Talk about a life-changing pit stop! A Florida man is now living every lottery player’s dream after winning the largest scratch-off jackpot in state history.
Kyle Lindquist, 45, of Venice, won the jackpot after purchasing a $50 500X THE CASH scratch-off ticket from a Circle K on U.S. Highway 41 Bypass S in Sarasota County.
According to lottery officials, what began as a normal stop resulted in a $25 million payout, the largest jackpot ever paid on a Florida scratch-off game.
Lindquist collected his enormous reward at the Florida Lottery district office in Fort Myers, opting for a one-time lump sum of $16 million.
What about the Circle K, which sold the lucky ticket? They’re also celebrating, as the retailer will receive a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
The 500X THE CASH has one remaining top prize of $25 million. The odds of winning are one in 21,920,355.
How to claim Florida Lottery prize money
Depending on the size of your prize, you can claim it in person or by mail.
By the numbers In person:
- Prizes up to $599 can be claimed at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery District Office.
- Prizes between $600 and $1,000,000 can be claimed in-person at any Florida Lottery District Office (via walk-in or appointment) for games without an annual payment option.
- Prizes over $1,000,000 and prizes with annual payments must be claimed at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee, except for Mega Millions and Powerball prizes between $600 – $1,000,000.
By Mail:
Lottery officials say you can collect your prizes by mail if the reward is $250,000 or less.
The Florida Lottery accepts winning tickets at the following address: 250 Marriott Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32399.