To qualify for the homeowners' exemption, the home must have been the principal residence of the owner as of January 1 of that tax year. Although Florida homestead is not considered a probate asset, it is usually advisable to file a Petition To Determine Homestead in the probate proceeding.The homestead exemption and Save Our Homes assessment limitation help thousands of Florida homeowners save money on their property taxes every year. (b) The probate homestead right in the property of the decedent is not liable for claims against the person for whose use the probate homestead is set apart. The most significant exemption under Florida law is for the decedent's homestead property, which is covered in more detail in the next section. Claiming a Florida homestead exemption involves some very specific requirements that must be completed within a specified time frame. In Florida, heirs are particularly disadvantaged through the wrongful imposition of a homestead exemption penalty. What qualifies as a homestead property? 196, and Florida Administrative Code Ch. 12D7.6. Proof of ownership of your property in the form of a copy of a tax bill or your deed.