CFO Sink’s Unclaimed Property Bureau Sets New State Record, Wins National Award
TALLAHASSEE, FL – April 8, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Florida CFO Alex Sink’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property today announced that last month over $22.4 million in unclaimed property was returned to owners – the biggest return in state history. In February, the Bureau returned a record-setting $22 million, which has now been surpassed by the March record.
“In these tough economic times it’s important that Floridians account for every dollar,” 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.”
The Bureau also announced that last week they were honored with a Holders Choice Award by the Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization for “The Best Program/Statute Award” to assist the holder community and Floridians in all aspects of unclaimed property compliance and recovery.
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 $630 million, 45 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
CONTACT:
Kevin Cate, 850-413-2842
