Permanent Florida residency required on January 1. This Video Shows you How to Complete an Application for Homestead Exemption.Claiming a Florida homestead exemption involves some very specific requirements that must be completed within a specified time frame. The homestead can't exceed one acre in a city or 160 acres in a rural area. HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FILING DATES ARE JANUARY 1st THROUGH April 1st. Effective June 1, 2005 homestead exemptions may be filed for any time during the year. When to file: Application for all exemptions must be made between January 1 and March 1 of the tax year. The BOR accepts exemption applications for approximately 30 days, four times each year. When to file: Application for all exemptions must be made between January 1 and March 1 of the tax year. To apply, your organization should complete one of the following four applications, available from the chief county assessment officer (CCAO).