In order to qualify for a homestead exemption, the applicant's name must appear on the deed to the property and they must own, occupy and claim the property as their legal residence on January 1 to be eligible for any exemption for that tax year.
Homestead exemption is $25,000 deducted from your assessed value before the taxes are calculated plus an additional homestead exemption up to $25,000 applied to the assessed value above $50,000. The additional exemption does not apply to school taxes.
In addition to the proof of Florida residency, you must be residing on the property as your primary residence as of January 1st. Social Security numbers are required for all owners and their spouses making application, even if the spouse does not own and/or reside on the property, per Florida Statute.