How to File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Florida: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Finding out you might have “lost money” waiting in your name can be exciting—but it can also be confusing to figure out what to do next. This guide walks you through how to file an unclaimed property claim in Florida, what to expect, and how to stay on official, safe channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and does not process claims. This article is meant to help you understand the usual process so you can follow up directly with official Florida offices and websites.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Florida?

In Florida, unclaimed assets (also called unclaimed property) usually mean money or property that a business or organization owed you but could not deliver. After a certain period with no contact from you, that property is turned over to the State of Florida for safekeeping.

Common examples include:

• Old bank accounts and credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll checks, refund checks, insurance checks)
• Utility deposits and refund balances
• Insurance proceeds and benefits
• Stocks, dividends, and mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents (jewelry, coins, documents, etc.)
• Retirement accounts transferred to the state

Florida typically holds these assets indefinitely for the rightful owner or heirs, but you must file a claim to get them back.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Florida?

The person who can file depends on how the property is listed:

• Individual owner: The person whose name is on the account or check.
• Joint owners: Either or both people may need to sign, depending on the situation.
• Heirs/beneficiaries: A surviving spouse, child, or other heir may claim property on behalf of a deceased relative, usually with probate or heirship documentation.
• Business representatives: Officers, authorized agents, or owners can file for property listed under a company name.
• Legal representatives: Someone with power of attorney or a court order may sometimes file for another person.

To avoid delays, the person filing needs to be able to prove their identity and connection to the property.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Assets in Florida

Before you can file, you must confirm that Florida actually has property in your name.

How to Search

Most people search through the official Florida unclaimed property website run by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) or a similar state office. You can also:

• Call the state unclaimed property office
• Request help by mail
• Use nationwide unclaimed property search tools, then narrow down to Florida

When you search, it helps to try:

• Full legal name
• Previous names (such as maiden names)
• Business name if you own or represent a company
• Old addresses in Florida

If you find a record that looks like it belongs to you, you’ll typically see:

• Name of owner
• Last known address
• Type of property (e.g., bank account, insurance, check)
• Holder (e.g., bank, insurance company, employer)
• Approximate value range (sometimes)

Look for exact or close matches to your name and address history. A single person can have multiple listings, and you can often claim them all at once.

Step 2: Determine What Type of Claim You Need to File

The documentation and steps can vary based on the type of claim:

The official Florida site or office typically asks you questions to determine the right category and then gives you specific instructions or a personalized claim form.

Step 3: Gather the Documents You’ll Need

Having the right documents ready is one of the best ways to avoid delays.

Common Documents for an Individual Owner Claim

Most Florida unclaimed property claims for individuals require:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver license, state ID, passport, or similar
• Proof of Social Security number (sometimes requested)
  • Social Security card, W‑2, tax document, or pay stub
• Proof of connection to the address or account shown in the listing, such as:
  • Old utility bills
  • Bank statements
  • Lease agreements
  • Tax records
  • Pay stubs or employer records

If your name changed (for example, due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you may also need:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for legal name change

Additional Documents for Heir or Estate Claims

If the rightful owner has passed away, Florida commonly requires:

• Death certificate for the deceased owner
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased
  • Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other legal documents
• Estate documents, such as:
  • Letters of administration
  • Will and probate orders
  • Small estate affidavits (if applicable under Florida law)
• Identification for the person filing the claim (as above)

Documents for Business Claims

If the property is in a business name, you may be asked for:

• Business documentation:
  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Fictitious name registration
  • Partnership agreement
• Proof you are authorized to act for the business:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Listing as officer, manager, or owner
  • Signed letter on company letterhead
• Tax ID (EIN) documentation
• Proof of address or account matching the business listing

If you are unsure what to provide, you can contact the Florida unclaimed property office and ask what documents are normally accepted in your situation.

Step 4: Complete the Official Florida Claim Form

After you choose a property to claim, the Florida system typically guides you through creating and submitting a claim.

Filing Online

Many people in Florida are able to:

1. Create or log into a claim account on the official Florida unclaimed property portal.
2. Select the properties they wish to claim.
3. Answer questions about:
   • Whether they are the owner, heir, or business representative
   • Any previous addresses or names
   • Their current contact details
4. Upload scans or photos of required documents, if the portal allows uploads.

You may still need to print, sign, and mail a form in some cases, especially if:

• The claim is over a certain dollar amount
• The claim is for a deceased owner
• Notarization is required

Filing by Mail

If you prefer or are required to file by mail, the typical process is:

1. Print the claim form from the official Florida unclaimed property website, or request one by phone or mail.
2. Fill out all sections completely and clearly.
3. Sign and date the form. Some forms must be notarized, so read the instructions carefully.
4. Attach copies (not originals unless specifically required) of supporting documents.
5. Mail the packet to the official address for the Florida unclaimed property unit listed on the form.

Keep a copy of everything you send for your own records.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim and Track Progress

Once you complete your claim:

• Online claims are usually submitted instantly once you click “submit” and upload required documents.
• Mail claims will be logged when received by the Florida office.

How to Check Status

Florida’s unclaimed property system typically allows you to:

• Check claim status online using:
  • Claim number
  • Your name and other identifying details
• Or call the Florida unclaimed property office and provide:
  • Your claim number
  • Your identifying details to verify your identity

Processing times can vary depending on:

• Complexity of the claim (estate vs. simple owner claim)
• Number and clarity of documents submitted
• Current workload at the state office

It is not unusual for claims to take several weeks or longer, especially when legal documents are involved.

What Happens After You File?

The Florida unclaimed property office typically:

1. Reviews your claim and documents to confirm your identity and ownership.
2. Requests additional information if anything is missing, unclear, or inconsistent.
3. Approves or denies the claim once they decide whether you are the rightful owner or legal representative.
4. If approved, issues payment or releases property.

How You May Receive the Funds

For most monetary claims, Florida commonly sends:

• A check mailed to the address you provided, or
• Another payment method specified by the state (depending on their current process)

For safe deposit box contents:

• The state may require additional steps or provide instructions on how items are returned.
• In some cases, if items have been auctioned, the proceeds (money from the sale) may be returned instead.

Common Reasons Florida Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can help you avoid them.

Frequent Issues

• Missing identification
  • No valid photo ID included or ID is expired or unclear.
• Weak proof of address or ownership
  • No documents showing you lived or had accounts at the listed address.
• Name mismatch
  • Claim filed under a current name with no documentation linking it to the name on the property (e.g., after a name change).
• Incomplete estate documents (for deceased owners)
  • No death certificate or no evidence you are the legal heir or estate representative.
• Illegible or incomplete forms
  • Blurry document scans, missing pages, or unanswered questions.
• Notarization missing when required.

If your claim is denied, the decision letter or message usually explains why. You may be able to submit a new claim with corrected or additional documents.

How Reviews, Corrections, or Appeals Usually Work

Florida may or may not call it an “appeal,” but in many cases you can address a problem if:

• You disagree with a denial
• You missed a document or made an error on the original claim

Practical steps often include:

1. Carefully read the explanation from the Florida unclaimed property office.
2. Gather additional documents that answer the specific concern (for example, a marriage certificate to prove a name change).
3. Contact the official unclaimed property unit using the phone number or mailing address provided on your notice for clarification.
4. Resubmit a claim or additional documents following their instructions.

Because rules and procedures can change, it’s important to follow the most current guidance from the official Florida office.

Are There Deadlines to Claim Unclaimed Property in Florida?

Florida is known for not imposing a short statute of limitations on most unclaimed property. In many cases:

• The state holds the property indefinitely for the rightful owner or heir.

However:

• Specific asset types may have special rules.
• Safe deposit items may be sold after a time, with the cash proceeds held for the owner.
• Rules can change, and details may differ depending on the value and nature of the property.

To be safe, it is wise to file a claim as soon as you learn that Florida has property in your name.

How to Make Sure You’re Using the Official Florida Channel

Because unclaimed money sounds appealing, it can attract scams. Use these tips to help verify you’re on an official path:

Signs You’re on an Official Florida Site or Talking to an Official Office

• The website clearly identifies a Florida state agency, such as the Florida Department of Financial Services.
• Web addresses typically include “.gov” (for example, a Florida state government domain).
• Phone numbers and mailing addresses match those listed by known Florida state agencies.
• You are not required to pay a fee just to search if you have unclaimed property.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Someone contacts you unexpectedly and demands upfront fees to “release” your money.
• A caller pressures you to act immediately or threatens legal action if you do not.
• You are asked to share full Social Security numbers, bank account logins, or passwords through email or text.
• The person or company will not clearly identify the Florida agency they claim to work with.

Some people choose to hire “finders” or asset locators who charge a fee to help with unclaimed property. This is a personal choice, but:

• You can usually search and file directly with Florida for free using the official channels.
• If you sign a contract with a third party, read it carefully and understand exactly what you are paying for.

If you are unsure whether a contact is legitimate, you can:

• Look up the Florida unclaimed property office number independently (not from the caller or email)
• Call the office directly and ask if the outreach is real

Tips to Make Your Florida Unclaimed Property Claim Smoother

• Search under every name you have used, including nicknames, maiden names, and prior married names.
• Check multiple addresses, especially old apartments or places you lived years ago.
• Gather documents before you start so you can quickly upload or copy what’s needed.
• Double-check the form for completeness before submitting or mailing it.
• Keep copies of your claim form and all supporting documents.
• Watch for mail from the Florida unclaimed property office, including in your spam or junk email folders if you used an email address.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Florida

If a search for your name in Florida turns up nothing, you might consider:

• Searching other states where you have lived, worked, or done business.
• Checking under different name spellings or initials.
• Looking for property under business names you own or manage.

You can also call the Florida unclaimed property office if you believe property should exist and ask what information they may need to help you search.

By understanding how Florida’s unclaimed property process usually works—searching, gathering documents, filing a claim, and staying on official channels—you can take confident next steps directly with the State of Florida’s unclaimed property office to recover assets that may belong to you or your family.