Broward County Florida unclaimed money is cash and property that companies, courts, or government offices owe to people but cannot reach. The Florida Department of Financial Services holds most of these funds in trust under Chapter 717 of Florida Statutes.
The Broward Clerk of Courts and Comptroller in Fort Lauderdale holds local funds that have not yet moved to the state. Anyone can search both sources at no cost. This page explains how to search, how to file a claim, and how to avoid scams.
What Unclaimed Money Means in Broward County
Unclaimed money in Broward County is money owed to a person or business that has had no owner contact for a set number of years. Florida law calls this “unclaimed property.” Banks, credit unions, insurance firms, courts, utilities, and many other groups must turn dormant funds over to the state once the dormancy period ends. The state holds the funds until the rightful owner files a claim.
The Legal Basis for Unclaimed Property
Chapter 717 of the Florida Statutes is the main law that covers unclaimed property. The law lists the dormancy time a holder must wait before turning funds over to the state. Most types of property go unclaimed after five years with no owner contact. Wages go unclaimed after one year under Statute 717.115. Safe deposit box items go unclaimed after three years under Statute 717.116. Once the state has the funds, the owner can still claim them at any time. There is no deadline for owners to come forward.
Common Sources of Unclaimed Money in Broward
Broward County has more than two million residents. With that many people, a large amount of funds go unclaimed each year. The most common sources are dormant bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, stock dividends, insurance refunds, utility deposits, court registry funds, tax deed surplus, and vendor refund checks. Knowing these sources helps you know what to look for when you run your search.
- Dormant bank accounts and credit union accounts
- Uncashed paychecks from past jobs
- Old stock dividends and brokerage cash
- Insurance refunds and policy proceeds
- Utility deposit refunds from FPL, water, or cable
- Court registry funds from foreclosure sales
- Tax deed surplus from property auctions
- Vendor refund checks held by the Broward Clerk
How Escheatment Works in Florida
Escheatment is the legal process of turning unclaimed property over to the state. Before a holder sends funds to the Florida Department of Financial Services, the holder must try to reach the owner. If the owner does not respond, the holder files a report with the state. The state then holds the funds in trust for the owner. The state does not own the money. The owner can claim it any time by showing proof of identity and proof of ownership.
How to Search for Broward County Unclaimed Money
You have two main ways to search for unclaimed money tied to Broward County. The first is the state database at FLTreasureHunt.gov. The second is the Broward Clerk of Courts office in Fort Lauderdale. Both are free to use. Running both searches gives you the best chance of recovering what you are owed.
Florida State Search at FLTreasureHunt.gov
FLTreasureHunt.gov is the state’s official search tool. The Florida Department of Financial Services runs the site. The database holds records for all 67 counties, including Broward. You type in your last name and your first name to begin. You can also search by business name. The search runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The site is free. You do not need to pay anyone to search or file a claim. If a paid service asks you for money to recover your funds, that service is not part of the state program. Florida law lets you claim your money at no cost through the official site.
Search Tips That Help You Get More Results
Names change over time. To get better results, search for every name you have used. Try your maiden name, a former married name, and nicknames. Also try common misspellings of your last name. One in five people in Florida has at least one unclaimed property record in the system. Searching with more name forms raises your odds of a match.
If a result shows up, click on it to see the full details. The listing shows the holder name, the property type, and the amount on file. Some records show the last known address. You can then start a claim from the same screen by uploading the needed documents.
Broward Clerk of Courts Local Records
The Broward Clerk of Courts holds money that has not yet gone to the state. This includes stale-dated checks, jury pay that did not get cashed, and court registry funds. These records stay with the clerk’s office for one year. After one year, the funds move to the state program under Chapter 717 of Florida Statutes.
You can call the Finance Division at the Broward Clerk to ask if any local funds are in your name. The office is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is (954) 831-6565. Staff will tell you if any funds are still with the county or have moved to the state.
Tax Deed Surplus Funds
Tax deed sales can create surplus money for the former property owner. This happens when a Broward County property sells at auction for more than the amount owed in back taxes. The extra money belongs to the former owner or their heirs. The county holds this surplus for one year. If no one claims it, the surplus moves to the state’s unclaimed property program.
To claim tax deed surplus, you fill out an affidavit. You can get the form from the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division. Send the form with proof of identity and proof that you owned the property. The county reviews the claim and sends the money if everything checks out.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Contact Details
The Broward Clerk of Courts and Comptroller handles local unclaimed funds. The office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. You can visit, call, or email the Finance Division with questions. Staff can check the county system for any funds that have not yet gone to the state.
Office Address and Phone Number
The clerk’s office is at 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The general phone number is (954) 831-6565. The Finance Division email is APClerk@browardclerk.org. The office is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
What the Finance Division Handles
The Finance Division deals with several types of unpaid money. This includes stale-dated checks from Broward County, jury service payments, vendor refunds, and court-ordered payments that were never cashed. If a check is less than one year old, the Finance Division can reissue it. If the check is more than one year old, the funds have likely moved to the state program.
Foreclosure Surplus Funds
Foreclosure sales often leave surplus money. When a Broward County home sells at a foreclosure auction for more than the mortgage debt, the extra sits in the court registry. The former owner or their heirs can claim this surplus. The Broward Clerk’s office handles hundreds of these cases each year. To file a claim, you need to contact the clerk’s office and provide proof you owned the property.
How to File a Claim for Broward County Unclaimed Money
Filing a claim is a clear step-by-step process. The exact steps depend on where the money sits. If the funds are with the state, you file online. If the funds are still with the county, you contact the clerk’s office directly. Either path starts with a search and ends with a payment.
Step 1: Search Both Databases
Start by searching your name at FLTreasureHunt.gov. Then call the Broward Clerk’s Finance Division at (954) 831-6565. Ask if any funds are still held by the county. Write down every record that shows up. Each record tells you where the money sits and how to file. You can file multiple claims if you have records with different holders.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Most claims need the same set of papers. Having these ready speeds up the process. The state asks for a copy of your photo ID, proof of ownership, and a signed claim form. If the owner has died, you need a certified death certificate and probate paperwork as well.
- A copy of your driver’s license or government photo ID
- Proof of ownership such as old bank statements or letters
- A completed claim form from the state website
- A signed W-9 tax form for any cash payment
- For deceased owners: certified death certificate and probate documents
Step 3: Submit Your Claim
For state funds, you can file online through FLTreasureHunt.gov. You upload your documents and submit the claim from the same screen. For county funds, you contact the Broward Clerk’s Finance Division by phone or email. The clerk’s staff will tell you how to send your documents by mail or in person.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
The state has up to 90 days to process a complete claim. Most claims finish in 30 to 60 days. Complex claims that need more documents can take the full 90 days. Once the state approves your claim, it sends a check or a direct deposit to you. You can check claim status online at FLTreasureHunt.gov using your claim number.
Types of Unclaimed Property Common in Broward County
Unclaimed money in Broward County comes from many sources. Knowing the types helps you understand what to look for in your search results. Each type has a different dormancy period under Florida law. The list below covers the most common categories that show up in the database.
Dormant Bank and Credit Union Accounts
This is the largest source of unclaimed money in the state. When a bank or credit union account has no activity for five years, the bank turns the funds over to the state. This can happen if you move and forget to update your address. It also happens when people pass away and their family does not know about all their accounts.
Uncashed Payroll and Vendor Checks
Many people have uncashed paychecks from past jobs. If you left a job and never cashed your last check, it could be in the system. Vendor refund checks from Broward County government also become unclaimed if not picked up within one year. Search the database using your former employer’s name as a starting point.
Insurance Proceeds and Policy Refunds
Insurance companies turn over unpaid claims and refunds after five years. Life insurance payouts are a common type. Health insurance refunds also end up as unclaimed property. If a relative passed away and you do not know if they had life insurance, search the database using their full name and any names they may have used.
Utility Deposit Refunds
Florida Power and Light, water utilities, and cable companies hold deposits. When you move and close your account, the utility should send a refund. If the check went to an old address, it may sit unclaimed. After five years, the utility turns it over to the state. Search using your old service address to find these records.
Safe Deposit Box Contents
When a safe deposit box at a bank has no contact for three years, the bank opens the box and turns over the contents. The state holds the items and can sell them at auction if needed. The owner or heirs can claim the value at any time. Search the database with the name on the box lease.
Court Registry and Foreclosure Funds
Money held by the Broward Clerk of Courts during lawsuits, foreclosures, or other cases becomes unclaimed if no one claims it. Foreclosure surplus is the largest part of this. The former homeowner may not know money is owed to them. Search the state’s database using the address of any property you owned in the past.
Cities and Towns in Broward County
Broward County has more than 30 cities and towns. If you lived in any of these places, search for unclaimed money using both your name and your former address. Funds are tied to where the holder had them on file, not where you live now. The list below covers the main cities and towns in the county.
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pembroke Pines
- Hollywood
- Miramar
- Coral Springs
- Pompano Beach
- Davie
- Sunrise
- Plantation
- Deerfield Beach
- Lauderhill
- Tamarac
- Coconut Creek
- Weston
- Margate
- Oakland Park
- North Lauderdale
- Lauderdale Lakes
- Cooper City
- Hallandale Beach
- Dania Beach
- Parkland
Other communities include Lighthouse Point, Wilton Manors, Sea Ranch Lakes, and Lazy Lake. Residents in these areas should run the same state and local searches. The state database covers all of Florida in one search.
Nearby Counties to Check
If you have lived in more than one South Florida county, search each one. The state database covers all counties at once, but local clerks have separate records for funds that have not yet gone to the state. Counties near Broward include Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Collier, and Hendry.
- Miami-Dade County
- Palm Beach County
- Collier County
- Hendry County
How to Spot and Avoid Unclaimed Money Scams
Scammers try to take money from people who do not know the real claim process. Some send fake letters that look like official mail. Others set up websites that copy the state logo. Knowing the warning signs protects your money. The rules below cover what to look out for and what to trust.
Free Official Channels Only
Florida law lets you search and claim your money at no cost. The state database at FLTreasureHunt.gov is free. The Broward Clerk of Courts does not charge a fee to check for funds. If someone asks you to pay to recover your money or to file a claim, that person is running a scam. Always go to the official site by typing the address into your browser.
Common Red Flags
Watch out for these warning signs. They tell you the offer is not from the state or from the Broward Clerk. A real notice from the state will not ask for a fee or for personal bank details over the phone.
- Letters that look like official mail but ask for a fee
- Calls from people who claim to be from the state but ask for bank details
- Websites that copy the FLTreasureHunt logo but use a different URL
- Email links that take you to a login page to “verify” your claim
- Social media ads promising to find money for a fee
The state will never call you to demand personal info. The state will never charge a fee. If you receive a letter or call that asks for payment, hang up or throw the letter away. You can verify any notice by calling the state at 1-888-258-2253.
Official Contact Details and Map
Use these official channels to search and claim Broward County Florida unclaimed money. All channels listed here are free. The state and the county run the program at no charge to owners. Keep this section for future reference when you file your claim.
Broward County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Finance Email: APClerk@browardclerk.org
Website: www.browardclerk.org
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Florida Department of Financial Services
Unclaimed Property Section
Toll-Free Phone: 1-888-258-2253
Email: FloridaUnclaimedProperty@MyFloridaCFO.com
Website: www.fltreasurehunt.gov
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward County Money
People often have similar questions about Broward County Florida unclaimed money. The answers below cover the most common ones. They reflect the rules under Chapter 717 of Florida Statutes and the current policies of the Broward Clerk of Courts and the Florida Department of Financial Services as of 2026. Each answer gives clear steps and current contact details.
How long does it take to get paid after filing a claim?
The state has up to 90 days to process a complete claim. Most claims finish in 30 to 60 days. Complex claims that need more documents can take the full 90 days. Broward County local claims move faster in many cases because they involve smaller amounts and fewer holders. You can check your claim status at FLTreasureHunt.gov using your claim number. The site shows you which step your claim is in at any time. If 90 days pass with no word, call the state at 1-888-258-2253 to ask for a status update.
Do I have to pay a fee to claim my money?
No. Florida law lets you claim your unclaimed money at no cost. The state database and the claim form are free. The Broward Clerk of Courts does not charge a fee. Any company that asks you to pay a fee to recover your money is not part of the official program. Such companies may take a large percentage of what they recover. You can always do it yourself for free by going to FLTreasureHunt.gov and filing the claim yourself. The site walks you through each step with clear instructions.
Can I claim money for a deceased relative?
Yes. Heirs can claim money owed to a person who has died. You must file the claim in the name of the deceased owner. You also need a certified death certificate, probate court documents that name you as the heir, and a photo ID for each heir signing the form. If there was no probate, the state may accept an affidavit of heirship signed by all legal heirs. The affidavit must list all heirs and their relationship to the deceased owner. The state reviews the paperwork before releasing the funds.
How do I know if a letter I got is real?
Real notices from the state come by mail on official letterhead. They do not ask for a fee. They tell you to file at FLTreasureHunt.gov. They do not ask for your bank login or full Social Security number by phone or email. If a letter asks for money or asks you to wire funds, it is a scam. You can verify any notice by calling the state at 1-888-258-2253. The state can confirm if a letter is real or fake. The Broward Clerk’s office also confirms notices on request.
What if I have unclaimed money from a job I had years ago?
Wages go unclaimed after one year. If your former employer could not reach you, they turned the wages over to the state. Search the database using the employer’s name and your full name. You may see the wages listed under your former address. File a claim with your ID and any old pay stubs you still have. Old W-2 forms also work as proof of employment. The state will accept any document that shows you worked for the holder during the time the wages were earned.
Is there a deadline to claim unclaimed money in Florida?
No. Florida has no deadline for owners to claim unclaimed property. The state holds the money until the rightful owner comes forward. Even records that are 20 or 30 years old stay open. The only time limit is on tax deed surplus, which must be claimed within one year after the surplus becomes payable. After that year, the surplus moves to the state program and stays open forever. The state never closes a record based on age alone. You can claim funds at any point in your life.
What happens if I do not claim the money?
The money stays in the state’s trust fund. Florida uses the cash for education, insurance, and other public programs under state law. The owner still has the right to claim it any time. The state publishes records online so anyone can search. There is no fee to search and no fee to claim. The longer you wait, the more records pile up in your name. Family members can claim after you pass away using the same process. The funds do not expire and do not transfer to anyone except the rightful owner or legal heirs.