Permanent Florida residency required on January 1. A property owner or the owner's authorized agent must file the necessary application before May 1 of the tax year.First, fill out the application specific to your County Appraisal District, then mail all of the documents to the Appraisal District for your County. Applications for exemptions must be submitted to the Bexar Appraisal District. NOTE: The Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) will automatically update existing homestead exemptions. You may verify your homestead status at BCAD. Deadline Alert: DECEMBER 31ST to Apply for Homestead Exemption! What is Homesteading?