FLORIDA - Living in the Sunshine State has its perks, but cheap insurance and low cost of living aren't currently among them. However, while you are paying premiums, the state government might be holding a check with your name on it.
The Florida Department of Financial Services is currently safeguarding over $2 billion in unclaimed property. This includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, utility deposits, and insurance payouts that have gone missing. But "lost" money isn't the only opportunity in 2026. The state has relaunched its massive home hardening grant (worth up to $10,000) and made critical hurricane supplies permanently tax-free.
Here is your guide to finding the money that belongs to you in Florida.
1. The $2 Billion "Treasure Hunt."
Florida’s unclaimed property division is literally called "FL Treasure Hunt." Because Florida has a high population of retirees and transient residents, accounts often get lost during moves or estate settlements.
Common "Lost" Items in FL:
- Utility Deposits: People move condos and forget to collect their FPL or Duke Energy deposit.
- Condo Association Refunds: Overpaid fees that never got forwarded.
- Inheritance: With a large senior population, many residents are unaware they are heirs to accounts left by deceased relatives.
How to Check:
- Go to the Official Site: Visit FLTreasureHunt.gov.
- Search: Enter your name.
- Pro Tip: If you have a common name (like Smith or Garcia), add your city to narrow it down. If you have moved recently, check your previous county too.
2. My Safe Florida Home (Up to $10,000)
If you own a home in Florida, this is the most important program you need to know about. The My Safe Florida Home program was reloaded with hundreds of millions in funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
It provides matching grants to help you strengthen your home against hurricanes.
- The Deal: For every $1 you spend on approved improvements, the state provides $2, up to a maximum grant of $10,000. (Low-income homeowners may qualify for a grant without a match).
- What it covers: Impact windows, reinforced doors, and roof-to-wall attachments.
- The Bonus: Improving your home often legally requires your insurance company to lower your premium.
Status: Applications reopen in stages. If you haven't applied yet, go to the official portal immediately to check the current priority group status.
3. The "Forever" Disaster Tax Exemption
In the past, Floridians had to wait for specific "sales tax holidays" to buy hurricane gear tax-free. That has changed.
Recently, the state has made many disaster preparedness items permanently tax-free. You no longer have to wait for June to buy them.
- Portable Generators: (Capable of 10,000 watts or less).
- Batteries: (AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt).
- Smoke Detectors & Fire Extinguishers.
- Flashlights & Lanterns.
This is an immediate 6-7% savings on expensive items like generators, available 365 days a year.
4. Toll Relief (SunPass Savings)
While the massive 50% rebate program of previous years has evolved, frequent drivers can still save.
- SunPass vs. Cash: You already save approximately 25% just by using a transponder instead of "Toll-by-Plate."
- Usage: If you are a commuter in Orlando, Miami, or Tampa, ensure your transponder is active and linked to a valid card. Losing the electronic rate because of an expired card is the easiest way to waste money on Florida roads.
Action Plan: 3 Steps to Take Today
- Search the Treasure Hunt: Go to FLTreasureHunt.gov and check your name and the names of deceased parents.
- Create a MSFH Account: Even if the grant window is currently paused or processing, create your profile on the My Safe Florida Home portal so you are ready for the next funding release.
- Check Your Generator: If you need a new one, buy it now. You don't need to wait for a "holiday" to save the tax.