To qualify, you must own and occupy the home as permanent residence on January 1st of the year in which you want to claim the exemption. Can Married people file for Homestead on separate residences?A Florida appeals court has ruled that one spouse could not claim a homestead exemption against the property tax due on her Florida home. A married woman and her husband may establish separate permanent residences without showing "impelling reasons" or "just grounds" for doing so. Florida courts have stated that a husband and wife of an "intact marriage" cannot easily qualify for separate and multiple homestead exemptions. TBTE gives each spouse overlapping, 100 percent interest in their Homestead Property Tax Exemption and in the rights of inheritance for the surviving spouse. Notice: Effective January 10, 2025, both the Southwest Justice Center and Southwest Juvenile Courthouse will resume normal business operations. Homestead: This exemption can help homeowners reduce state property taxes and protect surviving spouses from creditors. Missouri law requires a combined return for married couples filing together. Protecting Your Property in a California Bankruptcy.