CS/CS/CS/HB 681 Summary

• Repeals section 43.19, F.S., relating to disposition of unclaimed money paid into court and eliminates the "surplus trustee" system established in section 45.034, F.S.

• Changes claim deadline for subordinate lienholders from 60 days after sale to the date the clerk reports funds as unclaimed, with notice requirements in final judgments and sale publications.

• Establishes procedures for surplus fund distribution: owner of record may claim before funds are reported as unclaimed; if disputed, court holds evidentiary hearing; unclaimed surplus remitted to Department of Financial Services after one year unless court proceeding is pending.

• Modifies clerk service charges related to judicial sales, reducing fees from $15 for surplus trustee appointment and notification.

• Exempts funds held in court registry from becoming payable or distributable property under unclaimed property law (chapter 717), except those remitted to the Department of Financial Services per this act; effective July 1, 2017.