Persons entitled to the exemption must be a permanent resident of the State of Florida as of January 1 of the year for which they are applying. To qualify for the senior exemption: The taxpayer must qualify for and have or file for Homestead Exemption.Certain property tax benefits are available to persons age 65 or older in Florida. Eligibility for property tax exemp ons depends on certain requirements. Clients want to move to Florida and keep their residencybased property tax exemption afforded in their prior state of residence. As a property owner in Florida, homestead exemption is one way to reduce the amount of real estate taxes you pay on your residential property. It also exempts pension income for seniors age 60 or older. Homestead Exemption Portability (Section 196.031, F.S.). Is Pennsylvania retirement tax-friendly? While the Keystone State offers many benefits to seniors, what are PA retirement taxes like?