How many days do I have to claim an exemption after a Florida garnishment notice?

Use the free tool — Wage Garnishment Defense FL

You have 20 days

Florida law gives you 20 days from the date of the garnishment notice to file a claim of exemption. This deadline comes from Florida Statutes chapter 77. The exact date depends on when you received your notice, so check the date printed on your paperwork.

Why the deadline matters

If you miss the 20 days, you may lose the chance to claim an exemption you would otherwise qualify for. File within the window even if you are not sure you qualify. You can still explain your situation at the hearing.

What you might be able to claim

Head of family: if you provide more than half the support of a dependent, your wages are exempt from garnishment under Florida Statutes chapter 222 — automatically up to $750 a week, and above that unless you agreed in writing.
Bank-account protections: Social Security funds, wages already deposited, and a $1,000 personal-property exemption may also apply.

Which exemptions fit depends on your notice and your situation. This is general information, not legal advice.

How to file the claim

The claim-of-exemption form is attached to the garnishment notice you received. File the sworn claim and request for hearing with the clerk of court within the 20-day window, and send copies as required. If you need help completing it, floridalawhelp.org offers free assistance.

What happens at the hearing

Once you file your claim, a hearing may be scheduled under Florida Statutes chapters 77 and 222. This tool cannot represent you or predict the outcome of your case. Speak with a legal professional or floridalawhelp.org if you want representation. Federal tax levies, federal student-loan garnishments, and child-support orders follow separate rules — confirm with the agency involved.

What to do next

Paste your garnishment notice into the free tool. It reads your own document and numbers to show which exemptions may fit, computes the 20-day deadline from your notice, and gives you the affidavit language and filing steps. It does not fill out or file the form for you.

Use the free tool

Wage Garnishment Defense FL is an informational tool based on Florida Statutes chapters 77 and 222 and 15 U.S.C. 1673 as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice and does not file anything. Federal tax levies, federal student-loan administrative garnishments and child-support orders have separate rules and limits. It is not affiliated with any court, creditor or agency.