You may be eligible for the primary residential exemption if you occupy your home for 183 consecutive days or more in a calendar year. The exemption applies to your house and up to one acre of land. Apartments, condos and mobile homes also qualify.
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.
You are entitled to a Homestead Exemption if, as of January 1st, you have made the property your permanent home or the permanent home of a person who is legally or naturally dependent on you. By law, January 1 of each year is the date on which permanent residence is determined.
First-time Homestead Exemption applicants and persons applying for the Homestead Assessment Difference (Portability) can file online.
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.
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.