In order to be entitled to the homestead exemption, continuous, uninterrupted residence is not required. It frequently happens that a homesteader may own two separate pieces of property within the state, both of which he may occupy at intervals. Florida courts have held that the physical presence of the owner is not a requirement of either the Florida Constitution (Article VII, section 6) or the statute (section 196.031). All that is required to establish a homestead under Florida law is that the property owner, after establishing homesteading, periodically resides on the property and, in good faith, makes the property his permanent home. Such things as one's mailing address become a transitory concept, based more on ease of access wherever one might be at the moment, rather than on the idea that one's mail must be sent to your permanent residence. Having your bills and mail sent to the same address, and having a driver's license showing the same address, is not required to be qualified for Homesteading.
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