Top 10 Florida Lottery Winners Who Made Headlines
There’s something irresistible about stories of sudden fortune, the kind that begin with an unassuming ticket and end with a life forever changed. Since its start in 1988, the Florida Lottery has produced hundreds of millionaires, but a few winners have captured the public’s imagination like no others. Here’s a look at ten unforgettable Florida Lottery winners whose luck — and sometimes their generosity — turned them into legends across the Sunshine State.
1. Gloria MacKenzie – The $590 Million Miracle
When 84-year-old Gloria MacKenzie stepped into a Zephyrhills Publix in 2013, she had no idea she was about to become the biggest single Florida Lottery winner in history. A kind stranger let her cut in line — and that tiny act of kindness earned her a $590 million Powerball jackpot.
Gloria chose a lump sum of $370 million before taxes. For years, her quiet generosity (and total avoidance of the spotlight) kept people fascinated. She’s proof that luck — and good manners — can pay off in a big way.
2. Shane Missler – The 20-Year-Old Who “Knew It Would Happen”
Most people at 20 are still figuring life out. Shane Missler was busy becoming a multimillionaire. In 2018, he won $451 million in Mega Millions, telling reporters he “just had a feeling.”
Shane took home $281 million after choosing the lump sum. Instead of buying mansions or yachts, he focused on investing and helping family — a refreshing story that made him one of the most level-headed lottery winners from Florida ever.
3. Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt – The Couple Who Stayed Grounded
When the Powerball jackpot hit a mind-bending $1.58 billion in 2016, one of the three winning tickets belonged to Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt from Melbourne Beach. They could’ve vanished into luxury, but instead, they stayed in their same home, kept their same car, and even continued working.
Their down-to-earth attitude turned them into media favorites — not for the money they won, but for how they handled it.
4. The Mystery Trust of Melbourne Beach
That same 2016 Powerball draw had another Florida winner: a mysterious entity known only as “The Nickel 95 Trust.” They quietly claimed their $528 million share and slipped back into anonymity.
No interviews. No publicity. Just a silent smile and a deposit slip. Sometimes, the best headline is the one you don’t make.
5. James Bozeman Jr. – Twice as Lucky
James Bozeman Jr. of Winter Park should probably buy a cape — because lightning really did strike twice. The retired Disney worker won $10 million on a scratch-off ticket in 2012. Six years later, he did it again, bagging another $3 million. Most players dream of one big win. Bozeman made it two. Now that’s the stuff of legend.
6. Richard Lustig – The Strategist
If there were a Hall of Fame for repeat winners, Richard Lustig would have his own wing. Over the years, this Orlando man claimed seven lottery prizes totaling more than $1 million.
He didn’t chalk it up to luck, either — he wrote a book, “Learn How to Increase Your Chances of Winning the Lottery.” Whether or not you buy his method, Lustig’s confidence and success turned him into a Florida Lottery icon.
Also Read: Powerball Winning Numbers History: 10 Most Frequently Drawn Numbers
7. Brian Nelson – A Birthday Gift from Fate
On his birthday in 2020, Brian Nelson from Leesburg did what many of us might: treated himself to a scratch-off ticket. What he didn’t expect was to unwrap a $1 million surprise.
Nelson called it “the best birthday ever” and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that.
8. William Steele – The Family Man’s Jackpot
When William Steele of Cocoa Beach won $1 million from a “Gold Rush Supreme” lottery ticket in 2021, his first thought wasn’t cars or mansions — it was family. He told the Florida Lottery he planned to use the winnings to take his loved ones on a proper vacation.
In a world of instant millionaires, Steele’s story reminded everyone that happiness isn’t about the money — it’s about the memories you make with it.
9. The West Palm Beach Phantom Winner
In 2020, someone in West Palm Beach quietly walked away with a $396.9 million Powerball jackpot — the largest single-ticket win in Florida that year. To this day, their identity is a mystery.
They claimed the prize through a trust, vanished from the public eye, and left behind only one question: “Who was that lucky Floridian?”
10. The Generous Spirit – Janite Lee’s Heartfelt Win
Janite Lee, a Florida scratch-off player, won $10 million and immediately began giving much of it away to local causes and education programs. Her story didn’t revolve around cars or luxury — it was about kindness, generosity, and community.
She showed that sometimes, being a winner Florida Lottery player isn’t about what you gain — it’s about what you give.
Lessons from the Luckiest Floridians
When you read these stories side by side, a pattern emerges. These winners didn’t all chase fame or extravagance. Some shared their fortune; others slipped into quiet lives. But they all prove one thing — the Florida Lottery doesn’t just create millionaires; it creates stories.
Whether it’s a grandmother, a college kid, or a quiet couple from Melbourne Beach, every lottery winner from Florida has a moment that makes the rest of us wonder: What if that was me?
Also Read: Is Playing Florida Lottery Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Odds Explained
Final Thoughts
The Sunshine State has produced some of the biggest and most interesting lottery stories in America. From billion-dollar Powerball dreams to quiet, heartfelt wins, each Florida lottery winner reminds us that fortune doesn’t just favor the bold sometimes, it favors the patient, the generous, or even the person who let someone go ahead in line.
So next time you buy a ticket, remember that luck might just be waiting behind the counter.
FAQs About Florida Lottery Winners
1. Who was the latest lottery winner from Florida?
New winners are announced regularly. For the most recent results, you can check We Love Lotto results page to check Florida Lottery results.
2. Can Florida Lottery winners remain anonymous?
Winners can stay anonymous for 90 days after claiming their prize. After that, their name, city, and prize amount become public record under Florida law.
3. How long do winners of the Florida lottery have to claim their prize?
Most draw game winners have 180 days to claim their prize. Scratch-off winners should check the ticket’s printed deadline.
4. What are the taxes on Florida Lottery winnings?
Florida doesn’t take a state income tax, but the IRS does. Federal withholding is 24%, and depending on your total income, you might owe more come tax season.
5. What should I do if I am a lottery winner from Florida?
Double check your numbers and make sure that you entered for the correct draw.
