Lottery Attorney in Florida

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Protect yourself and your privacy!

Your winning ticket is a bearer instrument — whoever holds it can claim it. Keep it safe, make digital and physical copies, and avoid public disclosure.

Florida law generally requires lottery winners to be publicly identified, but legal strategies can help shield your name and minimize exposure.

A lottery attorney can help with:

• Create a legal entity or trust to claim your winnings on your behalf
• Coordinate with the Florida Lottery Commission to comply with disclosure laws
• Prepare communication and identity protection strategies before the claim becomes public

View our lottery winner articles at the bottom of the page for some great information.

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Before claiming your prize, assemble a trusted advisory team. Your attorney should be your first call, not your last. A qualified Florida attorney can help:

• Review and draft trust documents for claiming your prize
• Ensure your claim complies with state and federal law
• Structure ownership of winnings to reduce liability and protect privacy

By working with an attorney early, you gain the protection of attorney–client privilege before anyone else becomes involved. At Barnes Walker, our attorneys have decades of experience helping individuals and families protect, manage, and preserve significant assets.

See related article: So You Just Won the Lotto, Congratulations Now Keep Quiet!

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Florida lottery winners can usually choose between a lump sum or an annuity. Each option has major tax, estate, and long-term wealth implications.

Lump Sum: Immediate control of funds but higher immediate tax liability.

Annuity: Spreads income and taxes over time; better for structured estate planning.

An attorney can coordinate with your CPA and financial planner to align your choice with your overall estate, tax, and asset protection plan.

See related article: Lump Sum vs Annuity: Legal Considerations for Florida Lottery Winners

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Creating a legal structure — such as a revocable or irrevocable trust — can help protect your identity, manage funds responsibly, and control how the money is distributed.

Your attorney can help you:

• Set up a blind trust or private LLC to claim winnings discreetly
• Draft trust agreements that define beneficiaries and terms
• Coordinate with the Florida Department of Revenue and financial institutions

Proper entity structure can also help prevent family disputes and reduce exposure to lawsuits.

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A sudden influx of money often attracts unwanted attention. Without careful planning, you can become a target for lawsuits, scams, or financial mismanagement.

Your attorney will help you:

• Create asset-protection trusts and LLCs to separate personal and investment assets
• Plan for federal tax obligations on winnings and income-generating assets
• Understand Florida’s homestead, trust, and creditor protection laws

This is where legal planning meets long-term wealth preservation.

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Lottery winnings instantly change your estate. If you already have a will or trust, it must be updated to reflect new assets, tax exposure, and family goals.

Florida estate planning attorneys can:

• Amend or restate your trust to include new assets
• Add or remove beneficiaries
• Create charitable trusts or foundations to support causes you care about

A clear plan ensures that your winnings support your loved ones without unnecessary court involvement.

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Your first consultation isn’t the last. As your wealth grows and your life changes, your legal needs evolve.

A dedicated attorney ensures that your trusts, business entities, and real estate holdings stay compliant and efficient over time.