Bradenton resident claims $344M cash option for $800M Mega Millions win
The winner of the $800 million Mega Millions jackpot, sold at a Bradenton Wawa, has claimed the prize and selected the $344.2 million cash option. The ticket, purchased near Sarasota, ended a 37-drawing rollover streak. The winner remains anonymous for 90 days under Florida law, and this is the largest Florida lottery win since 2023.
Key points
- The winner chose the $344.2 million cash option over the $800 million annuity, according to Florida Lottery records.
- The winning ticket was sold at Wawa No. 5185 in Bradenton, located on State Road 70 East near Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota.
- The jackpot was won on July 28, 2026, with numbers 34-48-49-59-70 and Mega Ball 12, ending a 37-drawing rollover.
- The winner is listed as being from Bradenton but is temporarily exempt from public disclosure for 90 days under Florida law.
- This is the largest Mega Millions prize won in Florida since the $1.602 billion jackpot in August 2023.
Background
The $800 million jackpot was the largest prize of 2026 and the 10th-largest in Mega Millions history. Previous coverage noted that the winner had 60 days to claim the cash option after the July 28 drawing. The 2023 Florida winner used an LLC to maintain anonymity, a strategy some experts suggest for high-dollar prizes.
Why it matters
The claim confirms the winner’s choice of the cash option and highlights the ongoing debate around lottery winner anonymity in Florida. The $344.2 million cash prize will fund education programs in Florida, as lottery proceeds support state education initiatives.
What to watch
The winner’s identity will be publicly disclosed after the 90-day anonymity period expires. Florida Lottery officials may release additional details about the claim process or the winner’s location as the exemption period ends.
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