Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Florida: Step‑by‑Step Guide to Claiming What You’re Owed

Many people in Florida move, switch utility companies, or pay off mortgages without realizing they may have money left behind in the form of unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds. These funds can eventually be turned over to the State of Florida as unclaimed property, where they sit until a rightful owner claims them.

This guide walks you through how these funds typically work, how to search for unclaimed money in Florida, and what to do to submit a claim through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office or claims portal; instead, this article is meant to help you understand the process so you can take the next steps with the right official agencies.

Understanding Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Florida

What are unclaimed utility deposits?

A utility deposit is money you give a provider as security when you start service, for example:

• Electricity
• Water and sewer
• Natural gas
• Cable or internet
• Some other service accounts (trash, certain telecom services)

In Florida, if you close an account or move and:

• You never receive the deposit refund, or
• The refund check is returned, uncashed, or never delivered,

the company may eventually list that money as unclaimed property and send it to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property.

What are unclaimed escrow funds?

Escrow funds are often associated with:

• Mortgage payments (for property taxes, homeowners insurance)
• Real estate closings (earnest money deposits, closing cost adjustments)
• Rental security deposits held in escrow accounts

If the escrow account is closed, the loan is paid off, a sale is finalized, or a lease ends, there may be leftover funds that belong to you. If they cannot reach you or you don’t cash a refund check, those funds may later be turned over to the state as unclaimed property.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Deposits or Escrow Funds in Florida?

You may have unclaimed money related to utility or escrow accounts if:

• You moved and did not update your mailing address with:
  • Utility companies
  • Mortgage servicers
  • Property managers or landlords
• You closed an account or paid off a mortgage and didn’t receive a final refund check
• You changed your name (marriage, divorce, legal name change)
• A relative passed away who:
  • Owned property
  • Had rental units
  • Held utility accounts or paid utility deposits
• You had a short-term rental, seasonal property, or second home in Florida

If any of these apply, it is usually worth checking Florida’s unclaimed property database.

How Unclaimed Property Works in Florida

Most companies must follow a timeline before turning funds over to the state. While exact timeframes can vary by type of account, the basic pattern is:

1. Period of inactivity
   Your account is closed or inactive, and the company owes you a refund (deposit or escrow balance).

2. Attempts to contact you
   The business typically mails notices or tries to reach you at your last known address or email.

3. Funds become “dormant”
   After a set period with no contact or response, funds may be considered abandoned or unclaimed.

4. Turned over to the state
   The company sends the money and account details to the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property.

5. Available for you to claim
   Florida holds the money for the rightful owner (or heirs). You can search and file a claim through official channels at any time. There is generally no deadline to claim certain types of unclaimed funds in Florida, but rules can vary by property type.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds in Florida

Florida maintains an official unclaimed property search tool where consumers can look up their name to see if any unclaimed money is listed under:

• Their current or past names
• A business name (if you owned a business)
• A deceased family member’s name

To search effectively:

1. Gather basic information

   • Full legal name (and any former names)
   • Previous addresses in Florida
   • Name of your business (if applicable)

2. Use multiple variations

   • Try with and without middle initials
   • Try maiden names and married names
   • Try common misspellings of your name

3. Search for relatives

   • Parents
   • Spouse
   • Deceased family members who lived or owned property in Florida

If the search shows a result, Florida’s system typically displays:

• Owner’s name
• Reported address or city
• Type of property (such as “utility deposit,” “escrow account,” “refund,” or similar)
• An approximate amount range in some cases (for example “under $50” or “over $100”)

You cannot complete the claim through HowToGetAssistance.org; you will need to follow the instructions on the official Florida unclaimed property website or hotline.

Step 2: Confirm the Type of Unclaimed Funds

When you find your name in the database, pay attention to:

• Property type: Is it listed as utility deposit, escrow account, refund, or similar?
• Reported by: The company name may appear (e.g., a specific utility company, mortgage lender, property management firm, or title company).
• Last known address: Check whether it matches a Florida address where you actually lived or owned property.

If the listing lines up with:

• An address you lived at while paying utility bills, or
• A home you owned or rented where a mortgage, tax, or insurance escrow existed,

it is likely related to a utility deposit or escrow balance.

Step 3: Gather Documents You May Need to Claim

The exact documentation can vary based on the amount of the claim and whether you are:

• The original owner
• A heir or personal representative for a deceased person
• A representative of a business

Below is a general guide for utility and escrow claims in Florida.

Typical documents for an individual claimant

You may be asked for:

• Proof of identity
  • Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) (when required)
  • Social Security card
  • Tax document (such as a W‑2) with SSN
• Proof of address or ownership linked to the claim
  • Old utility bill showing your name and the service address
  • Mortgage statement or escrow statement
  • Closing disclosure or settlement statement from a home sale
  • Lease agreement (for rental deposits or escrow)

If you no longer have old documents, you can usually still claim, but you may need to complete additional affidavits or verification forms the state provides.

If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased relative

Commonly requested items include:

• Your photo ID
• Death certificate of the original owner
• Proof of your relationship:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Letters of administration or court documents showing you as personal representative or executor
• Any documents showing the deceased person’s connection to the address or account, if available

If you are claiming for a business

You may need:

• Business tax ID number
• Documents showing your authority to act for the business (e.g., corporate resolution, articles of incorporation, or operating agreement)
• Business bank statements, old bills, or other records matching the claim information

Quick Reference: Common Documents to Prepare

Step 4: Submit a Claim Through Florida’s Official Channels

Once you identify a property that appears to be yours, the next step is to follow Florida’s official claim process. Typically, you can:

• Start the claim online through the state’s unclaimed property portal, or
• Request a claim form by mail or phone from the Division of Unclaimed Property

Because processes can change, it is important to rely on the instructions provided directly by the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property.

Typical claim process

1. Select the property to claim
   In the state’s system, you usually click or mark each property you believe is yours.

2. Choose claim type
   Indicate whether you are:

   • The original owner
   • An heir or personal representative
   • Acting for a business or organization

3. Fill out a claim form
   You will be asked for:

   • Your full legal name and contact information
   • Current mailing address
   • Identification details (and sometimes SSN or tax ID)
   • Relationship to the original owner (if not you)

4. Print, sign, and notarize if required
   Some claims must be:

   • Signed in ink
   • Notarized, especially for larger amounts or estate claims

5. Attach copies of required documents
   Include copies (not originals unless specifically instructed) of:

   • ID
   • SSN proof (if requested)
   • Supporting documents like bills, mortgage statements, or estate papers

6. Mail or upload the claim package
   The state’s instructions will tell you whether to:

   • Mail your claim to a specific address, or
   • Upload documents through a secure online portal

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or forward your claim; all documents must go directly to the official state office.

Step 5: What Happens After You File a Claim?

After you submit a claim for unclaimed deposits or escrow funds:

1. Acknowledgment
   The state may provide a reference or claim number. Keep this for your records.

2. Review and verification
   Claim examiners typically:

   • Check your identity and address
   • Match your information with what the utility company, mortgage lender, or escrow agent reported
   • Confirm that no one else has already claimed the funds

3. Requests for more information (if needed)
   If something is unclear or missing, they may:

   • Send a letter or email asking for additional documents
   • Ask for clarification about your relationship to the owner

4. Decision and payment
   If your claim is approved, common payment methods include:

   • Check mailed to your current address
   • Occasionally other payment methods as stated in the official instructions

Processing times can vary depending on:

• The complexity of the claim (for example, simple utility deposit vs. estate claim)
• The volume of claims the office is handling
• Whether all documents are complete and correct

For current processing time estimates or to check the status of a claim, you would need to contact the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property through its official phone line or website.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid delays:

• Missing identification
  • Not including a clear copy of a valid photo ID
• Name mismatch
  • Not explaining name changes (e.g., different last name on the property vs. your current ID)
  • Not providing marriage certificate or court documents when required
• Incomplete claim form
  • Leaving required sections blank
  • Forgetting to sign or have the form notarized when needed
• Insufficient proof of relationship
  • For estate claims, not including documents that show you are the rightful heir or personal representative
• Wrong claimant
  • Someone filing for funds that belong to a different person with a similar name and no connection to the listed address or company

If a claim is denied, the notice usually explains why. In some cases, providing additional proof or corrected documents may allow you to submit a new claim or request a review.

How Reviews or Appeals Usually Work

If you disagree with a decision on your claim:

1. Read the denial or decision letter carefully
   Look for:

   • The specific reason the claim was denied
   • Any missing documents or legal issues

2. Contact the division for clarification
   You can call the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property to:

   • Ask questions about required documents
   • Confirm whether a reconsideration or appeal is possible

3. Provide additional documentation
   In many cases, a claim can be reconsidered if you:

   • Submit stronger proof of identity or ownership
   • Correct errors on the original claim

Formal appeal options and processes can change, so it is important to follow the instructions provided by the official state office.

Special Situations to Know About

If the original account was joint (e.g., spouses, roommates)

For joint accounts or co-owners, you may need to:

• Show documentation that you were a named account holder
• Provide ID for each owner, or explain why only one person is claiming (for example, if the other is deceased)

If the company no longer exists

If a utility company, lender, or property manager went out of business years ago, any unclaimed deposits or escrow balances they held may still appear in Florida’s unclaimed property database under the old company’s name. You generally claim these funds through the state, not through the former company.

If your funds are still with the company (not yet with the state)

If you recently moved or closed a utility or escrow account and suspect a refund is due:

1. Contact the company directly first

   • Customer service for the utility provider
   • Mortgage servicer or escrow company
   • Landlord or property management office

2. Ask if a refund was issued

   • If a check was sent, ask:
     • Date issued
     • Address used
     • Whether it has been cashed

3. Request reissue if appropriate
   If they confirm a lost or stale check, ask for the current process to have it reissued.

If too much time has passed, the company may tell you they sent the funds to the State of Florida. At that point, you would follow the unclaimed property claim process described earlier.

Verifying You Are on the Right (Official) Website or Phone Line

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it is important to be sure you’re working with legitimate, official channels.

Tips to avoid scams

• Do not pay a fee just to search
  Florida’s official unclaimed property search is typically free to use.
• Be careful with “finders” or “locators”
  Some private companies or individuals offer to help you claim money for a percentage fee. In some situations this is allowed, but you can often file a claim yourself directly with the state at no cost other than any required notarization or mailing.
• Check website details
  Official state websites typically:
  • Show the State of Florida name
  • Use recognizable government domains
  • Provide clear agency contact information
• Protect your SSN and personal data
  Only provide sensitive information when you are sure:
  • You are using the official unclaimed property portal, or
  • You are dealing directly with a known state agency by phone or mail

If you are unsure whether a site or letter is legitimate, you can:

• Call the Florida Department of Financial Services through a phone number you look up yourself from a trusted government directory
• Ask a local consumer protection office or state attorney general’s office how to confirm authenticity

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Florida?

If your search shows no unclaimed property in Florida:

• Try searching under different name versions
  • Include middle initials or previous last names
• Consider other states
  • If you lived, worked, or had utilities in other states, check each state’s unclaimed property database
• Keep records handy
  • Hang on to closing statements, escrow summaries, and final utility bills for any future questions

You can also consider:

• Calling the utility or mortgage company directly if your move or account closure was recent
• Checking with title companies or attorneys who handled a real estate closing if you suspect escrow funds were left over

Getting Personalized Help

If you need more help understanding the process or gathering documents:

• Florida Division of Unclaimed Property
  • Contact the division using the official phone number or mailing address listed by the Florida Department of Financial Services. They can explain documentation requirements and claim steps.
• Local legal aid or consumer law organizations
  • These groups sometimes assist with estate questions, name changes, or documentation issues.
• 211 information line
  • Dialing 211 in many parts of Florida connects you with community resource specialists who may provide referrals to consumer assistance or legal help.

HowToGetAssistance.org does not process claims, provide legal representation, or access your accounts. This guide is intended to help you understand how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Florida are usually handled, and how you can move forward through the correct official offices to see if any of that money belongs to you.