CFO SINK’S UNCLAIMED PROPERTY BUREAU DELIVERS $22 MILLION IN FEBRUARY, SETTING STATE RECORD

TALLAHASSEE, FL – March 8, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Florida CFO Alex Sink’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property today announced that last month marked the largest amount of unclaimed property returned to owners recorded in state history, totaling over $22 million. So far this fiscal year (July 1, 2009 through March 8, 2010) unclaimed property payments have totaled $121.4 million, with the Bureau of Unclaimed Property on pace to return more than $180 million by fiscal year end, which would also be a new annual record.

“In these tough economic times it’s important that Floridians account for every dollar, and sometimes that includes lost or misplaced accounts,” said CFO Sink. “I encourage all Floridians to visit our web site at www.FLTreasureHunt.org.  With nearly nine 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 49 years ago, the Bureau of Unclaimed Property has successfully reunited owners or relatives of deceased owners with more than $1.4 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 $611 million, 43 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, on behalf of Florida citizens, receives unclaimed funds 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.

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As a statewide elected officer of the Florida Cabinet, CFO Alex Sink oversees the Department of Financial Services.  A successful business leader with nearly three decades of experience in the private sector, Sink is serving her first term as Florida’s CFO.  CFO Sink’s priorities include using her business experience to cut wasteful spending, holding government accountable to Florida’s taxpayers, and cracking down on financial and insurance fraud.