State Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced this week that more than $26 million in unclaimed property was returned to Floridians in the month of December 2020.
Since Patronis took office three years ago more than $1.1 billion has been returned to Floridians in Unclaimed Property.
“We’re working hard to get our economy back on its feet and that’s why I am proud to announce that for the month of December more than $26 million went to the pockets of Floridians. Since the pandemic began last March, we have recovered and returned more than $297 million, which is especially important because now is the time when people need it the most. I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard and make 2021 a record-high year in returns. I encourage all Floridians to search now for unclaimed property at FLTreasureHunt.gov,” Patronis said on Tuesday.
Unclaimed Property is a financial asset that is unknown or lost, or has been left inactive, unclaimed or abandoned by its owner. The most common types of unclaimed property are dormant bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, stocks, dividends, uncashed checks, deposits, credit balances and refunds. Unclaimed property also includes contents from abandoned safe deposit boxes in financial institutions. Unclaimed property assets are held by business or government entities (holders) for a set period of time, usually five years. If the holder is unable to locate, re-establish contact with the owner and return the asset, it is reported and remitted to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property.
To search for unclaimed property or to claim an account, go online to FLTreasureHunt.gov.
