Permanent Florida residency required on January 1. The Homestead Declaration must be recorded with the County Recorder to be valid.Where can I file for homestead exemption? Filing for homestead exemptions is done through the Seminole County Property Appraiser's Office. When to file: Application for all exemptions must be made between January 1 and March 1 of the tax year. All legal Florida residents are eligible for a Homestead Exemption on their homes, condominiums, co-op apartments, and certain mobile home lots if they qualify. Applicants must file a Form CC-501 – Original Application for Homestead and Related Tax Exemptions, to apply for the homestead exemption on the new homestead.