A Florida lottery player has claimed the $800 million Mega Millions jackpot from the July 28, 2026, drawing. The Florida Lottery confirmed that the winner chose the one-time lump-sum cash option of $344.2 million before taxes.
The winning ticket, which matched all six drawn numbers, was purchased as a Quick Pick at a retail location in Bradenton, Florida. Below is the structured breakdown of the jackpot draw details, official winning numbers, and the mathematical probabilities associated with the event.
| Detail Type | Information |
|---|---|
| Draw Date | July 28, 2026 |
| Jackpot Prize Value | $800 Million (Estimated Annuity) |
| Cash Option Value | $344.2 Million (Before Taxes) |
| Winning Numbers | 34, 48, 49, 59, 70, Mega Ball: 12 |
| Retailer Location | Wawa #5185, 14510 State Road 70 E, Bradenton, FL |
| Odds of Winning Jackpot | 1 in 302,575,350 |
Who won the $800 million Mega Millions jackpot?
The identity of the $800 million winner remains anonymous for a limited window of 90 days following the claim. According to Florida law, lottery winners who claim prizes of $250,000 or more can keep their names confidential temporarily.
Florida Lottery Secretary Reginald Dixon confirmed the claim in an official statement, noting that the winner acquired the ticket as a Quick Pick at the Bradenton Wawa. The ticket holder took the lump sum payment of $344.2 million. The ticket matched all five white balls plus the gold Mega Ball to end a roll series that lasted over four months without a jackpot winner.
Under Florida Statute 24.1051, the winner’s name is currently classified as exempt from public record. This exemption expires 90 days after the date the prize is claimed. Once this period passes, the Florida Lottery is legally obligated to release the winner’s name and city of residence to any individual or entity that submits a formal public records request. Consequently, the ticket holder’s identity will eventually become public knowledge.
How does Florida lottery anonymity law work?
Florida lottery laws mandate that a winner’s identity becomes public record 90 days after claiming a prize of $250,000 or more. Prior to a legislative change in May 2022, Florida was one of several states where lottery wins were immediately open to public inspection.
The current legislation provides a short grace period for winners to seek financial planning, secure legal representation, and prepare for the public attention that follows a massive win. While some states allow winners to claim prizes through anonymous trusts or limited liability companies (LLCs) permanently, Florida law limits complete anonymity to the initial 90-day window.
To understand how these regulations protect and affect players, readers can review our detailed guide on how to play Mega Millions and understand ticket rules. Additionally, players from other regions or countries should note specific restrictions, which are explained further in our analysis of tourists winning Mega Millions and whether visitors can claim jackpot prizes.
What are the payout details for the $800 million prize?
The Bradenton winner selected the single lump-sum cash option of $344.2 million instead of the 30-year annuity option. Federal taxes are automatically withheld from this amount, while Florida does not levy a state income tax on lottery winnings.
A 24% federal tax withholding applies immediately to the lump sum, reducing the initial payout by approximately $82.6 million. The winner will likely owe additional federal income taxes up to the maximum 37% bracket when filing their annual tax return, which requires calculating the difference between the initial withholding and the final tax liability.
For an in-depth breakdown of how tax structures impact multi-million dollar payouts, read our guide on the Mega Millions Cash Option vs Annuity and the real after-tax numbers.
| Payout Option | Gross Value | Estimated Federal Tax (37%) | Estimated Net Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Lump Sum | $344.2 Million | $127.35 Million | $216.85 Million |
| Annuity (30 Payments) | $800.0 Million | $296.0 Million (Total) | $504.0 Million (Total) |
Where does this jackpot rank in lottery history?
The $800 million prize ranks as the tenth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history and the second-largest ever won in the state of Florida.
The record for the largest jackpot in Florida belongs to a group playing under the name Saltines Holdings, LLC. This entity claimed a $1.602 billion Mega Millions prize in August 2023, following a ticket purchase at a Publix supermarket in Neptune Beach, Florida.
Historically, Mega Millions jackpots frequently escalate when consecutive drawings yield no jackpot winners. The $800 million prize run lasted for more than four months before the Bradenton ticket successfully matched all numbers on July 28.
How can you play Mega Millions online?
Players can participate in Mega Millions drawings by purchasing tickets at authorized physical retailers or using registered digital lottery platforms. Those who choose to use digital platforms can buy official entries from anywhere within participating jurisdictions.
To secure a valid entry online, players must register with an approved service. You can complete an online lottery ticket purchase through a licensed provider such as theLotter to participate in upcoming games.
Before buying tickets, players should review the official Mega Millions rules and odds to understand the gameplay structure, prize tiers, and mathematical probabilities. To confirm the validity of past purchases, players can verify Mega Millions ticket entries by comparing their numbers to the official winning sequences.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Mega Millions winner in Florida remain completely anonymous?
No, Florida law only allows winners of $250,000 or more to keep their names private for 90 days after claiming the prize. After this 90-day grace period, the Florida Lottery must disclose the winner’s name and city of residence upon request.
Where was the winning $800 million Mega Millions ticket sold?
The ticket was sold at Wawa No. 5185, located at 14510 State Road 70 East in Bradenton, Florida. The retailer received a bonus commission for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
What are the winning numbers for the July 28 Mega Millions draw?
The winning numbers for the July 28 drawing were 34, 48, 49, 59, and 70, with a Mega Ball of 12. The Megaplier for that drawing was 3x.
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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