You’ve been there. You’re standing in line at a Publix or a Wawa, seeing that neon sign flickering with a massive dollar amount, and you think, "Why not me?" Well, if you bought a ticket for the Saturday, January 17, 2026 drawing, it's time to dig that crumpled piece of paper out of your console or wallet. The florida powerball numbers from last night are officially in, and while we aren't looking at a world-record multi-billion dollar haul, the $179 million jackpot is certainly enough to retire on.
Honestly, the energy around these mid-tier jackpots is different. It’s not the national frenzy of a $2 billion draw where everyone and their grandmother is buying a ticket, but for regular players in the Sunshine State, it’s the sweet spot.
The Winning Combination: January 17, 2026
Let's get straight to it. If you were watching the drawing live from the Tallahassee studio at 10:59 p.m. ET, you saw the white balls drop one by one.
The winning numbers were 5, 8, 27, 49, and 57. The red Powerball was 14.
If you spent the extra buck for the Power Play—which, let's be real, is usually a smart move if you're already playing—the multiplier was 4x. This means those smaller prizes for matching three or four numbers just got significantly beefier.
Did Anyone Actually Win the Big One?
Check your pulse. Now check your ticket again.
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As of the latest reports following the Saturday night draw, there was no jackpot winner. This means the grand prize is going to roll over yet again. It’s a bit of a bummer if you were hoping to wake up as a multimillionaire, but it’s great news for the next drawing on Monday, January 19. The estimated jackpot is already climbing toward the $200 million mark.
However, don't throw your ticket in the trash just because you didn't hit all six numbers. While no one nabbed the $179 million, several people walked away with life-changing money. Specifically, one lucky player in South Carolina matched all five white balls with the Power Play to win **$2 million**. Another player in California matched the five white balls for a $1 million prize.
In Florida, we usually see a high volume of lower-tier winners because we simply buy a lot of tickets. Whether it’s a $4 prize for matching just the Powerball or a $100 win for three white balls, that’s still gas money or a nice dinner out in Las Olas or Winter Park.
The Double Play Alternative
Did you notice the second set of numbers? If you opted into the Double Play for an extra $1, those numbers were different. The Double Play numbers for January 17 were 1, 4, 6, 34, and 56 with a Double Play Powerball of 19.
Double Play is a relatively newer feature that a lot of folks still ignore. Basically, your same numbers get run through a second drawing with a top cash prize of $10 million. It’s a second bite at the apple, and while it doesn't have the "infinite" growth of the main jackpot, $10 million is still "buy a boat and disappear" money.
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Why the Jackpot Rolls Over
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are famously steep: 1 in 292,201,338. To put that in perspective, you are much more likely to be struck by lightning in Florida (the lightning capital of the U.S.) than you are to hit those six numbers.
But people do win. We just saw a massive $1.82 billion win in Arkansas back in December 2025. When someone wins, the jackpot resets to $20 million. Since then, it’s been rolling over, building steam with every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday draw.
The Florida Lottery is one of the biggest participants in the Multi-State Lottery Association. Since Florida joined Powerball in 2009, the state has produced numerous winners. We actually held the record for the largest jackpot ever won by a single ticket for a long time—Gloria MacKenzie’s $590.5 million win back in 2013.
How to Claim Your Prize in Florida
If you actually have a winner, don't just run to the nearest 7-Eleven screaming. There’s a process.
- Sign the back of your ticket immediately. In Florida, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument." If you lose it and haven't signed it, whoever finds it can claim it.
- Check the amount. If you won under $600, you can claim it at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer. Most grocery stores and gas stations can handle this.
- Handle larger wins properly. For prizes between $600 and $1 million, you’ll need to visit a Florida Lottery district office. There are offices in Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee, and several other cities.
- Jackpot or $1M+ winners. If you’re the $1 million winner or (eventually) the jackpot winner, you have to head to the headquarters in Tallahassee.
You also have a choice to make: the Annuity or the Cash Option. The $179 million jackpot has a cash value of roughly $87.9 million. Most people take the lump sum because they want the money now, but the annuity—paid out over 30 graduated payments—actually gives you the full $179 million over time. Taxes will eat a chunk either way, but Florida is one of the few states with no state income tax on lottery winnings. That's a huge win compared to players in New York or California.
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Common Misconceptions About the Numbers
A lot of people think certain numbers are "due." You’ll see people studying "hot" and "cold" numbers, thinking that because a 5 or a 57 hasn't appeared in a while, it’s more likely to show up.
Mathematically, that's just not how it works. Every drawing is independent. The balls don't have a memory. Using your kids' birthdays or your anniversary is fine, but remember that those numbers only go up to 31. Since Powerball white balls go up to 69, you’re statistically limiting your combinations by sticking to calendar dates.
Next Steps for Players
If your ticket from last night didn't hit, don't just toss it in the bin without double-checking. Use the Florida Lottery mobile app. You can scan the barcode on your ticket, and it will tell you instantly if you’ve won. It’s much safer than trying to eye-ball the numbers after a long day.
Also, keep an eye on the Monday, January 19 drawing. The jackpot is expected to jump significantly. If you're going to play, set a budget. It's easy to get caught up in the "what if" game, but the lottery should be treated as entertainment, not an investment strategy.
Check your numbers one more time: 5-8-27-49-57, PB 14. If you see those on your slip, your life just changed. If not, there's always Monday.
Stay smart, sign your tickets, and good luck for the next round.