Can Married people file for Homestead on separate residences? Permanent Florida residency required on January 1.The Florida Constitution says that if you are married, you are restricted from leaving your homestead property to anyone except your spouse. Filing for Florida's Homestead Exemption can offer you tax savings when you own real estate in Florida. To qualify for the homeowners' exemption, the home must have been the principal residence of the owner as of January 1 of that tax year. Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in. Section II and Section VIII, this Agreement will be binding on all Settling States, Settling.