Common questions about surplus funds & unclaimed property
Getting a notice out of nowhere is unsettling — that's normal
Florida law requires clerks and the state to try to notify people about money that may be owed to them, so a letter arriving unannounced doesn't mean something is wrong. It's still smart to ask questions before you act on one, so we answer the most common ones below.
It's not a scam that you received a letter — Florida law actually requires clerks of court and the state to try to notify people who may be owed surplus funds or unclaimed property. That said, the surplus-recovery space does attract bad actors, so it's smart to verify who's contacting you. We're a licensed Florida law firm; you can confirm Adam Cohen's Bar status directly with The Florida Bar, and you can always verify a potential claim yourself for free through the clerk of court or the state's Claim Your Cash Florida database before working with anyone.
The clerk of court or the state sends its own official notice separately. Law firms and recovery companies who identify potential claims through public records may also reach out to let you know a claim might exist and offer to help — that's a legal, regulated practice in Florida, but it's also why we always encourage you to verify independently rather than take any one letter at face value.
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning our fee only comes out of money we actually recover for you. If we don't recover anything, you owe us nothing. Exact fee structure depends on the type of claim — see How It Works for details.
Yes. Florida law does not require you to hire an attorney or any other representative to claim foreclosure surplus, tax deed surplus, or unclaimed property — you can file directly with the clerk of court or the Florida Department of Financial Services at no cost. Some people prefer to handle the paperwork, deadlines, and any disputes themselves; others prefer to have an attorney handle it for them. We're happy to explain the process either way.
It depends on the claim type. Straightforward clerk-held surplus claims can resolve in a few months. State-held unclaimed property claims, or any claim involving a dispute among multiple parties, can take longer. We'll give you a realistic estimate after reviewing your specific situation.
Take your time. You're not required to sign anything on the spot, and for state-held unclaimed property no one can lawfully charge you a fee until the state approves the claim. Feel free to send us what you were sent and we'll give you a straightforward second opinion, free of charge.
Still have questions?
Send us your situation and we'll give you a straightforward answer.