Puerto Rico

Statutory term: Abandoned or Unclaimed Money

Overview

Uniform Act
None (territory-specific)

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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 (savings/checking/CDs) 5 Act 36-1989 and Act 55-1933: accounts inactive for 5 years as of June 30 are presumed abandoned
Money orders 5 General 5-year dormancy under Act 36-1989
Insurance proceeds 5 General 5-year dormancy under Act 36-1989
Securities/dividends 5 General 5-year dormancy under Act 36-1989
Wages/payroll 5 General 5-year dormancy; no shortened payroll period specified
Utility deposits/refunds 5 General 5-year dormancy under Act 36-1989
Other liquid assets 5 Act 36-1989 applies a uniform 5-year dormancy to all money and liquid assets

Puerto Rico uses a uniform 5-year dormancy period for most property types under Act 36-1989. Funds reported by banks under Act 55-1933 must be claimed within 3 years of delivery to OCIF; funds from other institutions under Act 36-1989 can be claimed at any time. Preliminary reports due in fall; final reports due in summer.

Finder / Helper Restrictions

Restriction Level: None

Fee Cap: None specified — Puerto Rico's Act 36-1989 does not contain specific finder fee cap provisions. The territory has not adopted RUUPA or its finder-restriction framework.

Waiting Period: None specified — No statutory waiting period before finders may contact owners. However, funds reported by banks have a 3-year claim window from delivery to OCIF under Act 55-1933.

Solicitation Rules: No specific finder solicitation rules in territorial law.