Permanent Florida residency required on January 1. What is Required When Filing for Homestead Exemption?Filing for Florida's Homestead Exemption can offer you tax savings when you own real estate in Florida. If you're planning to claim a homestead exemption, you must first apply for a Florida driver's license. WHERE TO FILE: This document, and all supporting documentation, must be filed with the appraisal district in the county in which your property is located. The deadline to submit a homestead and all exemption applications is March 1 following the year of your home purchase. March 1 is the filing deadline for each tax year. If you own your home, reside there permanently and are a Florida resident as of January 1, you may qualify for homestead exemption. In order to qualify for homestead exemption, permanent Florida residency must be established as of January 1. What is homestead exemption?