Senior Exemption for persons 65 and older (Based on a limited income). Permanent Florida residency required on January 1.You may still have grounds to file a homestead exemption in Virginia, as long as you can demonstrate your ties to the property and your dependent there. The General Homestead Exemption Application Form helps eligible homeowners reduce their property tax. To qualify for a Homestead Exemption, you must own the property and it must be your permanent residence to the exclusion of all others as of January 1st. Florida Homestead Exemption This is the most common exemption. It allows homeowners to formally claim their primary residence as a homestead.