Dateline NBC to Air Unclaimed Property Segment; Fla. Department Holds Some $977 Million in Property

According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, a 15-minute segment related to unclaimed property programs nationwide will air on the April 9 edition of Dateline NBC.

Florida’s Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Unclaimed Property is reportedly currently holding approximately $977 million belonging to more than 4 million Floridians. Consumers are urged to search the state’s online database of unclaimed property at www.fltreasurehunt.org to find out if the department is holding cash or property belonging to them. Floridians may also call 1-88-VALUABLE.

The department has returned nearly $75 million to Floridians since July, 2003.

Most of the property reportedly comes from dormant accounts in insurance premium refunds, financial institutions, deposits paid to utility companies, safe deposit boxes and trust holdings. In addition to cash and securities, the state’s holdings include property such as watches, jewelry, coins, stamps and historical items.

Unclaimed property held by the state is deposited into the State School Trust Fund until it is claimed by the rightful owner. Items from abandoned safe deposit boxes are auctioned annually, but the proceeds are always available for the owners to collect.

Last year’s auction yielded approximately $500,000 to benefit public education.