Does Florida Owe You Money In 2020: Find Out Here

FLORIDA — One in five Floridians has money sitting in a state treasury account, but it's up to you to claim your property, officials say. The state of Florida holds on to millions of dollars until it is claimed by the rightful owner or that person's heirs. Many people who have unclaimed cash don't realize it, whether it's money owed from pension funds, business refunds or other sources.

The unclaimed property the state keeps an eye on includes stocks, bonds, savings accounts, security deposits, contents of safe deposit boxes, insurance proceeds and other valuables which are reported to the state as unclaimed by banks and other financial institutions after 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.

There is no statute of limitations on unclaimed property in Florida. Account owners, or their heirs, can claim their funds indefinitely, free of charge. Authorities say $323 million was paid out to Floridians last year.

To see if you have money in the state's care, go to FLTreasureHunt.gov and search under your name or a business name.

The U.S. government lacks a central website to find unclaimed funds. To search for unclaimed money that may be lying in a different state's treasury, check this list of treasurer's offices.

If you don't have money lying in the state treasury, the government also suggests checking for unclaimed funds from bank failures or unclaimed deposits from credit union closures. You could also check for unclaimed or undelivered tax refunds or a refund from an FHA-insured mortgage.

Finally, you can check for unclaimed back wages, pension money or life insurance funds. Here is how to find out how to search for these unclaimed funds.