The Short Answer

If you are trying to recover unclaimed funds, the required documents depend on who is claiming (the owner, an heir, a personal representative, or a business) and why you are entitled to the money. Under Florida law, claims generally require a completed claim, identity verification, and proof of entitlement (and if your entitlement comes from a court order, you typically must provide certified court documents).

What Florida Law Says

Florida’s unclaimed property law sets baseline documentation rules that commonly apply when a state unclaimed property office evaluates a claim: the claim must be filed on the agency’s form, verified, and supported by identity documents; the agency can request additional information; and certain claims require additional protections (like a bond) or court documentation. If you are claiming funds because someone died, the key issue is usually proving your legal authority (for example, as a court-appointed personal representative) or your status as a lawful heir/beneficiary.

For more Florida-specific background on heirs and deceased owners, see: How Can Heirs Find and Claim a Deceased Relative’s Unclaimed Property in Florida?.

The Statute

The primary law governing unclaimed property claims in Florida is Fla. Stat. § 717.124.

This statute establishes that a claimant generally must file a verified claim on the department’s form and provide identity verification (such as a legible copy of a valid driver license or other acceptable ID, or a notarized sworn statement in lieu of photo ID), and it also authorizes the department to request additional information and impose special requirements in certain claim types.

If your entitlement is based on a court document, Florida law also requires certified filings: Fla. Stat. § 717.1262 requires a certified copy of the court document establishing entitlement (and, in many situations, certified copies of recent pleadings used to obtain that court document).

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

Even when the unclaimed property office has a checklist, problems usually arise over standing (who has the legal right to claim) and sufficient proof (whether the documents match the reported owner information). Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines and Agency Timelines: Florida law gives the agency set timeframes to review claims and allows it to treat a claim as withdrawn if requested information is not timely provided. See Fla. Stat. § 717.124(1).
• Burden of Proof: You may need to prove identity, prior addresses, name changes, authority to act for an estate, and the connection between you and the reported owner—especially when the owner is deceased or the property was reported under an old address.
• Exceptions and Special Documentation: Claims based on court authority require certified court documents under Fla. Stat. § 717.1262, and some claims (like certain instruments) may require an indemnity bond under Fla. Stat. § 717.124(2).

If you are being told to deal with North Carolina’s unclaimed property office, you may also be dealing with multi-state issues (where the property was reported, the owner’s last known address, and what proof that office requires). A Florida probate attorney can help you identify the correct claimant, assemble the right proof of authority, and avoid delays or denials based on missing or mismatched documentation.

Related reading: Where Do I Search for Unclaimed Surplus Proceeds in Florida (If I Was Told to Check North Carolina’s State Treasurer)?

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Florida law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.