A Powerball player in Florida has won $1 million after matching five numbers in the February 1 drawing, lottery officials confirmed.
The winning ticket was purchased at a Publix store in Spring Hill, roughly 50 miles north of Tampa. The player turned a $2 purchase into a seven-figure prize, defying odds of about 1 in 11.6 million.
Although the winner did not match the Powerball number required to claim the full jackpot, they still secured the top prize of the night. No players selected all six winning numbers, so the jackpot has rolled over and now stands at an estimated $100 million, with a cash option of approximately $45.3 million.
Winners in Florida have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize. Since the amount exceeds $5,000, the player will be subject to a 24% federal tax. However, they will not have to pay state income tax, as Florida does not tax lottery winnings. Other states with similar policies include California and Texas.
In contrast, big winners in states like New York and New Jersey face higher tax rates. New York levies a 10.9% state tax on lottery prizes, while New Jersey imposes taxes of up to 8% on winnings over $500,000.
So far in 2025, there has been only one Powerball jackpot winner. A player in Oregon claimed a $328.5 million prize earlier this year. That winner now faces a choice between a lump sum of $146.4 million or annual payments. If they opt for the lump sum, they will owe federal taxes and Oregon’s 8% state tax, which could reduce their final payout by more than $30 million.Powerball officials continue to encourage players to check their tickets, as unclaimed winnings remain a common issue.
