Comptroller FAQs for Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed Property is a financial asset that is unknown or lost, or has been left inactive, unclaimed or abandoned by its owner. The most common types of unclaimed property that the Clerk and Comptroller processes are unclaimed insurance proceeds, uncashed checks, credit balances and refunds.

Per Chapter 717, Florida Statutes, the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office will attempt to locate, re-establish contact with the owner and return the asset. When these attempts fail, a report, including the property and the owner's name, last known address and other information, is made to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property.

The Department acts as custodian for the State of Florida but never takes legal ownership of the property. The State uses various methods, including database searches, in an effort to notify owners of their property. Citizens have the right to claim their property, at no cost, anytime, regardless of the amount.

Search the database of unclaimed property in Florida. There is no statute of limitations on unclaimed property in Florida. Account owners or their heirs can claim their funds indefinitely.

To request stop payment on a check or to initiate a claim for unclaimed money held by the Clerk and Comptroller, email the Clerk and Comptroller with the check details including, but not limited to:

• Check number
• Check date
• Amount of original check
• Payee name

For a check to be reissued to the payee, the original check must be returned. If the original check has been lost, an Affidavit for Stop Payment(PDF, 385KB) must be completed in the presence of a notary public and the executed document returned to the following address for the check to be reissued:

Sarasota County Finance Department
Attn: Financial Services
P.O. Box 8
Sarasota, FL  34230-0008

Yes. If you are the named beneficiary or trustee of an estate, you can attempt to claim property for a deceased relative. Additional documentation will be required. Refer to the Forida Treasure Hunt FAQs.

Check for an unclaimed property in Florida. There is no statute of limitations on unclaimed property in Florida. Account owners or their heirs can claim their funds indefinitely. Search other State websites at the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) – The leading, trusted authority in unclaimed property.