TALLAHASSEE (CBS12), Florida — The holidays are right around the corner and there is a lot more property that has yet to be claimed in Florida.

Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, announced in a press release that there are $2.5 billion worth of assets still to be claimed.

Patronis has launched the Holiday Money Hunt to help residents find lost or unidentified assets.

Patronis said, “I am thrilled to kick off this holiday season the Holiday Money Hunt and spread the word about unclaimed land in Florida.” Patronis stated that everyone could use some extra cash during the holidays and that an unexpected check from Florida might help brighten the year. I will be working all month to spread the word about Unclaimed Property. I hope you take full advantage of this opportunity.

Unclaimed property includes bank accounts that are not in use, stocks, unclaimed insurance proceeds and dividends. It may also include abandoned safe deposit box. These items are typically held by government agencies or businesses for approximately five years before they are submitted to the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Unclaimed Property.

Patronis stated that one fifth of Floridians has unclaimed property. West Palm Beach is home to $294 million. The most unclaimed property is found in Florida’s two largest cities, Miami (904 million dollars) and Tampa (532 million).

Go online to FLTreasureHunt.gov to search for unclaimed property and to claim an account.

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