Florida (FL) Lottery
The Florida Lottery was created in 1986 with a constitutional amendment passed by a two-to-one margin. Voters gave their approval to create a lottery that used all its proceeds to enhance public education in Florida. Governor Bob Martinez and the Florida Legislature established just such an education Lottery and dedicated it to "maximize revenues to education to allow the people of Florida to benefit from significant additional moneys while providing the best Lottery games available."
Driven by the legislative mandate for tickets to go on sale by January 18, 1988, the Lottery's "start-up" was a year of dynamic activity: On July 16, 1987, former Governor Bob Martinez appointed Rebecca Paul the Lottery's first permanent Secretary; employees were hired; vendors for On-line and Scratch-Off games were contracted; retailers were recruited, and trained; tickets dispensers and lottery terminals were installed at Florida Lottery retail locations throughout the state.
On January 12, 1988, Florida Lottery ticket sales began six days ahead of schedule with the launch of the Lottery's first Scratch-Off game, "MILLIONAIRE." The $1 game was an instant hit. In its first week, the game exceeded $95 million in sales, and the Florida Lottery set a Lottery industry record. As a result of the success of "MILLIONAIRE," the Lottery was able to repay the original startup money borrowed from the state's General Revenue Fund, $15.5 million plus interest on January 29, 1988, 17 days after startup.
Florida (FL) Lottery Winners
Larry A. Strickland, Jr., of Panama City, claimed one of four winning FANTASY 5 tickets from the drawing held April 3, 2007. Strickland purchased his winning ticket at Express Lane at 2735 East Avenue, in Springfield. Strickland won won $61,441.92.
Leslie N. Watson, 53, of Orlando, claimed his Cars & Cash prize at the Orlando District Office. Watson chose the lump sum amount of $30,500. The winning ticket was purchased at Ocoee Food Mart in Ocoee.
Brigette Briggs, claimed her Cars & Cash prize at the Tampa District Office along with her family. Briggs chose the lump sum amount of $30,500. The winning ticket was purchased at Publix in Tampa.
Carol Chioma won $10,000 in the LUCKY FOR LIFE Scratch-Off game. Chioma claimed her prize at the Orlando District Office. Chioma bought her winning ticket at the Lake Emma Publix in Lake Mary.
Connie Morrell claimed her Cars & Cash prize at the Orlando District Office. Morrell chose the lump sum amount of $30,500. The winning ticket was purchased at 7-Eleven in Maitland.
Click here for a comprehensive list of Florida Lottery winners.
Florida (FL) Lottery Games
- Florida Lotto
- Mega Money
- Fantasy 5
- Play 4
- Cash 3
- Scratch-offs