For asset protection, your exemption applies when you occupy your residence with the intent to make your home your permanent residence. The Florida homestead exemption is a property tax break that's offered based on your home's assessed value and provides exemptions within a certain value limit.If you own your home, reside there permanently and are a Florida resident as of January 1, you may qualify for homestead exemption. There are a number of state (F. S. 196.031) and local laws providing exemptions that can result in a lower taxable value on certain properties. Filing for Florida's Homestead Exemption can offer you tax savings when you own real estate in Florida. 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.