Found an item? Your responsibilities

What to do when you find someone else's property — your responsibilities and how to return it safely.

Found something in Fort Lauderdale? Handling it responsibly protects both you and the owner. Rules vary by location, but the principles are consistent.

Make a reasonable effort to find the owner. Check for ID, contact details, or anything that identifies who it belongs to.
Don't assume it's yours to keep. Keeping found property without trying to return it can have legal consequences. When in doubt, hand it in.
Hand valuables to the authorities. Report significant or high-value finds to the police non-emergency line for Fort Lauderdale; they'll log it and may issue a reference.
Store it safely. Keep the item secure and unchanged while you try to return it.
Post a found listing. Add a found-item listing for Fort Lauderdale with enough detail for the real owner to identify it — while holding back one verifying detail.

Helpful resources for Fort Lauderdale

Nextdoor
Reach neighbors to return a found item

Recent reports in Fort Lauderdale

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Found utensils set near Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale.

I found a small set of utensils on Las Olas Boulevard near the Riverwalk this afternoon, around 4:15 p.m. They were tucked under a bench by the Stranahan House—a red-handled spatula, a wooden spoon, and a pair of tongs, all still clean but a bit dusty from the breeze. It looked like someone had just packed up from a picnic, so I left them where I found them in case the owner comes back. The utensils seem usable and tidy, perfect for a waterfront cookout along Fort Lauderdale’s charm.

near Stranahan House courtyard, Fort Lauderdale. 4 days ago

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Neon green Under Armour swim trunks, size L

Found a pair of neon green Under Armour swim trunks this morning around 9am on the Fort Lauderdale Beach boardwalk near the Elbo Room. They're men's size Large, with a black drawstring, and a white UA logo on the left leg. There's a small tear at the back pocket and a faded blue sticker with the initials 'A.J.' on the inner waistband. The trunks are in decent condition, clearly used but otherwise fine. If these belong to you, I’m happy to coordinate a pickup near Fort Lauderdale Beach Park or Las Olas area.

Fort Lauderdale about 1 month ago

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Sage green Brooklinen duvet cover set, queen size

I found a queen-size Brooklinen duvet cover set in sage green with white piping this morning around 11:15am near the Riverwalk entrance on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. It's in good condition, no major stains, just a few wrinkles from being in a tote bag. The set includes two pillowcases, and one has a tiny monogram 'PR' in the corner with a Brooklinen tag on the inside. It smells clean, like it was recently washed. If you've lost bedding like this, I hope this helps reunite you with it soon.

Fort Lauderdale 2 months ago

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US passport found near Las Olas Riverfront

I found a US passport this afternoon around 3:45pm near the Riverwalk at Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The burgundy cover is a touch creased with the Great Seal still clear, and there's a small coffee ring along the back edge. Inside, the standard data page is visible, and the photo shows a traveler in a light blue shirt—nothing legible from the outside, of course. I slipped it into a protective pouch in my bag to keep it safe and I really hope to reunite it with its owner.

Fort Lauderdale 3 months ago

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Found auto key fob and house key

I found an auto key fob and one house key with a couple of identifying items on the ring on the Lauderdale-By-the-Sea beach near Costa del Sol. Call or text 248 321 4144 to identify. We are staying in LBTS for several more days. Also contacted the city to let them know.

Fort Lauderdale 3 months ago

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Leopard gecko found near Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

I found a leopard gecko this afternoon around 3:15pm wandering along the sidewalk near the Riverwalk on Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale, just outside the Stranahan House, and it’s about 6 inches long from head to tail. It’s sandy yellow with irregular brown spots, and its tail looks a little plump, with a tiny orange spot on its right shoulder and a faint black speck at the base of its tail. It was crawling between a bike rack and a storefront, clearly friendly but a bit jumpy. I scooped it into a small plastic tote with air holes to keep it safe while I search for the owner. If you’re missing a gecko, I’d love to help reunite you—reply here and we can coordinate a meetup in Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale 4 months ago