Florida Unclaimed Property Search: Find & Claim Money

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Florida Treasure Hunt · Lost Money · Refunds · Accounts · Insurance · Safe-Deposit Property

Find Lost Florida Money and Build a Claim That Can Be Approved

Florida unclaimed property can come from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, deposits, refunds, credit balances and assets reported from abandoned safe-deposit boxes.

This guide goes beyond giving you a search link. It shows how to search old names and addresses, confirm that a result is really yours, understand what proof Florida may need, claim for a deceased owner or business, respond to document requests, track the claim and avoid paying unnecessary recovery fees.

Start the free search Build your claim Check claim status
Quick reassurance: searching Florida’s official unclaimed-property database and filing your own legitimate claim does not require paying the state a recovery fee. Rightful owners and heirs may claim property held by Florida.

Quick answer: search FLTreasureHunt.gov first

Search the official Florida database using your current name, former names and business names. When a possible match appears, compare the reported owner and address information before creating a claim.

1 Search your name Begin with the surname and first name.
2 Try old identities Maiden names, former surnames and business names matter.
3 Match the history Look for an address or holder you recognize.
4 File only your property Claim only when you can establish entitlement.

Official action path

Search Florida unclaimed property Open official Florida FAQs
Search one person at a time. Do not stop after searching only your current legal name. Property can still be indexed under the name and address the bank, insurer, employer or business had when the asset became inactive.
Florida 2026 snapshot

There is a very large pool of Florida property still waiting for owners

Florida reported these statewide figures in March and April 2026. Treat them as dated program snapshots rather than a live counter.

13M+ claimable unclaimed-property accounts reported on March 17, 2026
$4.5B+ combined value of claimable assets reported in the March 2026 statewide announcement
$92M record amount Florida reported returning during March 2026

Choose the question you need answered

Use the article as a claim workstation rather than reading it from top to bottom.

Intent check

Florida unclaimed property usually means financial assets—not abandoned houses

The program primarily deals with money and financial property that a business or government holder could not return to the apparent owner after the applicable dormancy period.

$
Bank funds Dormant checking, savings and other financial accounts.
✓
Uncashed checks Payroll checks, vendor checks and other unpaid instruments.
I
Insurance proceeds Unclaimed insurance or annuity-related funds.
S
Stocks and dividends Securities-related property and unpaid distributions.
R
Refunds Unreturned refunds and credit balances.
D
Deposits Utility, service or other refundable deposits.
B
Business funds Property reported in a corporation, company or organization name.
V
Safe-deposit property Tangible contents such as coins, jewelry and other valuables may enter the program.
Not a vacant-real-estate search: “unclaimed property” in this program does not mean that an abandoned Florida house or lot becomes available for someone else to claim by searching the database.

Why property reaches the state

Chapter 717 contains different dormancy rules for different property types. A common general rule for intangible property is more than five years after it became payable or distributable, although other property categories can use different periods.

Before property is transferred: Florida law requires due-diligence notice for certain inactive accounts of $50 or more when the holder has usable contact information. If you receive a legitimate notice from the company still holding your money, contacting the holder may prevent the asset from being transferred to the state.
Search troubleshooting

No Florida lost-money result? Try these fixes before giving up

Your exact full name returns nothing Search with fewer name components and then add details only to narrow results.
You changed your surname Search maiden, married and former surnames individually.
You moved several times Focus on the owner name first and use old Florida addresses as confirmation clues.
The money belonged to a company Search the legal business name and former business names rather than your personal name.
The owner is deceased Search the deceased person’s name exactly as it may have appeared on financial records.
You contacted the company recently The property may still be with the original holder and not yet in Florida custody.
You lived in another state A Florida search will not necessarily reveal property being held by another state’s program.
You searched years ago Search again. New property is reported to state unclaimed-property programs over time.
Keep a simple search log: write down every surname, business name and relative you searched. This prevents repeating the same search while missing an old identity.
Official claim workflow

From a search result to an approved Florida claim

1 SEARCH Find a plausible account.
2 VERIFY Connect the owner and history.
3 PROVE Identity + ownership + entitlement.
4 REVIEW DFS examines the claim.
5 RETURN Approved property goes to the rightful claimant.
Select the matching property Do not claim every result sharing your name. Use the reported owner information and your history to identify a plausible account.
Identify your relationship to the owner You may be the apparent owner, an authorized business claimant, heir, beneficiary, guardian, personal representative or another legally entitled claimant.
Generate the Florida claim Follow the claim prompts linked to the selected property in the Florida system.
Read the generated requirements before uploading anything Different claims can require different proof. Use the instructions produced for that claim rather than sending random documents.
Provide identity documentation Florida law requires claimant identification with the original claim.
Prove ownership and entitlement Supply the documents that connect you to the reported owner, property or legal right to receive it.
Save the claim information Keep the claim number, property information, submission date and copies of every document sent.
Watch for a document request A request for more evidence does not automatically mean the claim is denied. Respond within the allowed time.
Use the official claim-status service Check the claim rather than starting duplicate claims for the same account.
Never claim a similar-name account speculatively. Florida law prohibits knowingly filing or helping file a claim for property the claimant is not entitled to receive.
Proof checklist

Florida is trying to prove three things: identity, ownership and entitlement

1 · Identity Is the person filing the claim really who they say they are?
2 · Ownership Can the claimant be connected to the reported owner or account?
3 · Entitlement Does this claimant have the legal right to receive the property?

Documents to prepare before filing

Clear current government photo identification
Claim form or electronic claim generated by Florida
Proof connecting you to the reported owner name
Proof connecting you to a reported former address when requested
Account or holder records when you still have them
Name-change documentation when names differ materially
Business-authority documents for company claims
Estate, heir or beneficiary evidence for deceased-owner claims
Identification rule: Florida Statute 717.124 requires a legible copy of a valid driver’s license with the original claim. If the claimant does not have a valid driver’s license, the statute provides alternate photographic-identification and sworn-statement pathways.
Document quality matters. Send complete, readable pages. A cropped ID, unreadable document, missing signature or document that does not actually connect the claimant to the owner can create another information request.

Do not overshare documents that were not requested

Build the claim around the requirements generated for your account. The goal is to provide enough evidence to prove the legal connection—not to upload every financial record you own.

Processing and response clock

Understand Florida’s 90-day claim framework before assuming a claim is stuck

90 days Florida law provides a 90-day framework for the Department to review and determine a claim or request corrections/additional information.
60 days If DFS requests additional information because of errors or omissions, failing to respond within 60 days can cause the claim to be considered withdrawn.
+60 days The determination period may be extended for good cause or certain claims involving bankruptcy, foreign addresses or untranslated foreign documents.

What can reset or extend the review?

Claim-review situations explained
Situation
What Florida law allows
What you should do
Complete claim received
The statutory determination framework begins.
Save the submission date and claim number.
Error or missing information
DFS may return the claim or request more information.
Read the request line by line and send only responsive proof.
You respond to document request
The determination period can run from receipt of the response when later than the original claim.
Keep proof of the response date.
No response within 60 days
Claim can be considered withdrawn.
Do not ignore DFS correspondence.
Foreign, bankruptcy or translation issue
A statutory 60-day extension may apply in listed circumstances.
Prepare complete translated or legal records early.
Practical tracking trick: create one folder named with the claim number. Keep the search result, claim form, ID copy, supporting evidence, DFS letters and response confirmations together.
Heirs, estates and beneficiaries

Claiming money for a deceased owner requires proof of who inherits it

Finding the deceased person’s name is only the first step. Florida must determine who is legally entitled to receive that person’s unclaimed property.

Probate or estate authority exists

Prepare the estate or probate documents showing who has authority and who is entitled to the property.

OR
Possible small-estate route

Florida Statute 717.1243 provides a procedure for qualifying property totaling $20,000 or less when no probate proceeding is pending.

Small-estate rule: what makes it different?

All unclaimed property held for the deceased owner totals $20,000 or less
No probate proceeding is pending
Beneficiaries agree on division of the estate
Required affidavit is signed by all beneficiaries
Funeral, last-illness and other lawful claims have been addressed
If the owner died with a will, a copy of the will accompanies the claim
$20,000 is not a general “automatic heir” limit. It is part of a specific Florida statutory small-estate procedure with additional conditions. The state still has to establish entitlement.

Before filing for a deceased relative

Search the deceased owner exactly Try former names and older Florida addresses.
Identify every possible account Multiple records for the same owner may affect the total property amount.
Determine whether probate is pending or completed This affects which proof path may be appropriate.
Identify heirs, beneficiaries or legatees Florida law requires entitlement to be established rather than simply showing a family relationship.
Follow the claim-specific document instructions Estate claims can require more documentation than a straightforward living-owner claim.
Companies, LLCs and organizations

Businesses can have unclaimed money too

Search businesses separately from personal names. Funds can be reported in a legal entity name even when the owner or officer never appears individually in the public listing.

Active business Prepare evidence that the business still exists and that the claimant has authority to act for it.
Name changed Connect the reported company name to the current legal entity with appropriate organizational records.
Inactive or dissolved Expect additional proof showing who is legally entitled to assets once held in the business name.

Business claim preparation

Exact legal name used by the company
Former legal or trade names
Documentation of the entity’s existence or history
Evidence of the claimant’s authority
Documents connecting the entity to the reported property
Successor, merger or dissolution documentation when applicable
Search more than the current LLC name. A refund or vendor payment can predate a reorganization, merger, conversion or name change by many years.
Tangible property

Unclaimed property can include safe-deposit-box contents—not only cash

Florida’s program can receive tangible property from abandoned safe-deposit boxes and similar safekeeping arrangements. State examples have included currency, coins, jewelry, watches, stamps and historical items.

Coins & currency Tangible money may originate from an abandoned box.
Jewelry & watches Valuable personal items can enter the custody process.
Collectibles Stamps and historical items are among state examples.
Other contents The reported description and custody history determine what can be claimed.
Do not assume the state still holds the original object indefinitely. Florida law provides for handling, sale or liquidation of certain property. Follow the claim record and DFS instructions for the specific asset.
Claim protection

You can search and claim directly—understand the rules before paying a finder

Florida’s own claim process is available to owners without a recovery fee

A letter or phone call from a private finder does not mean you must hire that person. Search the official Florida database yourself first.

  • Confirm that the property appears in the official state system.
  • Do not give sensitive documents to an unknown caller just because they know your name.
  • Read every recovery or purchase agreement before signing.
  • Understand exactly how much of the property another person proposes to keep.

Florida regulates paid claimant representatives

Florida law restricts who may receive compensation for notifying people about unclaimed property or assisting with claims. Claimant representatives are subject to licensing or professional requirements, registration requirements and state-prescribed recovery or purchase agreements.

Before agreeing to paid recovery help
Question
Why it matters
Safer action
Can I find this account myself?
The official search is available directly to the public.
Search FLTreasureHunt.gov first.
Is the representative properly authorized?
Florida regulates compensated claimant representatives.
Verify credentials and registration before signing.
What is the total fee?
A percentage fee can consume a meaningful part of a large claim.
Calculate the dollar amount, not only the percentage.
Am I selling the property?
A purchase agreement is different from ordinary claim assistance.
Read the agreement and net amount carefully.
Why do they need my ID?
Identity proof is sensitive.
Do not send ID until you have verified who is receiving it and why.
Red flag: someone claiming that you must pay them before you are allowed to use Florida’s public unclaimed-property search.
After filing

Check the existing claim instead of creating duplicates

Keep the claim information generated when you filed Save the claim number and a copy of the submitted claim.
Open Florida’s official status service Use the DFS-linked Check the Status of a Claim tool.
Check whether additional information is requested A missing-document request should be treated as an action item, not ignored.
Respond within the deadline Florida’s statute provides a 60-day response rule for requests addressing claim errors or omissions.
Keep proof of every response Save upload, mailing or other submission confirmation.
Do not repeatedly open new claims for the same account Track the existing claim unless DFS instructs you otherwise.
Check official claim status
Florida contact help

Contact the Division of Unclaimed Property when the online path is not enough

Division email FloridaUnclaimedProperty@MyFloridaCFO.com
Telephone

850-410-9253

1-888-258-2253 (Florida toll-free line)

Division address
Florida Department of Financial Services
Division of Unclaimed Property
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0358

Prepare this before contacting the Division

Claim number, if already filed
Property/account reference from the search
Claimant’s full legal name
Reported owner name
Date the claim or requested documents were submitted
Exact question you need DFS to answer
Useful contact wording: “I filed Florida unclaimed-property claim [claim number] for property reported under [owner name]. I submitted [document] on [date]. The status currently shows [status]. Can you tell me whether anything else is required from me?”
Email Florida Unclaimed Property Call 850-410-9253
Final claim check

Before you submit, run this 60-second review

The property is a genuine match—not only the same name
The claimant relationship is stated correctly
ID copy is readable and current
Every required page is included
Names and addresses are consistent or differences are explained
Estate or business authority is documented when required
Claim is signed or electronically completed as instructed
You saved a complete copy before submission
Best practical rule: make it easy for a reviewer to follow the chain from the owner named in the database to the person or entity now requesting the money.
10 practical answers

Florida unclaimed property FAQs

What is the official Florida unclaimed property website?

Florida Department of Financial Services directs the public to FLTreasureHunt.gov to search for unclaimed property, start claims and access claim-status resources.

Is it free to claim unclaimed property in Florida?

Yes. Rightful owners and heirs can claim property held by Florida without paying the state a claim fee. Florida also regulates people who charge to help recover unclaimed property.

What types of unclaimed property can Florida hold?

Common examples include dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, deposits, refunds, credit balances and property from abandoned safe-deposit boxes.

What documents are needed for a Florida unclaimed property claim?

The claimant must prove identity, ownership and entitlement. Florida law requires identification with the original claim and the Department may require additional documentation connecting the claimant to the reported owner, address, account, estate or business.

How long does Florida take to review an unclaimed property claim?

Florida law provides a 90-day claim determination framework. The Department may request additional information, and certain circumstances may allow an additional 60 days.

What happens if Florida asks for more claim documents?

Respond promptly. Florida law states that a claim is considered withdrawn if the Department does not receive a response to its request for additional information within 60 days after notification of errors or omissions.

Can I claim Florida unclaimed property for someone who died?

Potential heirs, beneficiaries and estate representatives may claim property when they can establish entitlement. Florida also has a small-estate procedure for qualifying property totaling $20,000 or less when no probate proceeding is pending.

Can a business claim Florida unclaimed property?

Yes. A business or other apparent owner may file a claim, but the claimant must provide documentation proving identity, ownership, authority and entitlement to the property.

Does Florida unclaimed property expire if I do not claim it immediately?

Florida Department of Financial Services states that rightful owners and heirs can claim property held by the state at any time. Search old names and addresses even when the underlying account is many years old.

How do I check a Florida unclaimed property claim status?

Use the official Check the Status of a Claim service linked by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Keep the claim information generated when the claim was filed.

Information reviewed August 8, 2026: Florida Treasure Hunt access, DFS claim-status routing, statewide 2026 unclaimed-property statistics, Chapter 717 claim rules, identification requirements, 90-day determination process, 60-day missing-information response rule, small-estate requirements, claimant-representative restrictions and Division contact information were checked against Florida Department of Financial Services, Florida Treasure Hunt, Florida Administrative Rules and Florida Legislature sources.
Independent guide: This page is not the Florida Department of Financial Services and does not hold or release unclaimed property. Search results, claim requirements, ownership decisions, document requests and payment decisions are controlled by the Florida Division of Unclaimed Property. Use the official state system for live searches and claims.
Ohio Auditor Tools · Tax Year 2026

10 Ohio Property Tax Calculators & Auditor Tools

Built specifically for Ohio's 35% assessment ratio, current DTE forms, and 2026 Homestead, Owner-Occupancy, CAUV, Conveyance Fee, and Board of Revision rules. Every number reflects verified Ohio Department of Taxation amounts.

Homestead: $29,000 Enhanced Vet: $58,000 OAGI limit: $41,000 Assessment: 35% of market BOR filing: Free · DTE 1

Annual Tax Bill Estimator

OHIO

Applies Ohio's 35% assessment ratio plus your county's effective millage tier — the actual math your auditor uses.

Pick a county tier and enter your market value.

Homestead Reduction Calculator

DTE 105A

2026 Ohio Homestead: $29,000 general or $58,000 enhanced (100% disabled vet, KIA spouse). OAGI under $41,000 required for non-veteran applicants.

Pick your situation and enter your home value.

Owner-Occupancy & Non-Business Credits

DTE 105C

Every Ohio owner-occupied home qualifies for the 2.5% Owner-Occupancy Credit plus the automatic 10% Non-Business Credit. Most owners don't realize these stack.

Enter your annual tax to see both credit amounts.

Conveyance Fee Calculator

ORC 322

When you sell or transfer Ohio property, the auditor collects $1 state + up to $3 county per $1,000, plus $0.50 per parcel. Counties choose their rate.

Enter sale price and pick your county rate.

CAUV Agricultural Savings

DTE 109

Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value cuts taxable value dramatically for farmland (10+ acres, or smaller with $2,500+ annual gross income).

Enter both market and CAUV values to see savings.

Mill Rate Converter

Ohio tax rates appear three ways on auditor sites: mills, percent, or dollars per $1,000. Convert between them instantly.

Enter a rate to see all three forms.

Parcel Number Cleaner

Ohio's 88 counties each format parcels differently — Franklin uses 010-123456-00, Cuyahoga uses 001-23-456, Hamilton uses 100-0001-0001-00. Auto-detects.

Paste any Ohio county parcel to format it.

35% Ratio Sanity Check

Ohio law sets taxable value at 35% of market value. If yours is significantly higher, you're a strong BOR appeal candidate.

Enter both values to compare against Ohio's 35% target.

BOR Appeal Savings

DTE 1

A successful Board of Revision complaint typically cuts your value 10–20%. Filing is free and stays in effect until the next reappraisal.

Enter your tax bill and reduction estimate.

BOR Deadline Countdown

MAR 31

Ohio's statutory Board of Revision filing deadline is March 31 for the prior tax year. Miss it and you wait until next year — no extensions.

Set your deadline to start the countdown.

Verify with the official Ohio source

These calculators use the verified 2026 Ohio Department of Taxation amounts and statutory rules. For your exact bill, exemption status, and county-specific deadlines, always confirm with your county auditor and the Ohio Revised Code:

Ohio Dept. of Taxation — Real Property DTE Forms (105A, 105C, 1, 109) ORC 5715 — Board of Revision ORC 5713 — Taxable Real Property ORC 322.02 — Conveyance Fee ORC 319.54(F)(3) — State Fee ORC 5713.30 — CAUV tax.ohio.gov — Main Portal

Estimates use Ohio's 35% statutory assessment ratio and effective tax rate tiers averaged across major Ohio counties. Your actual bill depends on local school levies, voted millage, inside vs. outside millage splits, House Bill 920 reduction factors (HB 920), and special assessments. The 2026 Homestead general amount ($29,000) and enhanced amount ($58,000) reflect HB 187 inflation indexing — your county auditor's office may show slightly different transitional figures. Nothing here is legal or tax advice. CountyAuditors.org is an independent informational directory, not affiliated with any county government.

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