How to Declare Your Property as a Homestead. Permanent Florida residency required on January 1.In order to qualify for homestead exemption: You must be a Florida resident. Meet the March 1 filing deadline. Complete the Homestead Declaration form. The form must be printed legibly in black ink. Proof of ownership of your property in the form of a copy of a tax bill or your deed. To apply, a homestead exemption application (DTE 105A) must be filed with the Auditor after January 1 and on or before December 31 in the year of application. Securing your today and tomorrow. Online access to maps, real estate data, tax information, and appraisal data.