FL H0887

Creates section 717.1382 to establish that U.S. savings bonds are presumed abandoned and unclaimed 5 years after reaching maturity and no longer earning interest, to be reported and remitted to the Department of Financial Services.

Authorizes the Department of Financial Services to commence civil action in Leon County court for judicial determination of escheatment of abandoned savings bonds to the state, with service of process by publication.

Requires notice of action be published once weekly for 4 consecutive weeks in a Leon County newspaper, with claimants having 28-60 days after first publication to file a written defense with the court.

Creates section 717.1383 allowing persons to claim escheated savings bonds or their proceeds by filing with the Department of Financial Services, with the department approving claims based on sufficient proof of validity.

Limits liability of the state and department once bond or proceeds are remitted to a claimant, restricting other persons' remedies to claims against the claimant who received the funds.

Takes effect July 1, 2015, and applies to any U.S. savings bond reaching maturity on, before, or after the effective date.