Claims and deadlines
$44 Million Florida Lotto Jackpot Expired Unclaimed in December 2023
The Quick Pick from the June 14, 2023 drawing was sold in Kissimmee. Nobody came forward within 180 days.
Bottom line
A $44 million Florida Lotto jackpot from the June 14, 2023 drawing was never claimed. The ticket was a Quick Pick sold in Kissimmee, and its 180-day claim period ran out at midnight on Dec. 11, 2023.
What happened
The Florida Lottery published a notice in the final weeks asking players to check their tickets, giving the store, the winning numbers and the last day to claim. Nobody came forward. The Lottery's Florida Lotto jackpot list now marks the prize as expired, with nothing paid.
Where the money goes
Florida law sets what happens to unclaimed prizes. Under section 24.115 of the Florida Statutes, 80% of unclaimed prize money goes to the state's Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, and the other 20% is returned to future prize pools or special promotions.
Not the largest unclaimed jackpot
Big as it was, this was not Florida's largest unclaimed prize. The Florida Lottery says a $53.7 million Lotto jackpot expired unclaimed in 2003, and its records show a $48 million Lotto jackpot from 2014 that was never claimed.
What this means for players
In Florida, draw-game prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date printed on the ticket. Jackpot winners who want the cash option have only 60 days. Check every ticket after the drawing, sign the back, and keep it somewhere safe until you claim.
Lottery games are for adults who meet the age rules where they play. Set a budget, never borrow to play, and play for fun.
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