I find that each county interprets the Florida Statues about tax deed sales differently and when one county may answer that question one way, the next county has a different answer.
However, in general terms, the county will hold the unclaimed surplus for a year and then turn it over to the state of Florida.
There is never a deadline for the property owner, only lien holders.
The previous home owner can (and should) put in a claim right away. If they do not and the county turns it over to the state, the previous owner can still claim it from Florida State’s unclaimed website.
ALL lienholders (except the IRS) will have just 120 Days (from the date the surplus notice was mailed) to put in their claim of they are forever barred from doing so and the entire surplus amount is owed to the previous owner.
To make completely sure the lien holder deadline has passed, consider 210 days (120 + 90 days for the county to 'do their thing') after the date of the auction to be the actual lien holder deadline.
Florida has VERY OPEN public record laws. You can call or email ANY of the counties Clerk of Court offices and they will answer your questions based on their own county.