The Order Determining Homestead may be retroactive but the Homestead Exemption is not retroactive if you do not file by March 1.
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.
Using the HCAD app to file your Homestead Exemption The app is called the HCAD Information and Exemption App and it allows a property owner to submit a residence homestead exemption application by providing images of the front and back of their driver's license as well as check the status of the application.
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.
Applications are approved by mid-June; the status of an approved exemption will change to 'green' on your property record's detail page, and the status listed above for the appropriate year will change to “Yes.” In some cases, applications may be denied.
Your Homestead will become effective on January 1st of the year FOLLOWING the year in which you ESTABLISHED your Homestead, SO LONG as you FILE for Homestead no later than March 1st of the year following the year in which you established your Homestead.