Florida Residents and Businesses Face Deadline for Notarized Claims Before Funds are Forfeited

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Residents and businesses in Manatee County, Florida, have until September 1, 2026, to claim $37,000 in unclaimed funds held by the Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court, according to a report by WWSB. The deadline applies to notarized claims for funds including jury duty payment refunds and other unclaimed checks, as outlined in Florida law.

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Unclaimed Funds Deadline Approaching
The Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court, Angel Colonneso, confirmed that the $37,000 in unclaimed funds will be forfeited if not claimed by the September 1, 2026, deadline. The funds include payments for jury duty and other administrative reimbursements, though specific categories were not detailed in the report. Florida law mandates that unclaimed funds be turned over to the state after a specified period, with claimants required to submit notarized documentation to reclaim them.

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Local residents and businesses are urged to act promptly to avoid losing access to the funds. The Manatee Clerk’s office has not provided a public list of individual claimants or the exact sources of the $37,000, but officials emphasized that the deadline is final. “This is a critical opportunity for those who have outstanding claims to secure their money before it is permanently forfeited,” a spokesperson for the clerk’s office stated in the WWSB report.

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Process for Claiming Unclaimed Funds
To qualify for the funds, claimants must submit a notarized form to the Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court. The process requires proof of eligibility, such as records of jury duty service or other documented payments. The clerk’s office has not specified whether the $37,000 includes funds from multiple years or a single fiscal period.

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Residents seeking to claim the funds are advised to contact the Manatee Clerk’s office directly for guidance. The office’s website and physical location provide details on the required documentation, though the WWSB report did not include direct links or contact information. Officials noted that the deadline applies to all unclaimed funds held by the clerk, regardless of the amount.

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Importance of Timely Action
The $37,000 in unclaimed funds represents a significant sum for individuals and businesses in Manatee County, highlighting the need for swift action. Florida law allows for the forfeiture of unclaimed funds after a set period, with the state retaining the money if no claims are made. This deadline underscores the importance of proactive outreach by local government to ensure residents are aware of their rights.

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While the WWSB report did not specify how the funds were accumulated or which entities are responsible for the payments, the clerk’s office has reiterated the urgency of the deadline. “We encourage everyone who may have a claim to reach out as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said. The report also noted that similar unclaimed funds programs exist in other Florida counties, though specifics vary by jurisdiction.

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Broader Implications for Unclaimed Funds
The Manatee County case reflects a broader trend in Florida, where local governments manage unclaimed funds from various sources, including court-related payments, tax refunds, and public service reimbursements. According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, over $1.2 billion in unclaimed property is held statewide, with millions in Manatee County alone.

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The state’s unclaimed property program requires financial institutions, businesses, and government entities to report and hold funds for a minimum of three years before transferring them to the state. Residents can search for unclaimed funds through the Florida government’s official website, though the Manatee Clerk’s office has not yet linked to this resource in its public communications.

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Call to Action for Residents
With the September 1, 2026, deadline rapidly approaching, Manatee County residents and businesses are advised to review their records for potential claims. The clerk’s office has not provided a public database of unclaimed funds, leaving individuals to independently verify their eligibility.

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For those unsure whether they have a claim, the clerk’s office recommends contacting the office directly for assistance. “We want to ensure no one misses out on funds they are entitled to,” the spokesperson said. The WWSB report also highlighted that similar deadlines apply to other unclaimed funds in Florida, with some jurisdictions extending the period for specific categories of payments.

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Conclusion
The upcoming deadline for claiming unclaimed funds in Manatee County underscores the importance of local government transparency and public outreach. Residents and businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their share of the $37,000 in unclaimed funds before the September 1, 2026, cutoff.

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The Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office remains the primary point of contact for claims, with officials emphasizing the finality of the deadline. As Florida’s unclaimed property program continues to grow, the case in Manatee County serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive engagement from residents.