Miami Player Scores $1 Million on Florida Scratch-Off

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Publix Purchase Leads to Massive Florida Lottery Win

A simple grocery run turned into a $1 million surprise for one South Florida man.

The Florida Lottery announced on Tuesday, February 24, that Pierre Khawly, 49, of Miami claimed a $1 million prize from the popular 500X the Cash scratch-off game. He picked up the lucky $50 ticket at a Publix store on Village Boulevard in West Palm Beach — proving once again that you never know when luck might strike.

? Took the Cash and Ran

Instead of annual payments, Khawly chose the lump-sum option.

  • Total prize: $1,000,000

  • Cash payout: $640,000 (before taxes)

  • Claimed on: November 10, 2025

Not a bad return on a grocery trip!

?? About the 500X the Cash Game

This scratch-off is a big one:

  • Top prize: $25 million — the largest ever for a Florida scratch-off

  • Ticket price: $50

  • Starting prizes: $50

  • Overall odds: 1-in-4.23

The game launched on January 15, 2024, and it’s been creating millionaires ever since.


? How Long Do You Have to Claim?

If you win in Florida, don’t sit on that ticket too long.

  • Winners have 180 days (six months) to claim prizes.

  • If choosing the one-time cash option, you must claim it within 60 days of the draw date.


? Can You Stay Anonymous in Florida?

Here’s the deal: Florida law requires the lottery to release certain winner details, including:

  • Name

  • City of residence

  • Game won

  • Prize amount

However, winners of $250,000 or more get a 90-day temporary privacy window before their information becomes public — unless they waive that protection.


? Where Can You Buy Tickets?

In Florida, lottery tickets are almost everywhere:

  • Most gas stations

  • Many grocery stores

  • Self-service vending machines

 

Along with Publix, some Walmart stores in Florida sell tickets at customer service counters or through vending machines — though availability can vary by location.

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