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.
The homestead exemption is a statewide program which allows qualified senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled homeowners to reduce their property tax burden by shielding some of the auditor's appraised value of their home from taxation. The exemption takes the form of a credit on property tax bills.
Homestead Every person who owns real property in Florida on January 1, makes the property his or her permanent residence or the permanent residence of a legal or natural dependent, and files an application may receive a property tax exemption up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes.
You are 65 years of age, or older, on January 1; You qualify for, and receive, the Florida Homestead Exemption; Your total 'Household Adjusted Gross Income' for everyone who lives on the property cannot exceed statutory limits.