Heir Claims in Florida: How to Claim Unclaimed Money and Property for a Deceased Relative

If a loved one has passed away in Florida, there may be unclaimed money or property in their name that you can legally claim as an heir. This can include things like old bank accounts, refund checks, insurance benefits, or utility deposits that were never delivered.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how heir claims for unclaimed property typically work in Florida, what documents you usually need, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or application site, but you can use this information to better understand the process before you contact the proper Florida agency or court.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in Florida

Unclaimed property generally means money or property held by a business, financial institution, or government agency that has lost contact with the rightful owner for a certain period of time.

Common examples in Florida include:

• Bank accounts and certificates of deposit
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, dividends)
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance policy benefits and annuities
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stocks, mutual funds, or bonds

In Florida, these assets are typically turned over to the state’s unclaimed property division after a period of inactivity. If the owner has died, eligible heirs, beneficiaries, or the estate can often file a claim to recover them.

Who Can Claim a Deceased Person’s Unclaimed Property in Florida?

Florida allows certain people connected to the deceased person (often called the decedent) to file an heir claim.

Typical eligible claimants include:

• The personal representative (executor) of the estate, if there is or was a probate case
• Heirs at law, such as:
  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (biological or legally adopted)
  • Sometimes parents, siblings, or more distant relatives, depending on Florida’s intestate succession laws
• Named beneficiaries under a will or trust (if documented)
• Court-appointed fiduciaries such as guardians or administrators

Eligibility often depends on:

• Whether the decedent left a will
• Whether their estate went through probate (formal or summary administration)
• How Florida’s intestacy laws apply when there’s no will

Because inheritance rules are specific and can be complicated, many families consult a Florida probate attorney or ask the probate court clerk in the county where the person lived or owned property.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in the Deceased Relative’s Name

The first step is usually to check if any unclaimed assets even exist.

In Florida, this normally means:

1. Going to the official Florida unclaimed property search tool provided by the state (often run by the Department of Financial Services or a similar state division).
2. Searching using:
   • The decedent’s full legal name
   • Any prior names (maiden name, previous married names)
   • Last known city or address
3. Writing down or printing:
   • Each property ID or claim number
   • The holder’s name (e.g., a bank, insurance company)
   • The reported dollar amount or property description, if shown

If you are unsure you are on the official Florida site, you can:

• Confirm the website is a .gov site related to the State of Florida.
• Call the state treasurer or Department of Financial Services main number listed on Florida’s official government directory and ask to be directed to the unclaimed property division.

Step 2: Identify What Type of Heir Claim You Need

Once you find property in the deceased person’s name, the type of claim you file in Florida often depends on:

• The value of the unclaimed property
• Whether the estate went through probate in Florida
• Whether you are claiming as personal representative or as an individual heir

Here is a general comparison to help you understand common paths:

Florida’s unclaimed property division usually has specific claim forms for:

• Owner claims (for living individuals)
• Heir or beneficiary claims
• Business or estate claims

Make sure you select the heir or estate claim type that matches your situation.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

For heir claims in Florida, documentation is critical. The state wants to be sure that:

1. The person is truly deceased, and
2. You are legally entitled to receive their property.

Typical documents you may need include:

1. Proof of the Decedent’s Identity and Death

• Certified death certificate (usually required; photocopies may not be accepted)
• Sometimes Social Security number or documentation showing it
• Any legal name change documents if names differ (marriage certificate, court order)

2. Proof of Your Identity

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security number (sometimes requested on the claim form)
• Current mailing address and contact information

3. Proof of Relationship or Heir Status

Common examples:

• Birth certificates (to show parent-child relationship)
• Marriage certificate (for surviving spouse)
• Adoption papers
• Family tree affidavit or heirship affidavit, if requested
• Will showing you as a beneficiary, if one exists

If there is a will, Florida may still require probate court involvement to formally determine who is entitled to the property, especially with larger amounts.

4. Estate and Probate Documents (If Applicable)

If the decedent’s estate went through probate in Florida (or another state), you may also need:

• Certified Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary
• Order of Summary Administration or other court order assigning assets
• Order of Discharge closing the estate, if already closed
• Any court orders that list the names of heirs and their shares

If there was no probate, the unclaimed property division may:

• Accept affidavits and supporting documents for smaller claims, or
• Tell you that you must open a probate case in Florida before they can release funds.

Step 4: Complete the Official Florida Heir Claim Form

After you gather information and documents, the next step is usually to submit an official claim through Florida’s unclaimed property office.

This can often be done:

• Online: By creating an account or starting a claim through the state’s official unclaimed property website
• By mail: Printing and signing a claim form, then mailing it with copies or certified documents
• Occasionally in person: If the state offers an office counter or special event, but many claims are handled by mail or online

Typical parts of the heir claim form:

• Decedent’s full name, date of birth, and date of death
• Decedent’s last known address
• Claimant’s full legal name, date of birth, and contact info
• Claimant’s relationship to the decedent
• Claim or property ID numbers from your search
• Required signatures (sometimes notarized)

⚠️ Important:

• Read the instructions carefully for whether documents must be certified copies, originals, or plain copies.
• Some Florida forms require notarization. In those cases, you must sign in front of a notary public.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents to the Florida Unclaimed Property Office

Florida’s unclaimed property division usually gives clear instructions on where to send documents and how.

Common options:

• Upload scanned copies to an online claim portal
• Mail copies or certified documents to a specific state mailing address listed on the form
• Sometimes fax, though this is less common for heir claims involving official records

When submitting:

• Keep a complete copy of everything you send.
• Use trackable mail (like certified mail) if sending original documents or irreplaceable items.
• Make sure your claim number is clearly written on all pages.

What Happens After You File an Heir Claim in Florida?

Once your claim is received, the Florida unclaimed property division typically:

1. Acknowledges receipt (online status update, letter, or email).
2. Reviews your documents to verify:
   • The property belongs to the decedent
   • The decedent is deceased
   • You are legally entitled to receive the funds
3. Requests additional information if anything is missing or unclear.
4. Approves or denies the claim.

If your claim is approved, the state may:

• Issue a check payable to you (or to the estate, depending on the claim type), or
• Coordinate transfer of securities or other property, if applicable.

Processing times vary. Many families find that:

• Simple, fully documented claims can be resolved in a matter of weeks, while
• More complex heir claims involving probate, multiple heirs, or large amounts can take longer.

Common Reasons Heir Claims Get Delayed or Denied in Florida

Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid setbacks.

Frequent Issues

• Missing documents
  • No death certificate, or not a certified copy
  • No proof of relationship (e.g., no birth or marriage certificate)
• Incomplete claim forms
  • Sections left blank
  • No signature or missing notarization where required
• Conflicting information
  • Names spelled differently on documents
  • Different dates of birth or addresses with no explanation
• Probate not handled when required
  • Large amount of unclaimed property, but no Florida probate case for the estate
  • Estate assets too complex to be handled by simple affidavits
• Multiple heirs disputing the claim
  • Other relatives filing their own claims
  • Family disputes about who is entitled

If your claim is denied, the decision notice usually explains:

• The reason it was denied, and
• Whether you can submit additional documentation or must pursue relief through probate court or another legal process.

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

Florida’s unclaimed property division typically allows:

• Resubmission of a corrected claim if the issue is missing documentation or incomplete forms.
• Requests for reconsideration or additional review in certain cases.

If your claim is denied for legal reasons (for example, because the state says you are not an heir under Florida law), your next step may be to:

• Consult a Florida probate or estate attorney to understand your rights.
• Ask the probate court in the county where the decedent lived or owned property about ways to establish your heirship or rights to the funds.

Appeals and legal challenges can be complex, so many people seek legal help at that stage.

If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Heir Status

Sometimes a person may believe they are an heir but cannot meet Florida’s proof requirements. Common situations:

• No access to family records (birth or marriage certificates)
• Disputes among siblings, half-siblings, or extended relatives
• Decedent left no will, and Florida’s intestacy rules give priority to other relatives

Possible steps in these situations:

• Work with relatives to gather shared documentation.
• Request official records (birth, death, marriage certificates) from the appropriate state or county vital records office.
• Consult with a probate or estate attorney about whether a heirship determination in Florida court is appropriate.
• Ask the unclaimed property office what types of alternative proof or affidavits might be accepted, if any.

If you ultimately cannot qualify as an heir under Florida law, the unclaimed property typically remains with the state as custodial property until a qualifying claimant comes forward.

How to Verify You’re Using Official Florida Channels (and Avoid Scams)

Because unclaimed money sounds appealing, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of heirs. You can protect yourself by following a few cautious steps.

Tips to Confirm You’re on an Official Florida Site

• The website address should usually:
  • End in “.gov”, and
  • Clearly show it belongs to the State of Florida or a specific Florida agency.
• Contact phone numbers should:
  • Match numbers listed on other official Florida government sites or directories.
• Any mailing address for claims should:
  • Point to an official state office, not a private P.O. box that can’t be verified.

If you are unsure, you can:

• Call the main State of Florida government information line and ask to be transferred to the unclaimed property division.
• Ask your local clerk of court or county government office how to contact the correct state agency.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Companies or individuals who:
  • Demand upfront fees or payments to “unlock” the money
  • Guarantee you will recover funds even before seeing your documents
  • Ask you to sign broad powers of attorney or assign your rights without explanation
• Emails or messages claiming:
  • You have a huge prize or inheritance and must act immediately
  • You must pay a processing fee or tax before receiving unclaimed funds

Legitimate state unclaimed property programs do not require you to pay fees to claim your own property. Some people choose to hire a finder or asset locator service, but this is optional. If you do, you can ask about:

• Their fee structure
• Whether they are registered or licensed in Florida, if applicable
• Whether you can file the claim yourself directly with the state instead

When to Consider Legal Help

You may be able to handle a straightforward Florida heir claim on your own, especially for smaller amounts. However, it can be helpful to consult a Florida probate or estate attorney when:

• The unclaimed property is substantial or involves multiple accounts
• There are multiple heirs or disputes within the family
• The decedent owned real estate or significant other assets outside of the unclaimed property
• The state tells you that probate must be opened before funds can be released
• Your claim has been denied, and you do not fully understand the reason

Attorneys can explain:

• Whether you need formal probate or summary administration in Florida
• How Florida’s intestate succession rules apply to your family situation
• What kind of court orders or documents might satisfy the unclaimed property division

Key Takeaways and Next Steps in Florida

• Florida holds unclaimed money and property in a state-run unclaimed property program.
• Heirs and beneficiaries can often claim funds owed to a deceased relative, but must prove:
  • The person is deceased, and
  • They are a legitimate heir or beneficiary under Florida law.
• Expect to provide certified documents such as:
  • Death certificate
  • Proof of your identity
  • Proof of relationship or heirship
  • Probate documents if applicable
• The claim process usually involves:
  1. Searching the official Florida unclaimed property database
  2. Selecting the correct heir/estate claim type
  3. Submitting a claim form and supporting documents through official channels
• If you run into complications, you can:
  • Contact the Florida unclaimed property office for clarification, and/or
  • Consult a Florida probate or estate attorney for legal guidance.

Using this information, you can approach the official Florida unclaimed property office more prepared and confident as you work to recover any assets that may rightfully belong to your deceased relative’s heirs.