More than $325,000 is waiting to be claimed at the Lee County Clerk and Comptroller’s office.
There are around 1,600 people and businesses who are owed money, according to a report released by Clerk and Comptroller Kevin Karnes. Community members are encouraged to visit www.leeclerk.org/treasurehunt to search for names or download the full list. They have until March 28 to claim those funds issued in 2023.
The report includes uncashed checks for County and Clerk vendors, tax deed payments and foreclosure auction transactions. Court registry payments and overpayments for recorded documents, such as mortgages or deeds, are also included. Additionally, there are funds to be claimed from the civil registry, which includes foreclosure surplus proceeds, non-resident cost bonds and garnishment deposits.
The claims range from $0.01 to $49,123.56.
“As your Clerk and Comptroller, I encourage you to visit our website to see if you or your organization has unclaimed money waiting for you,” Karnes said. “If you’ve had a court case in recent years or if you’ve done business with the Clerk’s office or Lee County, you could be owed funds and not even realize it. It’s simple to check and see – all you have to do is visit www.leeclerk.org/treasurehunt and look for your name.”
Instructions on how to claim the funds are available on the Clerk’s website. Completed and notarized unclaimed monies forms may be dropped off at the Clerk’s Finance Department, 2115 Second Street, 3rd Floor in Fort Myers. The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Forms can also be mailed to Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Attn: Unclaimed Money, P.O. Box 9366, Fort Myers, FL 33902-9366.
A copy of a valid photo ID with address must be provided with the mailed form, as well as a valid W-9 for businesses. Mailed forms must be postmarked by March 28. If not claimed by the March 28 deadline, approximately $243,496.19 will be forfeited to the state.
For a list of names and complete claim requirements, please visit www.leeclerk.org/treasurehunt.
