Lottery officials in Florida have issued a three-step warning for the unclaimed $110,604.59 jackpot from the Fantasy 5 game, won on June 19, 2025. The prize, which was won during the evening drawing, remains unclaimed, and officials are urging the lucky winner to step forward before the deadline. The ticket was purchased at the Embassy Food Grab & Go convenience store in Port Richey, located about 40 miles northwest of downtown Tampa.
In addition to the $110K jackpot, another Fantasy 5 winner also struck it big on the same day, claiming a prize of $54,361.91 during the midday drawing. This ticket was purchased at a Publix in Coral Gables, near downtown Miami.
Both winners have until December 16, 2025, to claim their winnings, or they risk losing a portion of the prize. Florida Lottery officials remind players that unclaimed prizes are sent to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, benefiting public school districts and scholarships.
Steps to Claim the Prizes
Players who win over $599, such as the $110K and $54K jackpots, must follow these three important steps:
- Sign the Ticket: To validate the win, players must sign the back of their ticket.
- Fill Out Forms and Schedule an Appointment: Winners need to fill out claim forms and schedule an in-person appointment at a Florida Lottery District Office.
- Decide Payment Option: Players must choose between a lump sum payment or annuity payments over several years. Most winners opt for the lump sum, which allows them to receive the cash upfront.
Tax Considerations for Winners
While Florida does not tax lottery winnings, federal taxes still apply. The federal government taxes all lottery winnings over $5,000 at a rate of 24%. After taxes, the $110K Fantasy 5 winner would walk away with roughly $84,000, and the midday winner would receive around $41,300. These figures are estimates, as other tax considerations may apply.
Unclaimed Lottery Prizes Across the Country
Florida is not alone in dealing with unclaimed prizes. A $1.1 million lottery ticket in Illinois is about to expire if the winner does not come forward soon. In total, at least 12 unclaimed lottery prizes, amounting to a combined $300 million, remain unclaimed across the U.S. This serves as a reminder to check those lottery tickets carefully!
