How Is Unclaimed Property Claimed in Florida?

Florida's unclaimed property program holds funds and property reported by businesses as abandoned, such as dormant accounts, uncashed checks, and securities. The state searches and claims site is run by the Department of Financial Services.

Section 717.124(1) requires a claim to be filed on the department's form and verified by the claimant or the claimant's representative. It must include a copy of a valid driver license or other government photo identification, or a sworn statement notarized as the statute describes. The department may ask for additional information.

Timing is set by statute. Within 90 days after receipt, the department may return a claim that contains apparent errors or omissions or seeks fees above those the chapter permits. A claim may be treated as withdrawn if there is no response within 60 days to a written request for more information. The department determines each claim within 90 days after receipt or after the claimant's response, whichever is later, and that period may be extended by 60 days for good cause.

People other than the owner may also claim. A claimant's representative must be registered with the department under the statute, and estates and heirs follow the documentation the department requires for deceased owner claims. Section 717.124(11) confirms that the claim process also applies to funds deposited by courts and estates under sections 732.107 and 733.816. The process for administering an estate is explained in the role of a personal representative.