Florida Abandoned Property Rules: What to Do When Property Is Left Behind

Whether it’s a tenant’s furniture after a move, forgotten goods in a storage unit, or a car left baking in the Florida sun, abandoned property issues pop up often in the Sunshine State. Florida law covers these scenarios with detailed rules for landlords, tenants, storage operators, business owners, and even people who find lost property. Here’s a straightforward guide to Florida’s abandoned property rules—written for real life, not just lawyers.

What Counts as “Abandoned Property” in Florida?

Abandoned property in Florida means personal items left behind by their owner with no apparent intention to come back for them. This covers furniture, clothing, electronics, cars, jewelry, cash, and more. Real estate (homes or land) is different—handled under “adverse possession” laws, which are much stricter.

Landlords and Tenants: After Move-Out or Eviction

Florida law (see Florida Statutes § 715.104–715.111) gives landlords a detailed process for handling property left behind by tenants:

The landlord must give the former tenant (and anyone else believed to be the owner) written notice describing the property and where/how to claim it. This notice can be hand-delivered or sent by mail to the tenant’s last known address.
The notice must tell the tenant they have at least 10 days (if notice is delivered in person) or 15 days (if mailed) to claim the property.
If the tenant does not claim the property in that time (and pay reasonable storage costs), the landlord can sell, donate, or throw away the items.
If the property is worth more than $500, the landlord must sell it at public auction and keep proceeds for unpaid rent, damages, or costs. Any surplus must be returned to the tenant, if possible, or turned over to Florida’s unclaimed property program.
Property worth less than $500 can be kept, donated, or trashed after the notice period.

Landlord tip: Take photos and make a detailed list before disposing of anything.
Tenant tip: Don’t leave your stuff behind! And make sure your landlord has your current address.

Storage Units: Auctions and Unpaid Bills

Florida’s self-storage law (Florida Statutes § 83.801–83.809) applies when storage unit rent goes unpaid:

The operator must send a written notice of default and allow at least 14 days to pay up and retrieve the property.
If not paid, the facility can auction the contents to recover unpaid rent and costs.
Any extra money after fees must be sent to you (the renter) or, if you can’t be found, to the state as unclaimed property.

Vehicles: Abandoned Cars, Boats, and More

If a vehicle is left on public or private property without permission, it can be reported as abandoned:

The property owner (or law enforcement) can contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Authorities notify the last registered owner and give a set time to claim the vehicle (usually 10–30 days).
If unclaimed, the vehicle may be towed and auctioned. Proceeds after costs go to the owner or are handled as unclaimed property.

Lost and Found: Finders, Keepers?

Florida does not have a pure “finders, keepers” law for valuable property:

If you find valuable lost property, you must turn it in to law enforcement or the property owner/manager where it was found.
If the owner isn’t found after a holding period (typically 90 days), the finder may be able to claim the property—but only if the process was followed.
Keeping found property without trying to return it can be prosecuted as theft.

Unclaimed Money, Safe Deposit Boxes, and More

Unclaimed property in Florida isn’t just physical stuff. It includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and safe deposit box contents. Businesses must turn unclaimed property over to the Florida Department of Financial Services: Unclaimed Property after a set period (often 3–5 years). Anyone can search and claim lost money for free.

Adverse Possession: Can You Claim Abandoned Real Estate?

“Adverse possession” is the legal process to claim abandoned land or homes in Florida. You generally must occupy, improve, and pay taxes on the property for at least 7 years, with strict documentation and a court process. It’s not easy—always get a lawyer’s help if considering this.

Quick Tips for Handling Abandoned Property in Florida

Landlords: Always give proper notice, store items for the required time, and document everything.
Tenants: Respond quickly if you get a notice, and keep your address up-to-date.
Storage renters: Don’t let unpaid bills linger—storage auctions happen fast in Florida!
Vehicle owners: Act quickly if you get an “abandoned vehicle” notice to avoid losing your car and racking up extra fees.
Finders: Always turn in valuables to police or management; you might be able to claim them legally if no owner comes forward.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Florida’s Abandoned Property Laws in Plain English

Florida law tries to balance the rights of property owners, landlords, finders, and renters. The most common mistakes are skipping proper notice or rushing the process. With some documentation and a bit of patience, most abandoned property situations can be resolved without drama—or a trip to court.