TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida has returned more than $173 million in unclaimed property over the last budget year.
Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink says that's the most since the program began 48 years ago. The 2008-09 budget year ended Tuesday.
That still leaves the state with 8.8 million unclaimed accounts valued at more than $1 billion.
Officials say it's mostly dormant accounts in banks and other financial institutions, unclaimed utility deposits, insurance benefits, premium refunds, uncashed checks and trust accounts.
It also includes watches, jewelry, coins, stamps and historic items -- all from abandoned safe deposit boxes.
Owners can claim their property at any time by calling 1-88-VALUABLE or online at
http://www.FLTreasureHUNT.org.
