The Property Appraiser mails Homestead Exemption application forms and qualification guidelines to persons who bought homes during the current year. Contact your local property appraiser if you have questions about your exemption.File the signed application for exemption with the county property appraiser. In order to qualify for homestead exemption: You must be a Florida resident. Meet the March 1 filing deadline. You should complete all required forms and applica ons for the exemp on and file them with your county property appraiser. Complete the form online and select the state's e-file option. You must own and be resident in the property on January 1 of the current year to be eligible to file for the current year. The filing deadline is March 1, of tax year. If, as a new owner, you want to receive a Homestead Exemption in Miami-Dade or Broward County, you must apply before March 1st of the following tax year.