Property owners in Florida may be eligible for exemptions and additional benefits that can reduce their property tax liability. Claiming a Florida homestead exemption involves some very specific requirements that must be completed within a specified time frame.Determine your home's current market value. Federal law requires that you live in the property for at least 40 months prior to the bankruptcy. When to file: Application for all exemptions must be made between January 1 and March 1 of the tax year.