The Florida Lottery hit the ground running this year, shelling out more than $353.4 million in high-tier prizes during the first three months of 2026.
Data released for the period between January 1 and March 31 shows a massive wave of luck across the state, with 53,243 winning tickets worth $600 or more being cashed in by players.
This quarterly surge averaged roughly 890 significant winners per day. Among those winners, 52 individuals reached millionaire status.
While various games contributed to the total, Scratch-Off tickets remained the dominant choice for players, accounting for 74.61% of all prize money awarded. Draw games, including staples like PICK 4 and POWERBALL, made up the remainder of the winnings.
READ: Citrus County Man Strikes Gold In Brooksville With $2 Million Florida Lottery Scratch-Off Win
Beyond the individual payouts, the lottery reported a substantial contribution to Florida’s academic infrastructure. A total of $584 million was transferred to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund during these three months.
This funding supports various initiatives, most notably the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which has now helped more than one million students attend college.
“From exciting wins to life-changing prizes, every play contributes to something bigger,” said Florida Lottery Acting Secretary Reginald D. Dixon. “While we create winning moments for our players, we’re also proud to support education and invest in the future of students across Florida.”
As the year continues, officials are reminding the public that players must be at least 18 years old to participate.
The Florida Lottery also focuses on player safety, urging everyone to play responsibly and stay within their financial means. Detailed resources regarding responsible gaming are available on the lottery’s official website.
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