Florida
Statutory term: Unclaimed Property
Overview
Search for Unclaimed Property
This program provides a public search portal where you can look up unclaimed property.
Search Now →Key Statistics
Dormancy Periods
The dormancy period is how long property must be inactive before it is considered unclaimed and reported to the state.
| Property Type | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank accounts | 5 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.106 |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.112 |
| Insurance proceeds | 5 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.107 |
| Securities/dividends | 5 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.1145 |
| Utility deposits/refunds | 5 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.108 |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.109 (after lease expiration) |
| Property held in trust | 2 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.1125 (reduced from 5 years) |
| Money orders | 7 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.110 |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.111 |
| Court/government property | 5 | Fla. Stat. Section 717.113 |
Florida generally uses a 5-year dormancy period for most property types, which is longer than the 3-year period used by many states. Notable exceptions include wages (1 year), safe deposit boxes (3 years after lease expiration), property held in trust (2 years, recently reduced from 5), and traveler's checks (15 years). The law is administered by the Chief Financial Officer through the Department of Financial Services. One in five Floridians is estimated to have unclaimed property.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Strict
Fee Cap: 15-25% (tiered by holding period) — For property valued under $250: fee limited to $25 flat. For property valued at $250+: fee limited to 15% if held by department for 24 months or less; 25% if held for more than 24 months. Total fees and costs may not exceed 30% of the claimed amount. Fla. Stat. Section 717.135.
Waiting Period: 12 months — Finder agreements are unenforceable if made within 90 days after the department attempted notification of the owner, or within 12 months after the property is reported to the department, whichever occurs first. Fla. Stat. Section 717.135.
Solicitation Rules: All agreements must include the name, address, and professional license number of the finder. The agreement must be signed by the property owner and filed with the claim form. Agreements made within the waiting period are void.