Funds Recovery Foundations
Understand the funds, the people involved, and the limits of a recovery agent’s role.
Start with the source.
A short introduction to official research sources and a simple research log.
Read the full video transcript
Welcome to Funds Recovery Academy. Before researching money, identify which process you are dealing with.
Tax-deed surplus and state unclaimed property are different starting points. For Polk County tax-deed records, begin at the Clerk's official Tax Deeds page. It links to current tax deeds and surplus funds, past records, and a statement of claim. A listing is a research lead, not a promise of payment. The Clerk warns that records can change and should not be treated as legal advice.
For state-held unclaimed property, Florida's official program is Claim Your Cash Florida. Examples include forgotten bank accounts, refunds, insurance proceeds, and utility deposits. The state says searching and claiming through its program are free.
Use a simple research log. Record the fund type, official website, record number, date checked, and questions for the office holding the funds. Keep unknown information marked as unknown. Avoid publishing personal claimant information.
Your practice task: open one official source. Identify who holds the funds and where current instructions are found. Then write down one fact you verified and one question still unanswered. This lesson is general education. It does not determine eligibility or guarantee a recovery.
Original academy explainer with AI narration. Sources: Polk County Clerk and Florida Department of Financial Services. Checked September 26, 2026.
Your curriculum
Three types of funds, three different processes
Surplus funds may remain after a foreclosure or tax-deed sale. Unclaimed property is a separate process involving assets held by a state or another custodian. Start by identifying the fund type and the office that currently holds the money.
Create a research record with the jurisdiction, case or sale number, original source link, and date checked. Treat an online balance as a lead. Ask the custodian whether it is still available and whether competing claims exist.
Choose one official source in the resource library. Identify the fund type and the office that receives claims.
Use the official resource library to verify the process for your jurisdiction.
Explore the original records.
Use these free references alongside the introductory reading. They are maintained by the agencies, independently of this academy.
Enroll in the academy
One purchase includes all three courses and all 12 lessons. Both plans include a printable completion certificate after all lessons and practice activities are marked complete.
Course + certificate
$1,000 USD · one time
All 12 lessons and completion certificate.
Site tools and resource directories are not included.
Card checkout is not available. Contact support for enrollment help.
Course + tools + certificate
$1,000 USD · one time
All 12 lessons and completion certificate.
Also includes the county forms hub, document checklist, research resources, and notary directories.
Card checkout is not available. Contact support for enrollment help.
External subscriptions and professional fees are separate. Shared BeenVerified subscription access is not included. A completion certificate is not a professional license or accreditation.
Open classroom · Course policies
All course purchases are final. No refunds will be issued except where required by applicable law. For purchase or access assistance, contact fundzrecovery@yahoo.com.