A lottery player in Florida claimed the $803 million Mega Millions jackpot from the July 28 drawing, selecting the cash payout option of $345.5 million. The Florida Lottery processed the claim quietly under state laws that protect the winner’s identity for 90 days following a claim.
The winning ticket matched all six numbers drawn: white balls 38, 48, 49, 59, 70, and the gold Mega Ball 12. The player purchased the ticket as a Quick Pick, allowing the terminal to select the numbers randomly. Under Florida law, the specific identity of the individual or entity claiming the prize remains private for a limited time.
| Detail Category | Draw Information |
|---|---|
| Draw Date | July 28 |
| Winning Numbers | 38 – 48 – 49 – 59 – 70, Mega Ball: 12 |
| Advertised Jackpot | $803 Million |
| Cash Option Value | $345.5 Million |
| Odds of Winning Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 |
| Retailer Location | Wawa, State Road 70 East, Bradenton, FL |
Who won the July 28 Mega Millions jackpot?
The identity of the person or entity that won the jackpot remains anonymous because Florida law protects lottery winners’ names for 90 days after they claim their prize. Online state lottery files list the claimant as “Exempt pursuant to F.S. 24.1051” instead of publishing a name, trust, or LLC.
This statutory exemption, governed by Florida Statute Section 24.1051, shields winners of prizes valued at $250,000 or more from public disclosure. Once the 90-day temporary anonymity period expires, the public can request the winner’s name and city of residence through public records requests. Street addresses and telephone numbers remain permanently confidential under Florida law to ensure winner safety.
Florida Lottery officials did not hold a press conference or issue a formal statement regarding the claim, which is standard procedure when a winner requests a quiet payout. Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald Dixon previously stated that ticket sales from this roll helped generate substantial funding for public education across the state, supporting students through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
Where was the winning Mega Millions ticket sold?
The winning ticket was sold at the Wawa convenience store situated at 14510 State Road 70 East in Bradenton, Florida. Bradenton lies in Manatee County, approximately 30 miles south of Tampa and a short drive from Sarasota.
The Bradenton Wawa store received a retailer bonus commission for selling the jackpot-winning ticket. This single ticket was the only entry across the United States to match all six numbers drawn on July 28, preventing a jackpot split with other players.
How much money does the winner take home after taxes?
The winner received a net payout of approximately $217.7 million after mandatory federal tax withholdings. This calculation assumes the winner selected the lump-sum cash option rather than the 30-year annuity.
According to USA Mega’s tax analysis, the internal revenue service requires an immediate 24% federal withholding on major lottery prizes. The IRS tax rate for the highest income bracket is 37%, meaning the winner will likely owe additional federal taxes when filing their annual tax return. Florida is one of several US states that does not impose state income tax on lottery winnings, saving the winner millions of dollars compared to players in states like New York or California.
For a detailed look at the financial differences between payout options, read our guide on Mega Millions Cash Option vs Annuity: The Real After-Tax Numbers.
What are the Mega Millions winning numbers?
The winning numbers for the drawing on July 28 were 38, 48, 49, 59, 70, with the gold Mega Ball 12. The Megaplier for that drawing was 3x, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes for tickets purchased with the Megaplier option.
To view historical drawings, payouts, and prize breakdowns, players can check Mega Millions numbers through our verified results directory. Keeping track of draw histories allows players to verify ticket details and claim deadlines, which vary by state jurisdiction.
How do you buy Mega Millions tickets?
To participate in Mega Millions, players must select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Each standard play costs $2. Players can add the Megaplier option for an additional $1 per play to multiply non-jackpot winnings.
Tickets are sold at authorized lottery retailers across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In several states, players can purchase tickets online through state-sanctioned apps or licensed courier platforms. Residents in participating regions can buy lottery tickets online safely using secure, regulated ticket courier services.
For a complete breakdown of rules, odds, and play options, consult our Mega Millions ticket guide. You can also read about prize structures in our article How to Play Mega Millions: Ticket Rules and Winning Numbers Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can visitors or tourists win the Florida Mega Millions?
Yes, non-residents and tourists can legally purchase tickets and claim lottery prizes in Florida. To learn more about the rules for non-US citizens, read our article Tourists Winning Mega Millions: Can Visitors Claim Jackpot Prizes?.
What is the deadline to claim a Florida Lottery jackpot?
In Florida, jackpot winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim the annuity option. However, if the winner prefers the single cash lump-sum payment, they must file their claim within 60 days of the drawing date.
How is the Mega Millions jackpot funded?
The jackpot is funded through ticket sales across all participating jurisdictions. Approximately 50% of ticket sales revenue goes toward funding prizes, while the remaining portion covers retailer commissions, administrative costs, and state-designated programs, such as education.
Responsible Gambling Notice: Lottery participation should be treated as entertainment, not a financial strategy. Play responsibly and within your means. If gambling causes distress, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (US) or GamCare: 0808 8020 133 (UK).
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