How much time to protect homesteaded sale to build new house

I have a civil lawsuit pending. Just received the papers. I know my current property is protected under homestead statutes. I would like to sell my homesteaded property and use the funds to build a new house on a lot with the proceeds from the sale. Is there a way to go about this? Do I have a certain amount of time between the sale of my house and building a new house that would be my homestead where the money to build it would be protected? Any help is appreciated.

Ruth, the Florida law states 180 days for the equity in a sale or refinance to be protected. However, if you can convert the sale proceeds to an exempt asset, that will help tremendously.

http://www.floridahomesteadservices.com