Biggest Mega Millions Jackpot Claimed by Florida Winner
On August 8 2023, a single ticket won the largest Mega Millions jackpot of all time, worth $1.602 billion. The winner came forward to claim their prize, but did they go for the cash option or for annuity?
The Mega Millions jackpot won more than a month ago was awaited for a long time and it rolled over 31 times before someone managed to match all six numbers. After the lucky draw held on Tuesday August 8, we only had limited information about the big win. Nothing was known about the lucky winner, only that the ticket was purchased at a Publix located at 630 Atlantic Boulevard in Neptune Beach.
More than one month has passed since the grand prize was won, and the winner finally contacted the Florida Lottery to claim it. They decided to go for the cash option, worth $783.3 million, and they did it just in time. The period for claiming the lump sum value of the jackpot is 60 days, therefore the deadline was October 7. If they had not claimed before October 7, they would have had to settle for the jackpot paid as annuity. Thankfully, they were right on time and the winner will get around $493.5 million after taxes. The deadline for claiming the prize as annuity would have been February 4 2024.
What Else Do We Know About the Winner?
At the moment, no more information has been released about the winner as, since May 2022, the Florida Lottery can keep the confidentiality of “the name of a winner of a prize valued at $250,000 or more” (Florida Statute 24.1051).
The winner can remain anonymous for 90 days after the date of when the prize was claimed. Nevertheless, if someone files a Freedom of Information request, the Florida Lottery can legally release the winner’s name and their city of residence. The information could be available from December 25 2023.
With draws that take place twice a week on Tuesday and Friday nights, you too could have a chance to win the big jackpot and maybe get one of the largest Mega Millions prizes. Enter the next draw, then make sure to check your tickets to see if you won.
Published: Wednesday, September 27, 2023