you moved, but the check wasn’t cashed.
• A refund check or payment was lost, destroyed, or never delivered.

You do not have to still live in Florida. If the property originated in Florida (for example, an account held at a Florida bank or an insurance policy issued in the state), you might find unclaimed property under your name even if you now live elsewhere.

What the Office Holds vs. What It Does Not Handle

Here’s a quick overview of what Florida’s Unclaimed Property Office typically handles and what it usually does not handle:

If you are unsure which office handles a specific type of property, contacting the state treasurer’s office, department of financial services, or your county government can help direct you to the right place.

How to Check If Florida Is Holding Property in Your Name

You cannot search or claim property through HowToGetAssistance.org. To look for unclaimed property in Florida, you typically need to use the official state unclaimed property website or hotline.

Usual steps to search for unclaimed property

1. Locate the official Florida unclaimed property website

   • Use a search engine to look up terms like “Florida unclaimed property” and verify you are on a government website (often ending in .gov).
   • You can also contact the Florida Department of Financial Services main number and ask how to reach the unclaimed property division.

2. Use the online search tool

   • Enter your first and last name.
   • Try variations:
     • Middle initial vs. full middle name
     • Maiden names or prior last names
     • Business or organization names
   • Consider searching for relatives, especially deceased parents, spouses, or grandparents.

3. Review the results carefully

   • Look for matches that show:
     • Your name or close variation
     • A city where you lived or worked
     • A business or employer you recognize
   • The site often will show:
     • The holder (like a bank or company)
     • A general description (e.g., “deposit,” “insurance proceeds,” “wages”)
     • Sometimes an estimated amount range or category

4. Select items you believe may belong to you

   • You can usually mark or “claim” individual listings through the online system.
   • If you’re unsure about a listing but see familiar details, you can still choose to investigate further through a claim.

Who Typically Can File a Claim?

The Florida Unclaimed Property Office usually allows claims from:

• The original owner of the property
• A current or former business owner if the property is listed under a business name
• A heir or beneficiary, such as:
  • Spouse or ex-spouse (depending on legal rights)
  • Child or grandchild
  • Other relative or legal heir
• A legal representative, such as:
  • Attorney
  • Personal representative of an estate
  • Court-appointed guardian or conservator
  • Trustee for a trust

Eligibility depends on proving your legal right to the property. Heirs, estate representatives, and business claimants usually need extra documentation.

What Documents Are Commonly Needed to Claim Property?

Exact requirements can vary by type of property and relationship to the original owner, but documents that are often requested include:

For individuals claiming property in their own name

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security Number (sometimes requested)
  • Social Security card
  • Tax document
• Proof of address or connection to the listed address, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Old mail showing your name and that address (for older accounts)
• Name change documentation (if applicable):
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order

For heirs or estate representatives

In addition to the items above, you may also need:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will, probate documents, or letters of administration
• Court appointment of a personal representative, executor, or administrator
• Family relationship proof, such as:
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
• Affidavit of heirship or similar forms (when required by the office)

For businesses or organizations

• Proof of business ownership/authority:
  • Business license
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Partnership agreement
• Documentation linking the business to the old address, if needed
• Government-issued ID for the person signing the claim
• Proof of EIN (Employer Identification Number), if requested

Because requirements can change, it’s wise to review the instructions provided on the official Florida unclaimed property portal or claim form to know exactly what to gather.

How to Submit a Claim Through Official Channels

You cannot submit claims through this website. Claiming unclaimed property in Florida usually happens in one of these ways:

1. Online claim submission (for most simple claims)

Many people can file directly through the state’s official online portal:

1. Use the search results to select the property you want to claim.
2. Choose the right claim type:
   • Owner
   • Heir
   • Business
   • Estate representative
3. Complete the online claim form with:
   • Your personal details
   • Contact information
   • Relationship to the listed owner
4. Upload scanned copies or clear photos of required documents, if the system allows.
5. Submit your claim and save any confirmation or claim number provided.

2. Mail-in claim submission

In more complex situations, or if online upload isn’t available for your type of claim:

1. Use the official site to print the claim form or request one by mail.
2. Fill it out carefully and legibly.
3. Attach copies (not originals) of requested documents, unless the office specifically asks for originals.
4. Mail the packet to the official unclaimed property mailing address listed by the Florida Department of Financial Services.

If you are unsure which method to use, you can contact the office using their official customer service or hotline number and ask for guidance.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Processing time can vary based on:

• How complete your documentation is
• Whether you’re the original owner or an heir
• The complexity of the property (for example, large estates or multiple heirs)

Typical post-claim steps

1. Initial review
   • The office checks that your form is complete and includes required documents.
2. Verification
   • Staff verify your identity, compare addresses, and confirm that you have a legal right to the property.
3. Requests for additional information (if needed)
   • You may receive a letter, email, or portal message asking for:
     • Clearer copies
     • Additional documentation
     • Signed affidavits
4. Approval or denial
   • If approved, you are notified, and the state arranges payment or transfer.
   • If denied, you should receive a written explanation.
5. Payment or return of property
   • Monetary property is often paid via check.
   • For physical items, the office will follow its procedures, which might include:
     • Returning the items
     • Paying you the proceeds from a prior sale if the item was auctioned after a holding period

There is typically no fee charged by the state to file a claim directly through official channels.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can help you avoid setbacks.

Frequent causes of delays

• Missing documents (e.g., no proof of address or incomplete death certificate)
• Unclear or low-quality copies that are hard to read
• Name mismatches:
  • Nicknames or spelling variations
  • Multiple marriages or name changes without documentation
• Incomplete forms (skipped questions, unsigned sections)
• Complex estate situations with multiple heirs and unclear ownership

Typical denial reasons

• Insufficient proof that you are the owner or rightful heir
• Conflicting claims from multiple people for the same property
• Lack of legal authority to act on behalf of an estate or business
• Claim filed for property that doesn’t match your details (e.g., wrong Social Security number, wrong date of birth)

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

• Ask the office to clarify what additional documents might fix the issue.
• Provide new or corrected documentation and submit a new or updated claim, if allowed.

How Reviews, Disputes, or Appeals Usually Work

Processes can change, but in many cases, if you disagree with a decision:

1. Carefully read the denial notice
   • Look for the reason: missing documents, identity mismatch, or legal issue.
2. Contact the office directly
   • Use the official phone number or mailing address.
   • Ask for guidance on what would be needed to reconsider the claim.
3. Gather the requested documentation
   • Court orders
   • Additional proof of relationship or identity
   • Corrected forms
4. Submit a written request or new claim
   • Some offices allow you to submit additional documents under the same claim number.
   • Others may ask you to start a new claim referencing the previous one.

If there is a legal dispute (for example, between heirs), the matter may need to be resolved through court proceedings, and the office will typically require a court order.

Be Cautious: Avoid Unclaimed Property Scams

Because unclaimed property involves money, scammers sometimes pretend to be from a state office or offer to “help” for high fees.

Common warning signs

• You receive a call, text, or email claiming you must pay a fee upfront to receive your property.
• Someone asks for your full Social Security number, bank account, or other sensitive data over the phone or by text.
• A letter or email:
  • Uses a generic sender address (not tied to a state agency)
  • Pressures you to act immediately
  • Requests payment to “expedite” or “unlock” your claim
• A website:
  • Does not clearly identify itself as a Florida state government site
  • Has no clear physical address or official contact information

How to verify you’re using official channels

• Make sure the website is clearly identified as a Florida government page (often a .gov domain).
• Cross-check contact numbers by calling a publicly listed number for the Florida Department of Financial Services and asking to be transferred to the unclaimed property division.
• If you received a letter, compare:
  • The return address
  • Phone numbers
  • Agency names
    with information publicly listed on Florida’s official government websites.
• Remember:
  • You do not have to pay the state to file a claim for your own property.
  • Some private “locator” services legally offer to help for a fee, but they are not required for you to claim what is yours.

If something feels suspicious, you can contact the official office directly using phone numbers or addresses you find independently on a known government site, not from a link sent to you.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Florida’s Database

Not finding unclaimed property under your name in Florida doesn’t necessarily mean none exists anywhere. You might consider:

• Checking other states’ official unclaimed property websites where you:
  • Lived previously
  • Worked
  • Opened bank or investment accounts
• Searching under:
  • Maiden names
  • Prior married names
  • Alternative spellings or initials
• Asking relatives (especially older relatives) if they remember:
  • Old insurance policies
  • Bank accounts
  • Safe deposit boxes
• Checking with:
  • Old employers about retirement accounts or stock plans
  • Insurance companies about old policies or claims

You can also call 211 in many areas to get connected to general information resources if you need help finding the appropriate government websites or offices.

Key Takeaways

• The Florida Unclaimed Property Office holds money and certain valuables that businesses and institutions couldn’t return to the rightful owners.
• It typically deals with bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, retirement funds, and safe deposit box contents, but not real estate or vehicles.
• You can search and claim through Florida’s official unclaimed property website or hotline, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Be prepared to provide proof of identity, address, and, if applicable, proof of relationship or legal authority (for heirs, estates, and businesses).
• Claims can take time. Delays often come from missing documents, name mismatches, or complex heir situations.
• Be cautious about scams: the state does not require upfront fees to file a claim, and you should always verify that you are using an official government channel.

If you believe Florida may be holding unclaimed property for you, your next step is to visit the official Florida government unclaimed property page or contact the state’s unclaimed property office directly to start a search and, if appropriate, file a claim.