Florida Lotto Delivers $1.25 Million Jackpot Ahead of Valentine’s Day
The Florida Lotto held its most recent drawing on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, offering a $1.25 million jackpot just before Valentine’s Day and the much-talked-about Friday the 13th. The winning numbers for this draw were 16, 25, 35, 38, 39, and 40. For those who played the Double Play add-on, the numbers drawn were 23, 29, 37, 38, 42, and 53. These results brought excitement to players across the state, as many hoped to start the holiday weekend with a life-changing win.
The Florida Lotto is a staple for lottery fans, with drawings every Wednesday and Saturday at about 11:15 p.m. ET, even on holidays. Players select six numbers between one and fifty-three, or they can opt for a Quick Pick ticket for randomly generated numbers. Prizes are awarded for matching three to six numbers, but the odds of winning the jackpot are steep—about one in nearly twenty-three million. The Double Play add-on, available for an extra dollar, gives players a second chance to win up to $250,000 using the same numbers right after the main drawing.
Recent Florida Lotto Winners and Notable Jackpots
Just a week before the February 11 drawing, a lucky ticket sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club Liquors in Clermont matched all six numbers to win a massive $21.5 million jackpot on February 4, 2026. After this big win, the jackpot reset to $1 million for the Saturday, February 7 drawing. However, no one matched all six numbers that night, causing the jackpot to roll over and increase to $1.25 million for the February 11 draw.
The winning numbers for the February 7 Florida Lotto drawing were 49, 30, 26, 21, 42, and 51. The Double Play numbers for that night were 18, 33, 2, 47, 52, and 16. These recent draws show how quickly the jackpot can grow when there is no winner, creating more excitement for players hoping to become the next big winner.
How to Play and Claim Florida Lotto Prizes
To play the Florida Lotto, players can purchase tickets at most gas stations and grocery stores across the state. Publix is known for selling many winning tickets, while Walmart locations may or may not sell lottery tickets depending on store and state policies. Many stores have self-service vending machines or customer service desks where tickets can be bought.
Players can also add the EZmatch feature for an extra dollar per play. This add-on awards instant prizes if any EZmatch number matches the chosen lotto numbers. Lottery prizes must be claimed within six months (180 days) from the date of the drawing. If a winner chooses the single-payment cash option, they must claim it within sixty days after the draw date.
Florida law requires that lottery winners’ information, such as name and city of residence, be public record. However, for prizes over $250,000, the names of winners are temporarily exempt from disclosure for ninety days unless the winner chooses to waive this right. This rule helps protect the privacy of large jackpot winners, at least for a short period.
Mega Millions: No Jackpot Winner, Prize Grows to $385 Million
While the Florida Lotto had a $1.25 million jackpot, the Mega Millions drawing on February 10, 2026, featured a much larger prize. The jackpot for that night reached $366 million, with a cash value of $165.6 million. The winning numbers for the February 10 Mega Millions drawing were 5, 25, 30, 36, 68, and the Mega Ball was 6.
No one won the Mega Millions jackpot or any Match 5 prizes in this drawing. As a result, the jackpot has increased to $385 million for the next drawing, scheduled for Friday, February 13 at 11 p.m. ET. Mega Millions is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets cost $5 each, and players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 24. Players can also use Quick Pick or Easy Pick options for randomly generated numbers.
How to Play Mega Millions and Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets for Mega Millions can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even some airport terminals. In certain states, players can buy tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of USA TODAY Network. Jackpocket allows players to pick games and numbers, place orders, view tickets, and collect winnings using a phone or computer.
Winners of the Mega Millions jackpot have two payout options. They can choose a one-time lump-sum cash payment or an immediate payment followed by annual checks that increase by 5% each year. This flexibility allows winners to decide how they want to receive their prize money.
Stories of Notable Lottery Wins and Holiday Connections
Lottery history is filled with stories of big wins tied to holidays and special dates. The article highlights Edwin Castro, who won a record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot on November 7, 2022. He claimed his prize on Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2023), showing how lottery wins can become part of personal and national celebrations.
While the Florida Lotto does not hold drawings on Fridays, and therefore will never have a Friday the 13th winner, the timing of recent draws near Valentine’s Day and Friday the 13th adds to the excitement for players. Nationally, there have been notable lottery wins on Friday the 13th, but Florida players will have to settle for other lucky dates.
Responsible Play and Claiming Your Prize
Both the Florida Lottery and Mega Millions encourage responsible play. Players should remember that the odds of winning large jackpots are very low, and it is important to play for fun rather than as a way to make money. For those who need help with gambling problems, there are hotlines and resources available in every state.
If you are lucky enough to win, make sure to sign your ticket and keep it in a safe place. Follow the rules for claiming your prize, and consider seeking financial advice before making any major decisions. Lottery winners often face sudden changes in their lives, and careful planning can help ensure that the prize brings long-term benefits.
Looking Ahead: Next Drawings and Your Chance to Win
The next Florida Lotto drawing will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, which is also Valentine’s Day. The jackpot will continue to grow if there is no winner, giving players another chance to become a millionaire. The next Mega Millions drawing is set for Friday, February 13, with a jackpot of $385 million.
Whether you play for the thrill, the dream of a big win, or just for fun, the lottery continues to capture the imagination of millions. With jackpots reaching into the millions and even billions, every drawing brings new stories of hope, excitement, and sometimes life-changing luck. If you bought a ticket for yesterday’s drawing, check your numbers carefully—you could be the next big winner.
