Luck has once again found its way to South Florida, as a single lottery ticket sold at a Publix supermarket in Hallandale Beach, Broward County, has clinched the grand prize of $36.5 million in the Florida Lottery drawing held on Wednesday, September 24. According to the Florida Lottery's official website, the ticket matched all six numbers drawn: 2, 4, 6, 8, 18, and 22. The sequence, comprised entirely of even numbers and featuring four consecutive figures, has sparked conversation among regular players due to its rarity in lottery drawings.
A Record-Breaking Prize in 2025
The $36.5 million jackpot marks the second-largest grand prize awarded by the Florida Lottery in 2025, trailing only the $43 million distributed in Destin earlier in January. This win also signals a return of significant prizes after a four-month hiatus, with the last major win being $8.75 million in May at Jacksonville Beach.
So far in 2025, six major prizes have been awarded:
- January 15: $43 million – Tom Thumb in Destin
- March 8: $10.75 million – Chevron in Southwest Ranches
- March 15: $1.5 million – PCB Mobil in Panama City Beach
- March 29: $3 million – Murphy in Lake City
- May 7: $8.75 million – J and J Food Store in Jacksonville Beach
- September 24: $36.5 million – Publix in Hallandale Beach
Unclaimed Fortune
As of Friday, the winner has yet to come forward to claim their prize. The Florida Lottery has stated that the ticket holder has 180 days to claim their winnings, with a deadline of March 25, 2026. However, if the winner opts for the lump-sum cash payment, they must claim it within 60 days of the drawing.
Guidelines for Claiming the Prize
The winning ticket was sold at the Publix located at 1400 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, just 14 miles from Miami and approximately 50 miles from Palm Beach. The Florida Lottery provides the following guidelines for claiming prizes:
- Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any authorized retail location.
- Prizes between $600 and $1 million must be claimed at district offices.
- Prizes exceeding $1 million, including those with annuity payments, must be claimed at the main Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee.
Can the Winner Remain Anonymous?
State law requires that the names of winners, along with their city of residence, prize amount, and game, be made public. However, for prizes over $250,000, the winner's identity may remain confidential for 90 days from the claim date unless they choose to disclose it sooner.
The excitement continues to build as the next Florida Lottery drawing is set for Saturday, with an estimated prize of $1 million. Meanwhile, in Hallandale Beach, anticipation grows as a local Publix customer unknowingly holds a ticket that could transform their life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Lottery Winnings
What are the odds of winning the Florida Lottery grand prize?
The odds of winning the Florida Lottery grand prize vary depending on the game, but generally, they are quite low, making it a rare and fortunate event.
How does one claim a Florida Lottery prize?
To claim a Florida Lottery prize, winners must present their ticket at an authorized location, district office, or the main headquarters in Tallahassee, depending on the prize amount.
Can Florida Lottery winners stay anonymous?
While winners' names and details are typically made public, those winning over $250,000 can keep their identity secret for 90 days.