Did you know that one in five Floridians has unclaimed funds from a forgotten financial account — and that the state currently holds billions of dollars in unclaimed funds waiting to be reunited with rightful owners? 

The good news is that reclaiming the money and items found in these accounts is possible. According to the MyFloridaCFO, these funds have no statute of limitations, and citizens can claim their property at any time at no cost. Still, the process can feel overwhelming for individuals unsure of where to begin. Understanding some of the basic steps to claiming property in Florida can help streamline the process for you.

What Is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property refers to financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their owners. Abandonment can happen for many reasons, such as when someone moves without updating their address, leaves a job without cashing their final paycheck, or simply forgets about an account. Common types of unclaimed property in Florida include:

• Dormant bank accounts
• Unclaimed insurance payouts
• Stocks and dividends
• Uncashed checks
• Contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes

Under Florida law (Chapter 717 of the Florida Statutes), businesses and government entities must turn over unclaimed property to the Florida Department of Financial Services after a dormancy period, typically between 1-5 years. The state then acts as a custodian, holding the assets until they are claimed.

Challenges of Claiming Unclaimed Property

While the process to claim unclaimed property is designed to be accessible, many individuals encounter challenges such as:

Proving Ownership
Providing the required documentation, such as proof of address, account records, or family relationships, can be daunting.

Rigid Requirements
A simple name match is not enough—specific evidence must be submitted, especially for heirs claiming on behalf of a deceased owner.

Delays in Processing
Incomplete submissions often lead to delays, and the process can take up to 90 days or longer to finalize.

These are just a few of the obstacles that can discourage individuals from pursuing their claims, even when the funds are significant.

How EstateCo Simplifies the Process

Every year, countless Floridians discover they may have unclaimed funds waiting for them—but navigating the claims process can feel like an uphill battle. From complex documentation requirements to proving ownership, the journey is often far from straightforward. That’s where EstateCo comes in. At EstateCo, we specialize in helping individuals and families successfully navigate Florida’s unclaimed property system. Here’s how we make the process easier:

Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
Our experienced team takes the guesswork out of the claims process. We verify your eligibility and ensure you meet all the documentation requirements before submitting your claim.

Comprehensive Document Preparation
EstateCo’s onsite legal department understands the requirements of the Florida Department of Financial Services. We gather and organize all evidence needed to prove ownership. From government-issued IDs to certified death certificates for heirs, we can help ensure your claim is submitted correctly the first time, minimizing delays.

Specialized Heir Advocacy
For those claiming on behalf of deceased loved ones, our genealogists and investigators work tirelessly to verify family connections and establish rightful heirship. We handle the complex details so you can focus on your family.

Efficient Claims Management
Once we submit your claim, we monitor its progress and handle any follow-ups with the state. Our goal is to expedite the process and keep you informed every step of the way.

Zero Financial Risk
EstateCo operates on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We’re only compensated after your claim is successful, ensuring no financial burden on you throughout the process.

Navigating Florida’s unclaimed property system alone can be overwhelming, but with EstateCo, you have a trusted partner who knows the ins and outs of the process. Our expertise has helped countless clients recover funds they never thought they’d see again.

Take the First Step Today

Don’t let the complexity of the claims process keep you from reclaiming what’s rightfully yours. Contact EstateCo for a no-obligation consultation, and let us simplify the process for you. From verifying your claim to securing your funds, we’re here to help every step of the way.