Unclaimed Jackpots in Florida Lottery: Millions Lost, Missed Opportunities

Introduction

Since the launch of the Florida Lottery in 1988, there have been over 30 unclaimed jackpots, ranging from $1.2 million to $66 million. In recent months, two multimillion-dollar jackpots from different games expired in Florida, totaling a loss of $80 million.

The Expired Jackpots

In one case, a Florida Lotto ticket worth $44 million was purchased from an Orlando-area gas station and expired six months later. Another jackpot of $36 million was won with a Mega Millions ticket bought at a Jacksonville Publix. These unclaimed jackpots highlight missed opportunities for lucky winners.

Details of the Unclaimed Jackpots

The winning Mega Millions ticket worth $36 million was sold at Publix in Jacksonville. The deadline to claim the prize was midnight ET on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Unfortunately, even if the ticket is found now, it is too late to claim the prize money.

The winning Florida Lotto ticket worth $44 million was purchased at Sunoco Express in Kissimmee. The ticket expired at midnight on Monday, December 11, 2023. According to state law, 80% of the unclaimed prize funds, which amounts to $35.2 million, will be transferred to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.

Bonus Commissions

The Sunoco gas station in Kissimmee, which sold the winning Florida Lotto ticket, will receive a bonus commission. The exact amount has not been announced. Similarly, the Publix in Neptune Beach, which sold a winning Mega Millions ticket worth $1.58 billion, received a $100,000 bonus commission.

Florida Lottery Retailers

There are over 13,000 authorized Florida Lottery retailers across the state. These retailers play a crucial role in selling tickets and promoting the lottery.

Expiration and Claim Deadlines

Florida lottery tickets expire within 180 days (six months) from the date of the drawing. To claim a single-payment cash option, winners have 60 days after the draw date to claim it. Scratch-off tickets and Fast Play game prizes must be claimed within 60 days of the official end-of-game date.

Conclusion

The unclaimed jackpots in the Florida Lottery serve as a reminder to check lottery tickets regularly and claim prizes within the specified deadlines. With millions of dollars going unclaimed, it is important for players to stay informed and not miss out on their winnings.