CFO SINK’S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY BUREAU DELIVERS $19.7 MILLION IN MARCH, SETTING STATE RECORD

TALLAHASSEE, FL – April 13, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property announced that last month marked the largest amount of unclaimed property returned to owners recorded in state history, totaling over $19.7 million. So far this fiscal year (July 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009) unclaimed property payments have totaled $132.3 million, with the Bureau of Unclaimed Property on pace to return over $174 million by fiscal year end.

“In these tough economic times it’s important that Floridians account for every dollar, and sometimes that includes lost or misplaced accounts,” said CFO Alex Sink. “I encourage all Floridians to visit our Web site at www.FLTreasureHunt.org.  With nearly eight million accounts, the chances are good we are holding cash or property for you, your business, or someone you know.”

Since the program’s inception 48 years ago, the Bureau of Unclaimed Property has successfully reunited owners or relatives of deceased owners with more than $1.2 billion in unclaimed property held in Florida.  During Alex Sink’s tenure as CFO, the Bureau has successfully reunited owners, heirs and businesses with more than $449 million, 37 percent of all the money returned since the beginning of the program – due largely to aggressive efforts to contact owners.

The Bureau of Unclaimed Property is currently holding 7.8 million accounts, mostly from dormant accounts in financial institutions, unclaimed utility deposits, insurance benefits, premium refunds, uncashed checks and trust accounts, as well as watches, jewelry, coins, stamps and historical items from abandoned safe deposit boxes.  Unclaimed property can be claimed for free at any time by the rightful owners or heirs by logging on to www.FLTreasureHunt.org or by calling the Bureau at 1-88-VALUABLE.