Permanent Florida residency required on January 1. All persons seeking homestead exemption must complete an original application (Form DR-501).Filing for Florida's Homestead Exemption can offer you tax savings when you own real estate in Florida. If your property is your permanent residence, or homestead, you may be eligible for a tax exemption. Several types of exemptions are available. Property taxes in Florida come in a bit below national averages. An application must be completed and filed in the Property Valuation Office along with documentation verifying age. File For Florida Homestead Tax Exemption. Taxes are collected a year in arrears. For example, if the calendar year is 2023 then the tax year is 2022.