Find Hillsborough County Unclaimed Money

Hillsborough County holds millions in unclaimed money each year. With more than 1.5 million people, this Tampa-area county sees a large volume of lost funds from court cases, tax deed sales, and uncashed checks. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts manages local surplus funds while the state holds most unclaimed property through its central database. You can search for unclaimed money tied to Hillsborough County at no cost. Start with the state search tool or check directly with the Clerk office in Tampa for court-related funds that may still be held at the local level.

Hillsborough County Unclaimed Property Search

The best place to start looking for unclaimed money in Hillsborough County is the state database. Florida runs a central system for all unclaimed property through the Department of Financial Services. Their site at fltreasurehunt.gov lets you search by name for free. One in five Floridians has unclaimed funds, and that rate holds true in Hillsborough County given its large population base. The search takes just a few seconds. Type your name and see if the state holds anything that belongs to you.

Search all name forms you have used. Maiden names, old married names, and nicknames all matter. People miss their own unclaimed money in Hillsborough County because they only search one version of their name. Try slight spelling changes too. Data entry errors from years ago can hide real claims. The state database covers bank accounts, insurance checks, stocks, refunds, and safe deposit box items reported under Chapter 717, Florida Statutes.

You can also run a multi-state search at MissingMoney.com. This site checks multiple states at once. If you have lived outside Hillsborough County or Florida at any point, it can turn up funds from other places in one search.

Clerk of Courts Unclaimed Funds

The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts holds certain types of unclaimed money at the local level. These are funds tied to court cases and county business. Tax deed surplus is one big source. When a property in Hillsborough County sells at a tax deed sale for more than what was owed, the extra money goes to the former owner. If that person does not claim it, the Clerk holds those surplus funds.

Foreclosure surplus works the same way in Hillsborough County. Court registry deposits from civil cases also sit with the Clerk. Cash bonds that go unclaimed end up here too. Uncashed checks from jury service, vendor payments, and refunds round out the list. Under Florida Statute Section 116.21, the Clerk must track all unclaimed court-related money. Each year, the office publishes a list of people and businesses with funds waiting.

The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts is at 800 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, FL 33602. Call (813) 276-8100 for help with unclaimed funds. After a holding period, county-level unclaimed money gets sent to the state. So if the Clerk no longer has your funds, check fltreasurehunt.gov next.

The Hillsborough County Clerk website shows the types of unclaimed property they manage and the steps to get your money back.

This page from the Clerk site gives you a starting point for Hillsborough County unclaimed funds held at the local level.

Note: County-held unclaimed money in Hillsborough County is typically sent to the state after one year if no one claims it.

How to Claim Unclaimed Money in Hillsborough County

Found your name in the search results? The next step is to file a claim. For state-held unclaimed property from Hillsborough County, you start the process right on the fltreasurehunt.gov claim search page. Click on the account you want to claim. The system walks you through what to do. You will get a claim form with a list of papers you need to send in.

Every claim needs proof that you are who you say you are. Bring a copy of your driver's license or government-issued photo ID. Your ID must show your current address. If it does not match, add a recent utility bill or bank statement. The state also needs proof that the account belongs to you. Just having the same name is not enough. Many people share names, and the state gets claims from different people on the same account all the time in Hillsborough County and across Florida.

For unclaimed money held by the Hillsborough County Clerk, you may need to file a motion with the court. Tax deed surplus claims and court registry funds often require a judge's order before the Clerk can release the money. A W-9 form is standard for any payout. The whole state process can take up to 90 days from when they get your full claim package. Hillsborough County local claims may move faster or slower based on the type of funds.

Note: Claiming unclaimed property in Hillsborough County is always free. Watch out for third parties who charge fees to search or file for you.

Hillsborough County Unclaimed Money Types

Unclaimed money in Hillsborough County comes from many sources. The most common types are dormant bank accounts and uncashed checks. Under Chapter 717, banks and businesses must report accounts that have been idle for five years. Insurance proceeds, stocks, and dividends also become unclaimed property if the owner cannot be found. Wages that go uncollected for more than one year get reported too, per Section 717.115.

At the county level, Hillsborough County sees a steady flow of tax deed surplus funds. The county holds hundreds of tax deed sales each year. Safe deposit box contents have a shorter dormancy period of three years under Section 717.116. Traveler's checks have the longest wait at 15 years before they become unclaimed in the state system. Money orders go dormant after seven years.

Court-related unclaimed money in Hillsborough County includes funds from settled lawsuits, bond refunds, and deposits made during legal proceedings. These are tracked under Section 116.21. The Clerk keeps a registry of all court funds. When cases close and parties do not collect their share, the money sits until someone claims it or it moves to the state.

Unclaimed Property Laws in Hillsborough County

Florida law protects your right to claim lost funds with no time limit. There is no deadline to claim unclaimed money in Hillsborough County or anywhere in the state. The Florida Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act, Chapter 717, sets the rules for how businesses and the government handle these funds. The state never takes legal ownership of your property. It acts as a custodian until you or your heirs come forward.

Unclaimed funds are deposited into the State School Fund to support public schools. But your original amount is always available to claim. The state does not pay interest on most claims unless the holder reported interest along with the principal. Heirs can claim funds from a deceased owner by providing a certified death certificate and proof of their relationship. Section 717.124 covers the claims process, and administrative rule 69G-20.0022 gives more details on what heirs need to submit.

The Florida Treasure Hunt portal lets you search and see results from this state search tool for Hillsborough County claims and all other Florida counties.

Use this search page to look up unclaimed property tied to your name in Hillsborough County and across all of Florida.

Hillsborough County Unclaimed Funds Resources

Several resources can help you track down unclaimed money in Hillsborough County. The state FAQ page answers common questions about the claim process. The contact page lists phone numbers and email addresses for each department. Call the state toll-free line at 888-258-2253 for direct help. Email FloridaUnclaimedProperty@MyFloridaCFO.com for written questions about your Hillsborough County claim.

For court-related funds in Hillsborough County, the Clerk of Courts handles claims in person at 800 E. Twiggs St. in Tampa. You can call (813) 276-8100 to ask about specific unclaimed funds. The Clerk's website has forms and instructions for different types of claims. If you need legal help filing a motion for surplus funds, the Hillsborough County Bar Association can refer you to a local attorney.

Cities in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County includes Tampa and several other communities. All unclaimed property for these cities routes through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts or the state database. Tampa is the county seat and the largest city.

Other communities in Hillsborough County include Temple Terrace, Plant City, Brandon, and Riverview. None of these have separate unclaimed property programs. All funds go through the Hillsborough County Clerk or the state system.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Hillsborough County. If you have lived in more than one area, search each county for possible unclaimed funds. You should also check the state database, which covers all Florida counties in one search.