Sunday's Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 drawings turned a routine grocery run into a mini payday parade for South Florida shoppers, with Publix registers ringing up an outsized share of the state's luck. Three Publix locations were tied to multiple top-prize tickets, and the evening draw was split four ways so each winning slip paid about $24,351. The midday drawing produced two winners who will each receive roughly $27,435 before taxes. Winners still have to validate and claim their prizes through Florida Lottery district offices, not at the checkout line.
Evening and midday winners
According to the Miami Herald, the Sunday evening Fantasy 5 numbers were 7, 18, 29, 31 and 36. Matching tickets were sold at Publix stores in North Miami and Coral Springs and at quick-pick terminals at a RaceTrac in Kissimmee and a Murphy USA in Fort Myers, so each of the four evening winners is in line for about $24,351. The Herald also reports that the midday draw, with numbers 7, 8, 16, 29 and 36, produced two top-prize tickets sold at a Hialeah Publix Sabor and at a Fort Myers convenience store, each worth roughly $27,435 before taxes. Those figures remain preliminary until claims are processed by the Lottery.
Claiming prizes and district offices
Per the Florida Lottery, prizes of $600 or more must be claimed at a district office, and winners are advised to sign the back of the ticket and bring valid photo ID along with completed claim forms. The Lottery's website lists district offices in Miami Lakes and Fort Myers, with weekday hours and contact numbers, and appointments are optional for walk-ins who prefer to schedule a time. Winners are urged to review the Lottery's guidance before heading to an office to avoid delays in processing.
Publix keeps showing up in winner rundowns
Local outlets have been flagging a run of mid-five- and six-figure Fantasy 5 payouts tied to Publix registers across South Florida, a pattern that keeps popping up in follow-ups and neighborhood chatter. Coral Springs News covered the Coral Springs winner and noted that several players chose their own numbers instead of using Quick Pick, and recent Publix-related payouts in the region have been tracked in detail. Whether it is pure coincidence or a short-term quirk of player behavior, the repeat appearances add a local twist for shoppers grabbing tickets along with their groceries.
What winners should do next
If you think you are holding a winning slip, the Lottery recommends signing the back immediately and verifying the numbers through the Florida Lottery before saying anything publicly. Contact your nearest district office, the Miami Lakes and Fort Myers locations are listed online, to confirm what documents you need and to arrange a visit, per the Florida Lottery. Winners may also want to consult tax and financial advisors before deciding how to handle the funds.
