Brevard County Florida unclaimed money sits in accounts held by the Clerk of Courts in Titusville and in the state database run by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Thousands of people who live or once lived in Brevard County have funds waiting for them.
This includes old refunds, uncashed checks, bank accounts, insurance payouts, security deposits, and stocks. The search is free, the claim is free, and there is no deadline to collect. This page covers every place your money may sit, how to search, and how to claim it step by step.
What Brevard County Unclaimed Money Is and Where It Comes From
Unclaimed money in Brevard County is any cash or financial asset that a company, bank, court, or government office owes to a person who has not claimed it for a set time. Florida law makes the holder send these funds to the state or the Clerk after the dormancy period ends. Once that happens, the owner or their heirs can search for the money and file a claim at any time.
Main Sources of Unclaimed Money in Brevard County
Most Brevard County unclaimed money comes from a small group of common sources. Bank accounts left empty for five years, uncashed payroll checks, refunds, deposits on utility bills, life insurance proceeds, and contents of safe deposit boxes all become unclaimed. Court-related funds like jury payments, registry deposits, and tax deed surplus also move to the Clerk of Courts.
- Old savings and checking accounts
- Uncashed paychecks and vendor checks
- Utility refunds and security deposits
- Life insurance and annuity payments
- Stocks, dividends, and mutual fund cash
- Safe deposit box contents
- Court registry deposits and bond money
- Tax deed surplus from property sales
Why So Much Unclaimed Money Exists
People move. People forget. People die and their heirs do not know about a small account or an old policy. Businesses merge, change names, or shut down. When no one contacts the holder for a long enough time, Florida law forces the holder to send the asset to the state or the county. The money does not disappear. It stays safe until the owner shows up with proof of identity.
How to Search Brevard County Unclaimed Money Records
There are two main places to search for unclaimed money in Brevard County. The first is the Brevard County Clerk of Courts website. The second is the Florida Department of Financial Services database called FLTreasureHunt.gov. Both are free, official, and open to the public 24 hours a day.
Searching the Brevard County Clerk Website
The Brevard County Clerk of Courts runs an unclaimed funds page at brevardclerk.us/unclaimed-funds. This page lists three types of local money. Unclaimed refunds, tax deed surplus, and court registry deposits all show up here. You can scroll through the lists from home. Each entry shows the name, the amount, and a case number when one exists.
You should check this list if you ever lived, worked, owned property, or went to court in Brevard County. The list updates often, so check back if you do not see your name the first time.
Searching FLTreasureHunt.gov
FLTreasureHunt.gov is the official state database run by the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Unclaimed Property. It holds all money that businesses, banks, insurers, and other holders have sent to the state. This includes Brevard County addresses from years past. You can search by name, business name, or property ID. The site covers more than just what the Clerk holds.
Searching MissingMoney.com for Multi-State Results
MissingMoney.com is a free tool that searches many state databases at once. If you moved to Brevard County from another state, or if you lived in Brevard County and moved away, this tool helps you cover both ends. It pulls results from Florida and other states in one search.
Search Tips for Better Results
Many people miss matches because they only search one version of their name. Try every name you have ever used. Search with and without a middle name. Search maiden names, married names, and nicknames. Try close misspellings. Small typos in old records can hide your money for years.
- Search all name versions you have ever used
- Try both first name and last name order
- Use a wildcard search when the site allows it
- Check business names if you owned a company
- Search relatives who may have listed you as heir
Types of Unclaimed Money Held by the Brevard County Clerk
The Brevard County Clerk of Courts holds three fund types that are different from the state system. Each type has its own list, its own form, and its own claim path. Knowing which type you match helps you file the right paper the first time.
Unclaimed Refunds Held by the Clerk
The Clerk holds refunds that came from court fees, recording fees, and other small payments. When the person who should have received the check does not cash it, the Clerk keeps the record. After one year, Florida Statute 116.21 makes these funds unclaimed. They show up on the unclaimed funds page with the owner’s name and the amount.
Tax Deed Surplus Funds
When a property sells at a tax deed auction for more than the taxes owed, the extra money goes to the Clerk. That surplus belongs to the former property owner. Many former owners never know they have money waiting. The tax deed surplus page lists current surplus funds with the names of the people who may claim them.
Court Registry Deposits
Money deposited with the court during a case stays in the court registry until a judge signs an order to release it. This includes bond money, settlements held by the court, and deposits made during lawsuits. A court order is required to claim these funds. The Clerk cannot release them on its own.
How to File a Claim with the Brevard County Clerk
Filing a claim with the Brevard County Clerk requires the right forms, valid ID, and a signed W-9 tax form. The Clerk’s claim forms page lists every form you may need based on your fund type and your claimant status. You can download them and mail them in. There is no online filing option for Clerk-held funds.
Documents You Need to Claim as the Original Owner
If you are the original owner, you need a W-9 form and one valid state or federal photo ID. The Clerk will also ask for a fund-specific form based on where your money came from. Most claims finish in a few weeks once the office receives your paperwork.
- Completed W-9 tax form with your Social Security Number
- One government-issued photo ID, such as a driver license or passport
- Lost Check Affidavit for refunds and small checks
- Claim to Tax Deed Surplus form for property surplus
- Owner’s Claim to Foreclosure Surplus form for mortgage surplus
- Motion and Order to Disburse for court registry deposits
Documents You Need to Claim as a Third Party or Heir
If you are filing on behalf of someone else, you need more paperwork. The Clerk must verify that you have the legal right to collect the money. Heirs often need a death certificate and proof of relationship. Third party agents need a power of attorney.
- Assignment of Interest form signed by the owner
- Limited Power of Attorney for agents
- Completed W-9 tax form for the claimant
- Two valid forms of state or federal photo ID
- Death certificate and heirship proof for estate claims
- The same fund-specific form the owner would have filed
Where to Mail Your Brevard County Claim
All completed claim forms should be mailed to the Brevard County Clerk of Courts. The mailing address is P.O. Box 999, Titusville, FL 32781-0999. Write “Attn: Clerk’s Finance” on the envelope so the right team picks it up. You can also call (321) 637-2001 to ask questions about your claim before you mail it.
Florida Statute 116.21 Unclaimed Checks in Brevard County
Florida Statute 116.21 covers checks the Clerk collected through court work. Jury duty pay, refunds on case fees, witness payments, and other small court checks can sit for a year and then become unclaimed. The Brevard County Clerk runs a separate page for these F.S. 116.21 unclaimed checks.
Search the list for your name. If you see a match, file the Lost Check Affidavit along with your ID and W-9. The Clerk publishes these names once a year in the local paper. The website is faster than waiting for the paper notice.
Tax Deed Surplus Funds in Brevard County
Tax deed surplus is one of the largest fund types held by the Brevard County Clerk. When a property sells for more than the owed taxes, the extra money goes to the Clerk. This surplus belongs to the former owner of the property or to the holder of certain liens on that property. The Clerk holds the funds for a set time before turning them over to the state.
How to Claim Tax Deed Surplus
To claim tax deed surplus, file the Claim to Tax Deed Surplus form with the Clerk. Include your W-9 and a valid photo ID. If you are the former owner, your ID must match the records from the sale. If you are an heir or lienholder, you must also include proof of your right to the money. The Clerk’s tax deed team handles these claims separately.
Tax Deed Contact for Brevard County
For questions on tax deed surplus, call the dedicated tax deed line at 321-637-2007. You can also email the tax deed team at taxdeedclerks@brevardclerk.us. Mail tax deed surplus claim forms to the same P.O. Box 999, Titusville, FL 32781-0999, with the tax deed team listed on the envelope.
Court Registry Money in Brevard County
The Brevard County court registry holds money deposited during lawsuits, divorce cases, probate matters, and bond postings. These funds sit in the registry until a judge orders them released. A judge must sign off on the release. The Clerk’s office cannot disburse registry funds on its own, even if the parties agree.
How to Claim Court Registry Deposits
To claim court registry deposits, you must file a Motion and Order to Disburse. A Brevard County judge must sign the order before the Clerk can pay out the money. You may want to talk to a lawyer for this step. Once you have the signed order, send it with your claim paperwork to the Clerk’s Finance division. These claims take longer than other types because of the court approval step.
Unclaimed Money Moved to the State of Florida
Not all unclaimed money stays with the Brevard County Clerk. Under Chapter 717 of the Florida Statutes, funds that go unclaimed for the set time must be sent to the state. The Brevard County Clerk’s escheated funds page lists accounts already turned over to the Florida Department of Financial Services.
If your money was escheated from Brevard County to the state, search FLTreasureHunt.gov. Once the funds reach the state system, there is still no time limit on your claim. Florida law lets you or your heirs claim the money at any time, for free.
Searching FLTreasureHunt.gov for Brevard County Property
The FLTreasureHunt.gov database covers far more than the Clerk’s local lists. It includes old bank accounts, uncashed paychecks from employers across Florida, life insurance payouts, securities, and safe deposit box contents tied to Brevard County addresses. One in five Floridians has funds in this system. The average claim is worth more than $2,000.
How to Claim Through FLTreasureHunt.gov
Once you find a match on FLTreasureHunt.gov, you start the claim right on the site. You enter your current address, fill in your ID details, and upload proof of identity. The Florida Department of Financial Services reviews the claim and may ask for extra documents. Most claims finish within 90 days. There is no fee at any step.
Documents the State Asks For
The state will ask for proof that you are the rightful owner. A driver license or passport works for photo ID. A Social Security card or W-2 helps confirm your tax ID. For heirs, the state asks for a death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir. You can upload scans or photos of these documents through the claim portal.
Florida Laws That Protect Brevard County Claimants
Florida has strong laws to protect unclaimed money claimants. Chapter 717, called the Florida Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act, sets the rules. It tells holders when property becomes unclaimed, how they must report it, and how the state holds it safe until the owner shows up.
Key Time Periods Under Florida Law
Different types of property have different dormancy periods before they become unclaimed. The general rule under Section 717.102 is five years. Wages under Section 717.115 have a one-year period. Safe deposit box contents under Section 717.116 use a three-year window. Court-related money under Section 116.21 has a one-year period. Knowing these timelines helps you understand when your money became unclaimed.
No Time Limit to Claim Your Money
Section 717.129 makes one point clear: there is no time limit to claim your unclaimed money in Florida. The end of a contract period, the death of the original owner, or the closing of a bank account does not stop your right to claim. You or your heirs can file a claim at any time, even decades later. Florida also bars the state from charging any fee to search or claim.
Common Reasons People Have Unclaimed Money in Brevard County
Some groups are more likely to have unclaimed money in Brevard County. The Space Coast brings in workers, military families, and retirees. Many of them changed jobs, moved in or out of the county, or closed accounts without cashing small balances. Knowing who is most likely to have unclaimed money helps you decide who in your family to search for.
Former Brevard County Residents Who Moved Away
People who grew up in Brevard County and moved to other states often leave behind small accounts, security deposits, and uncashed checks. A search on MissingMoney.com across all states they lived in can recover these funds.
Heirs of People Who Died in Brevard County
When a person dies, their bank, broker, or insurer may not know who the new owner is. The funds go to the state after the dormancy period. Heirs can search by the deceased person’s name and claim what they have the legal right to collect.
People Who Worked for Companies That Merged or Closed
When a company changes hands, small balances in payroll, expense reimbursement, and stock plans get lost. Workers often forget about these small amounts. Searching by old employer name can turn up matches years later.
Property Owners Who Went Through Tax Deed or Foreclosure
Tax deed surplus and foreclosure surplus are large and often missed. People who lost property years ago in Brevard County may still have surplus money waiting for them on the Clerk’s tax deed surplus page.
Tips to Speed Up Your Brevard County Claim
You can avoid delays and get your money faster by following a few simple steps. Most delays happen because of missing ID, wrong addresses, or unsigned forms. A clean, complete claim file usually processes the first time.
Use Your Current Legal Name on All Forms
Your name on the claim must match your photo ID. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, include the legal document that proves the change. The Clerk and the state will not process the claim until the names line up.
Send Clear Scans or Photos of Your ID
Use a flat surface, good lighting, and full-frame copies. The Clerk must read every detail on your ID. Blurry or cut-off scans slow down the claim.
Double-Check Your Social Security Number
A wrong digit on the W-9 form triggers a tax reporting mismatch. The state and the Clerk both use the W-9 to report the claim to the IRS. Check each digit before you mail.
Keep Copies of Everything You Send
Always keep a copy of every form, ID, and document you send. If a piece gets lost in the mail, you can send it again without starting over.
Brevard County Clerk of Courts Office
The Brevard County Clerk of Courts is the main hub for county court services. Beyond unclaimed money, this office handles case filings, court records, marriage licenses, and financial reports. The Clerk serves every city and community in Brevard County, including Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, Rockledge, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, and Indialantic.
Office Contact and Location
The Brevard County Clerk of Courts main office is in Titusville, Florida. You can reach the office by mail, phone, or email. The website is open 24 hours a day for searches and form downloads.
Official Website: brevardclerk.us
Phone: (321) 637-2001
Unclaimed Funds Email: BrevardUnclaimed@brevardclerk.us
Tax Deed Phone: 321-637-2007
Tax Deed Email: taxdeedclerks@brevardclerk.us
Mailing Address: Brevard County Clerk of Courts, Attn: Clerk’s Finance, P.O. Box 999, Titusville, FL 32781-0999
Nearby Counties to Search
If you lived near a county line in Brevard County, your unclaimed money may sit in a neighboring county. Search each one to be safe.
| County | Location Relative to Brevard |
|---|---|
| Volusia County | North |
| Seminole County | Northwest |
| Orange County | West |
| Osceola County | Southwest |
| Indian River County | South |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions people most often ask about Brevard County Florida unclaimed money. Each answer covers a specific part of the search, claim, and legal process.
Is it really free to search and claim unclaimed money in Brevard County?
Yes. The Brevard County Clerk of Courts does not charge any fee to search for or claim unclaimed money. The Florida Department of Financial Services also does not charge any fee to search FLTreasureHunt.gov or file a claim. If someone asks you to pay a fee to claim your money, that person is not working for the Clerk or the state. The official searches and claims are always free for the owner.
How long do I have to claim unclaimed money in Brevard County?
Florida has no time limit on unclaimed property claims. Under Section 717.129, the right to claim never expires. Whether the money has been waiting one year or fifty years, the owner or their legal heirs can file a claim. You can claim on behalf of a deceased relative as long as you can prove the legal right to inherit.
What if my name appears on the Brevard County unclaimed funds list but my address is wrong?
That is normal. Old records often have old addresses. As long as your name matches and you can prove your identity with a photo ID, the Clerk will process the claim. You may need to provide extra proof like a Social Security card or old bill to confirm you are the same person.
Can I claim unclaimed money on behalf of a deceased relative?
Yes. Heirs can claim unclaimed money owed to a deceased relative. You will need the death certificate, proof that you are the legal heir, and your own photo ID. If there is a will probated in Brevard County, you also send a copy of the court order naming you as the personal representative.
What is the difference between the Brevard County Clerk and FLTreasureHunt.gov?
The Brevard County Clerk only holds money tied to court activity, tax deed sales, and refunds paid through the Clerk’s office. FLTreasureHunt.gov holds money from banks, insurers, employers, utilities, and other businesses. Always search both. Some people have money in one system and not the other.
How long does it take to get my money after I file a claim?
Claims through the Brevard County Clerk usually take a few weeks once all paperwork is in order. Claims through the Florida Department of Financial Services can take up to 90 days. The state may ask for extra documents during the review. Mailing time and how fast you respond to requests affect the total time.
Do I have to pay taxes on unclaimed money I receive?
The money itself is not taxed when you claim it. The state and the Clerk report the claim to the IRS, just like a 1099 income for some property types. You may owe tax on interest that accrued while the money was held. Talk to a tax expert if you have questions about your specific claim.