Florida
Article X of the constitution of 1885 provides as follows: “Sec. 1. A homestead to the extent of one hundred and sixty acres of land, or the half of one acre within the limits of any incorporated city or town, owned by the head of the family residing in this State, together with one thousand dollars’ worth of personal property, and the improvements on the real estate, shall be exempt from forced sale under process of any court, and the real estate shall not be alienable without the joint consent of husband and wife, when that relation exists. But no property shall be exempt from sale for taxes or assessments or for payment of obligations contracted for the purchase of said property, or for the erection or repair of improvements on the real estate exempted, or for house, field or other labor performed on the same. The exemption herein provided for in a city or town shall not extend to more improvements or buildings than the residence and business house of the owner; and no judgment or decree or execution shall be a lien upon exempted property except as provided in this article. Sec. 2. The exemptions provided for in section one shall insure to the widow and heirs of the party entitled to such exemption, and shall apply to all debts, except as specified in said section. Sec. 3. The exemptions provided for in the constitution of this State adopted in 1868 shall apply as to all debts contracted and judgments rendered since the adoption thereof and prior to the adoption of this constitution. Sec. 4. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the holder of a homestead from alienating his or her homestead so exempted by deed or mortgage duly executed by himself or herself, and by husband and wife, if such relation exists, nor, if the holder be without children, to prevent him or her from disposing of his or her homestead by will, in a manner prescribed by law. Sec. 5. No homestead provided for in Section 1 shall be reduced in area on account of its being subsequently included within the limits of an incorporated city or town, without the consent of the owner.”