You just realized your scratch-off is a winner, or maybe you're staring at a Powerball ticket wondering why the app won't scan. It’s frustrating. Most people just want a straight answer without clicking through ten pages of "helpful" FAQs that don't actually help. If you're looking for the florida lottery contact customer service contact number, the main line you need is (850) 487-7787.
I’ve been around the block with state agencies. Honestly, calling a government-run lottery office can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but the Florida Lottery is actually pretty accessible if you know which door to knock on. They handle everything from prize claims and game rules to technical glitches with their mobile app.
The Numbers You Actually Need
If you’re calling the main florida lottery contact customer service contact number at (850) 487-7787, you’re reaching the Tallahassee headquarters. This is the "brain" of the operation. They operate Monday through Friday, typically from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.
Wait times vary. Monday mornings are usually a nightmare because everyone who won over the weekend is calling at once. If you can wait until Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon, you’ll likely get through to a human much faster.
Specialized Lines
Sometimes the main number isn't the best fit.
- Hearing Impaired (TDD): (800) 955-8771.
- Division of Security: (850) 487-7730. Use this if you suspect a scam or if a retailer refused to pay out a winning ticket.
- Public Records: (850) 487-7724.
Dealing with the District Offices
Florida is a big state. If you won $1,000, you don't want to drive to Tallahassee from Miami. That’s where district offices come in. These offices handle claims between $600 and $1 million.
Most people don't realize that each district has its own direct line.
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Miami District Office: (305) 364-3080
Located in Miami Lakes, this office stays busy. If you’re in South Florida, this is your hub.
Tampa District Office: (813) 744-6134
They're over in the Centerpoint Business Park. Very efficient, but again, call before you drive to make sure they aren't closed for a state holiday.
Orlando (Casselberry): (407) 788-2202
If you're in the theme park capital, this is the number for you.
Jacksonville: (904) 448-4760
Serving the Northeast corner of the state.
Pensacola: (850) 484-5020
Note that this office operates on Central Time (8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT), which trips people up all the time.
Why You Might Be Calling
Technical issues with the Florida Lottery app are a common reason people go hunting for a phone number. The app is great—until it isn't. If your "Second Chance" ticket won't scan, the customer service team can usually manually verify the ticket if you have the numbers ready.
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Then there's the "Is this a scam?" call.
If you get a letter or a phone call saying you won a lottery you didn't enter, or asking for "taxes" upfront, it's fake. The Florida Lottery will never ask you for money to release a prize. Ever. If you're unsure, call the Division of Security number I mentioned earlier. Better safe than sorry.
Claiming Your Cash
For the small wins—$599 or less—just go to a gas station or grocery store. You don't need the florida lottery contact customer service contact number for that.
For the big ones, you’ve got options:
- Walk-in: Most district offices allow walk-ins during business hours, but appointments are "highly encouraged."
- Mail: You can mail tickets up to $250,000 to the Tallahassee headquarters.
- Drop Box: Some offices have secure drop boxes if you don't want to wait in line.
Be careful with the mail. If that ticket gets lost in the UPS or FedEx ether, the Lottery isn't responsible. Most experts (and the Lottery themselves) suggest using registered mail so you can track it.
What Most People Get Wrong
A huge misconception is that you can remain anonymous in Florida. Kinda, but not really. Since 2022, winners of $250,000 or more can keep their names private for 90 days. After that? It’s public record. If you’re calling customer service hoping to hide your identity forever, they’re going to give you the same news.
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Another thing: the "Quick Pick" debate.
Customer service agents get asked all the time if Quick Picks win more often. They don't. It's all random. The reason you see more Quick Pick winners is simply because more people buy them. Math is math.
Getting a Response via Email
If you hate talking on the phone—I get it—you can try ask@flalottery.com.
Just remember that under Florida law, all correspondence to the Lottery is public record. If you email them, your email address and whatever you wrote could be released if someone files a public records request. If you're a "private person," the phone is your friend.
Practical Steps to Take Now
If you have a winning ticket in your hand right now, do these three things before calling anyone:
- Sign the back. It’s a "bearer instrument." If you lose it and haven't signed it, whoever finds it can claim it.
- Take a photo. Both sides.
- Check the clock. If it's 3:55 p.m. on a Friday, wait until Monday. You don't want to be stuck on hold when they flip the "closed" sign.
Double-check your ticket against the official winning numbers on the website before you get your hopes up. Sometimes a "3" looks like an "8" after a long day.
If you still need help, grab your phone and dial (850) 487-7787. Have your ticket ID number (the long string of digits) ready so the agent can actually help you instead of just guessing.