You must reside on your homestead property as your primary residence. However, there is no particular amount of time you have to be physically present on the property to qualify for homestead exemption. To qualify for homestead exemption, you have to declare Florida as 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. With it, you can reduce the taxable value of your home by as much as $50,000 if you use the property as your primary residence.
When someone owns property and makes it his or her permanent residence or the permanent residence of his or her dependent, the property owner may be eligible to receive a homestead exemption that would decrease the property's taxable value by as much as $50,000.
The Florida Homestead law makes purchasing a primary residence exceptionally attractive as it protects a Florida resident's primary home from a judgment creditor. This means that, should you have a recorded judgment against you, that judgment cannot attach to or become a lien on your homestead.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS You must own AND occupy the home as your PERMANENT residence prior to January 1st of the year for which you are applying 2. You must be a US Citizen or permanent US Resident and a Florida resident as of January 1st 3.
To get a homestead deduction on your Florida taxes, you have to fill out an application form, the DR-501, and demonstrate proof of residence by March 1 of the year for which you wish to qualify.
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.
Homestead Exemption: Every person who has legal or equitable title to real property in the State of Florida and who resides thereon and in good faith makes it his or her permanent home is eligible to receive a homestead exemption of up to $50,000.
Any property owned by the taxpayer and situated in this state is subject to the taxes exempted by the improper homestead exemption, plus a penalty of 50% of the unpaid taxes for each year and interest at a rate of 15% per annum.