Unclaimed Property in Florida
Locate FL unclaimed property to use in your business
A court may classify unclaimed property in Florida as abandoned, lost or mislaid. These classifications have their origins in common law and can be difficult to interpret under modern legal systems. Legal documents may refer to the common law doctrine that ensures property is not left ownerless as escheat. Florida property owners usually have a superior claim to escheat than a trespasser who discovers the property.There are specific forms and procedures to follow when claiming Florida abandoned property. Generally, the state serves as the custodian for abandoned property in Florida until the appropriate agencies approve the finder’s claim on the abandoned property. Florida companies frequently lose property through misfortune or carelessness. Unclaimed property can be an inexpensive way to obtain business equipment.
There are general types of Florida state unclaimed property:
1. Liquid assets such as a dormant bank account, safe deposit contents, unclaimed deposits or refunds, uncashed checks and unused insurance benefits;
2. Abandoned property the original owner is unlikely to return to claim. Certain property such as wrecked cars, ships or aircraft may belong to the state;
3. Property confiscated by law enforcement or repossessed by a loan company. These items are frequently auctioned off to the public.
Find agencies that handle state of Florida unclaimed property
Beware of sites that charge you a fee to help you find contact information for the Florida unclaimed property division. This information should be available from your state government at no charge.
Try: Conduct a national search at MissingMoney.com by first and last name, and state. The Florida Department of Financial Services keeps a database of unclaimed property that is searchable by name, business name or city. It also has advanced search options that accepts additional criteria.
Participate in an Florida unclaimed property auction
Most states have their own auctions to allow prospective buyers to bid on unclaimed or otherwise abandoned property.
Try: Bid4assets.com offers auctions on a variety of property that has been seized or forfeited to the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Carsfrom500.com allows you to search for government auctions in your area. You can specify zip code and a search radius.
Search for Florida unclaimed properties in your city
Some cities in Florida have a department that attempts to reunite unclaimed property with its owner. This department can answer specific questions regarding lost or abandoned property.
Try: The Property and Evidence Unit for the Plantation Police Department is responsible for storing unclaimed property. The Property Section of the Miami Police Department manages all types of property, including evidence and lost property.
- Unclaimed property in Florida that the owner deliberately hides or conceals may be a treasure trove instead of mislaid property. The property must remain concealed long enough for the owner to be dead or undiscoverable. A treasure trove may belong to the finder or the property owner.
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