Winners
Florida's $1.602 Billion Mega Millions Jackpot, the Game's Largest, Was Claimed as a Lump Sum
The Aug. 8, 2023 jackpot ticket was sold in Neptune Beach. A limited liability company took a $794.2 million cash payment.
Bottom line
The biggest jackpot Mega Millions has ever paid was won in Florida. A single Quick Pick ticket sold at a Publix in Neptune Beach matched all six numbers in the Aug. 8, 2023 drawing, and the prize was claimed as a one-time cash payment of $794,248,882.
The winning ticket
The final jackpot was $1.602 billion. Florida Lottery records list the advertised figure before the drawing as $1.58 billion; late ticket sales raised it. Only one ticket matched every number.
Who claimed it
The Florida Lottery's jackpot record lists the winner as Saltines Holdings LLC. Claiming through a company is one way large winners keep personal details out of the headlines. The winner chose the lump sum rather than the annuity.
The Florida Lottery says the run raised more than $73.4 million for Florida education.
Why it matters
In Florida, a jackpot winner who wants the cash option must claim within 60 days of the drawing, and every draw-game prize must be claimed within 180 days. Large winners usually talk to a lawyer and a tax adviser before they 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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