Florida has a new billionaire in town, thanks to the lucky winner of the $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot from last month. The winning ticket, which had the numbers 13, 19, 20, 32, and 33, along with the gold Mega Ball 14, was sold at a Publix supermarket in Neptune Beach, Florida.
This massive jackpot win marks the fourth time that Florida has produced a jackpot-winning ticket. However, the identity of the fortunate winner remains a mystery, thanks to Florida lottery laws that grant anonymity for 90 days to any winner claiming a prize of $250,000 or more.
The Mega Millions jackpot can be claimed either as a lump sum or through annual payments. The lump sum option amounts to approximately $794.2 million, but the winner also has the choice of receiving the full jackpot in 30 annual installments. Each of these annual payments is 5 percent larger than the previous one.
While the jackpot winner celebrates this life-changing windfall, the Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin extended congratulations to Florida for selling the winning ticket. This massive Mega Millions prize has generated excitement not only for the jackpot winner but also for the millions of winners at various prize levels throughout the jackpot’s run.
Florida is no stranger to Mega Millions wins, as another lucky player matched all six numbers in the August 15 drawing, winning a $39 million ($18.9 million cash) prize.
Moreover, there’s more lottery excitement on the horizon with the Powerball jackpot estimated at $850 million. If won, this will be the fourth-largest jackpot in Powerball history, adding to the list of record-breaking lottery wins.
Florida, being a state that does not tax lottery winnings, offers an even bigger financial reward for its fortunate winners. As the Mega Millions frenzy continues, players across the nation are hoping for their own chance to become the next big lottery winner.
