What happens to the homestead exemption when the property owner dies? The property will not receive the homestead exemption in the year following the property owner's death. However, if the property owner was married, the property will continue to receive the homestead exemption in the surviving spouse's name.
In brief, Florida case law and opinions issued by the Florida Attorney General recognize that Trust beneficiaries can maintain their homestead exemption as long as they meet certain requirements, even though the Florida Constitution does not explicitly address homestead protection for properties held in Trust.
Who Inherits Florida Homestead? A surviving spouse and minor children will always inherit the Florida homestead property, regardless of what the will says. If there are no minor children and no surviving spouse, the Florida homestead can be bequeathed to anyone.
Florida homes marked as homestead don't need full probate when the owner dies, but they might need a shorter process called summary administration to move ownership properly.
Required Documentation for Homestead Exemption Application Your recorded deed or tax bill. Florida Drivers License or Identification Card. Will need to provide ID# and issue date. Vehicle Registration. Will need to provide tag # and issue date. Permanent Resident Alien Card. Will need to provide ID# and issue date.
You must file a new application for your new residence. While your homestead exemption is not transferable, you can transfer the accumulated Save Our Homes benefits (as defined by law) from one homestead to another homestead, anywhere in Florida.
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. The Florida Constitution provides this tax-saving exemption on the first and third $25,000 of the assessed value of an owner/occupied residence.
First-time Homestead Exemption applicants and persons applying for the Homestead Assessment Difference (Portability) can file online.