TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Powerball jackpot that climbed to $1.787 billion earlier this month not only crowned two new multimillionaires in Missouri and Texas—it also fueled a record-breaking week for the Florida Lottery.
Record Sales in Florida
Florida players poured into the frenzy, driving Powerball sales to $97.25 million for the week ending Sept. 7, the fourth-highest in game history. Overall draw game sales hit $139.18 million, making it the third-highest draw week of all time for the state Lottery.
Big Wins for Floridians
Although no Floridian took home the jackpot, millions of winning tickets were sold in the state. Among them were 123 prizes worth $50,000 or more, including five tickets that paid $1 million each.
Education Benefits
The jackpot run also boosted Florida schools. The Lottery estimates it generated $88.28 million for the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund, which supports scholarships and other academic programs.
“Floridians showed incredible enthusiasm throughout this jackpot run, and that excitement translated into a meaningful impact for education,” said Florida Lottery Secretary John F. Davis.
Florida’s Lottery Legacy
Florida has played a major role in past lottery milestones. The state shared in the record-setting $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot in 2016 and has celebrated more jackpot winners than any other state since joining Powerball in 2009. To date, the game has contributed more than $3.16 billion to Florida’s education funding.
Winners Beyond the Jackpot
The two winning tickets sold in Missouri and Texas will split the top prize, giving each the option of a $893.5 million annuity or a lump sum of $410.3 million. For Floridians, the cycle brought not just winnings, but a reminder that every ticket purchased contributes to classrooms statewide.
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