How Long Unclaimed Property Claims Take in Florida and How to Check Your Status

Unclaimed money can be a welcome surprise—but if you’ve filed a claim with the State of Florida, you may be wondering how long it will take and how to track what’s happening.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed property claims typically work in Florida, how long they often take, and how you can check the status through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational website only. It does not process claims, check status, or handle any government forms. Instead, this article can help you understand what to expect and how to navigate the official Florida unclaimed property system more confidently.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Florida?

In Florida, unclaimed property (or unclaimed assets) usually refers to money or financial property that a business or institution was holding for you but couldn’t deliver. After a certain period with no contact from the owner, the property is turned over to the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), Division of Unclaimed Property.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll checks, insurance claim checks, refunds)
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents (these involve separate procedures)
• Insurance benefits or annuities

To get this money back, you generally have to file a claim with the State of Florida and provide proof that you’re the rightful owner or heir.

How Long Do Unclaimed Property Claims Take in Florida?

Processing times can vary, but many people want a simple, realistic timeline. The Florida Division of Unclaimed Property often handles a large volume of claims, and several factors can speed up or slow down your case.

Typical Time Frames

These are general time ranges many people experience; your case may move faster or slower depending on details:

These time frames generally refer to business days once the claim and documents are received and entered into the system.

What Affects How Long Your Claim Takes?

Common factors that can impact processing time include:

• Type of claimant

  • Original owner vs. heir, business, or trust/estate.
  • Heir and estate claims typically require more legal proof.

• Quality and completeness of your documents

  • Claims with clear IDs, address documentation, and ownership proof tend to move faster.
  • If documents are blurry, incomplete, or inconsistent, staff may need extra time.

• Name changes

  • Marriage, divorce, or legal name changes often require extra proof (like a marriage certificate or court order).

• Multiple addresses or very old accounts

  • Records from many years ago may be harder to verify, adding time.

• Volume of claims

  • During busy periods, average processing times may be longer than usual.

If your claim is still pending after what feels like a long time, it often means it’s waiting for review, verification, or additional documentation—not necessarily that it has been denied.

How to Check the Status of an Unclaimed Property Claim in Florida

You cannot check your claim status through HowToGetAssistance.org. To track your claim, you must go through Florida’s official channels.

1. Online Through the Official Florida Unclaimed Property Portal

Most people use the state’s online unclaimed property search and claim system to:

• Search for unclaimed property in their name
• Submit a claim
• Check the status of an existing claim

Once you’ve filed a claim online, you are often given:

• A claim number or confirmation number
• Instructions for uploading or mailing documents

To check your status online, you typically:

1. Go to the official Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property website.
2. Look for an option such as “Claim Status,” “Check Claim Status,” or “View Existing Claims.”
3. Enter your claim number and possibly identifying information (such as last name or last four digits of SSN, depending on the system).
4. Review the status message, which may say things like:
   • In Review
   • Pending Documentation
   • Approved – Payment Pending
   • Denied or Closed (with a reason)

If the status says “Pending Documentation” or something similar, it usually means the state is waiting for you to send or upload specific documents.

2. By Phone

If the online information is unclear or your claim has been pending for longer than typical ranges, you may call the Florida DFS Division of Unclaimed Property.

When you call, it can help to have:

• Your claim number
• Your full name (including any prior names used on the account)
• Your current mailing address
• Any letters or emails you’ve received about the claim

You can find the most current phone number on the official State of Florida website, usually under the Division of Unclaimed Property’s contact or help section.

3. By Mail or Email

Some people receive letters from the state asking for more information or documents. If you need to respond:

• Follow the instructions exactly (where to mail or how to email/ upload).
• Include your claim number on every page you send.
• Use legible copies, not originals, unless the state specifically instructs you otherwise.

You can also send a written inquiry with your claim number to the address shown on official correspondence from the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property. Response times by mail are generally slower than online or phone options.

Documents You May Need for a Florida Unclaimed Property Claim

Having the right documents ready can help prevent delays. Requirements vary depending on the type of claim, but common items include:

For an Individual Claim (Original Owner)

You may be asked for:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver license, state ID, or passport
• Proof of Social Security number
  • Social Security card, tax form, or pay stub (if requested)
• Proof of address that matches the address on the unclaimed account
  • Old utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Tax bill
• Name change documents (if needed)
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order

For Heir or Estate Claims

If you are claiming for a deceased relative, typical documents may include:

• All items listed above for individual claimants (for yourself)
• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will or probate documents, if applicable
• Letters of administration or similar documents showing who is legally authorized to manage the estate
• Affidavits of heirship or similar forms, if requested by the state

Because estate and heir claims are more complex, they often take longer to review.

For Business or Organization Claims

For a business, trust, or other entity, you may need:

• Tax ID (EIN) information
• Business formation documents (Articles of Incorporation, etc.)
• Proof of authority to act on behalf of the organization (e.g., corporate resolution, letter on company letterhead)
• ID of the authorized representative

Exact requirements can change, so it is best to review the document checklist provided on the official Florida DFS unclaimed property website or on the claim form itself.

What Happens After You File a Florida Unclaimed Property Claim?

Understanding the general steps can help you know what to expect while you wait.

Step 1: Claim Submission

You can usually submit a claim:

• Online through the official Florida unclaimed property portal, or
• By mail using a paper claim form, depending on instructions for that property type

You’ll provide:

• Your personal information
• Details needed to match you to the property
• Any required forms or affidavits

Step 2: Document Review

Once your claim is in the system, staff typically:

1. Verify your identity and your connection to the address or account.
2. Compare your information to what was submitted by the business that turned over the funds.
3. Check that all required documents are present and legible.

If something is missing, they may:

• Update your online status to “Pending Documentation” or similar, and/or
• Send you a letter or email explaining what else is needed

Step 3: Decision: Approved, Denied, or Request for More Information

After review, your claim will usually fall into one of these categories:

• Approved

  • The state agrees you are the rightful owner or legal heir.
  • You should see an “approved” or similar status and eventually a payment issued.

• Denied or Closed

  • The state could not verify your claim based on the information provided.
  • You should receive a notification with the reason.

• Pending further documentation

  • The state needs additional proof.
  • The claim will often remain open for a period while they wait for your response.

Step 4: Payment Issued

If approved, payment is usually made by:

• Check mailed to the mailing address you provided, or
• Another method the state uses at the time (as described in their official instructions)

Mail delivery time is separate from claim processing time, so it can add extra days.

Common Reasons Florida Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed

Many delays can be avoided with careful preparation. People often run into issues like:

• Missing or incomplete documents

  • Not sending proof of address that matches the unclaimed property record
  • Forgetting to sign or notarize required forms

• Unreadable copies

  • Blurry photos or dark copies of IDs or documents

• Name differences

  • Not providing proof of name change when the property is under a prior name

• Incorrect or outdated contact information

  • Mailing address or email on the claim is wrong, so requests for more information never reach you

• Complex estate or heir situations

  • Multiple heirs, unclear wills, or unsettled probate can require more review

If your claim seems stalled, reviewing your documents carefully—and checking your claim status online or by calling the official office—can help you identify what’s needed.

If Your Florida Unclaimed Property Claim Is Denied

A denial does not always mean you can never recover the property. It usually means that, based on what was submitted, the state could not confirm your right to the funds.

Steps You Can Consider

1. Read the denial letter carefully

   • Understand the specific reason: missing proof, name mismatch, insufficient estate documentation, etc.

2. Gather stronger or additional documents

   • For example, more detailed proof of address, extra legal paperwork for an estate, or clearer ID copies.

3. Contact the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property

   • Ask whether you can submit a new claim with better documentation or if there is a way to appeal or request review.
   • Procedures can vary, and staff can explain the current process.

4. Seek legal advice for complex estate or ownership issues

   • For disputes among heirs or complicated business claims, a private attorney may be able to guide you.
   • The state agency cannot give you legal advice.

The ability to appeal or refile may depend on the type of property, the reason for denial, and current state rules, so always rely on official guidance from the Florida DFS.

How to Make Your Florida Unclaimed Property Claim Move More Smoothly

While you can’t control staffing levels or overall claim volume, you can reduce avoidable delays by:

• Using the official online portal when possible

  • Online submissions are often processed more quickly than mailed paper claims.

• Filling out every field carefully

  • Double-check names, SSN digits (if required), and addresses.

• Sending clear, legible document copies

  • Use a scanner or high-quality photos in good lighting.

• Labeling documents with your claim number

  • On mailed or uploaded documents, help staff match paperwork to your claim.

• Responding promptly to requests

  • If the agency asks for more information, send it as soon as you can.

• Keeping your contact information current

  • If you move or change email/phone, update your claim through the official portal or by contacting the office.

How to Verify You Are Using the Official Florida Unclaimed Property Channel

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it is smart to confirm that you are dealing with the official state agency and not a fake website or unofficial “finder” service.

Here are some practical tips:

• Look for “.gov” in the web address

  • Official state websites typically use .gov domains.

• Find the agency’s name on the site

  • It should clearly reference the Florida Department of Financial Services and the Division of Unclaimed Property.

• Be cautious with unsolicited calls or emails

  • If someone contacts you claiming to have found money for you and asks for fees or personal information, verify independently through the official state site or phone number.

• Check for fees

  • In many cases, you can file a claim directly with the state at no cost.
  • Some third-party “finder” services charge a fee for helping you, which is optional—not required.

• Use phone numbers from official government listings

  • Instead of calling a number in an unsolicited email, look up the Florida DFS Division of Unclaimed Property contact information through a trusted directory or the state’s main website.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Ownership?

Sometimes, people find property under a similar name but ultimately cannot prove it belongs to them. If you can’t meet the state’s documentation requirements:

• The claim may be denied or left unresolved until acceptable proof is provided.
• You may wish to:
  • Re-check your records for old mail, bank statements, or employment records.
  • Speak with an attorney if the issue involves complex inheritance or business ownership.

If it turns out you’re not the rightful owner, you generally cannot receive the funds, and the property will remain with the state until the correct owner or heir claims it.

Quick Reference: Florida Unclaimed Property Claim Basics

Here is a simplified overview you can use as a checklist:

By understanding how long Florida unclaimed property claims often take and how to check your status through the state’s official tools, you can better track your money and respond quickly if the agency asks for more information. When in doubt, go directly to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property or their official phone line for the most accurate, up-to-date guidance on your specific claim.