Heather Ainsley
news@greenepublishing.com
Life is busy. We all have a lot going on, and it can be hard to keep track of things. Sometimes we cut ties, move cities and quit jobs abruptly, never giving it a second thought. But, did you remember to collect your last paycheck before moving? Did you receive a check for the escrow on your house before you moved? Did a distant relative leave you in their will when they passed, but didn't have an updated address for you? You may have unclaimed property in the system.
Unclaimed property is a financial asset that is unknown or lost, or one that has been left inactive, unclaimed or abandoned by its owner. Typically, unclaimed property assets are held by businesses or government entities for a period of five years, and if they are unable to locate and establish contact with the owner of the property, the asset is reported and remitted to the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Unclaimed Property, who then compiles the information in a database that is available to search free of charge.
The database enables anyone to search their name and learn if they have unclaimed property in the system, and allows them to initiate a claim on that property. In Florida, there is no statute of limitations on unclaimed property, so account owners or their heirs can claim funds at any time, for free. unclaimed property could be refunds, credit balances, uncashed checks, life insurance benefits, stocks, bonds and safety deposit box contents.
The database, which can be accessed at fltreasurehunt.gov, provides step-by-step instructions for how to file a claim, as well as what documentation will be required to have a claim accepted. Once on the website, simply click the green square that says “search,” and fill out the necessary information.
One in five Floridians has unclaimed funds from a forgotten financial account. Find out if that means you!