[TrudyM]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

U also have be registered to vote here.

The lady in the office really does it for you, 5 minutes = $500

I believe this is in error. Although it is accepted as proof of residence it can not be required.
As a trust can own property and obtain an exemption if one of it's benificiaries is a permanent resident therein, it follows a voter registration is not required .

From the Net
Required Documentation For Homestead (found orange county but Sumter should be the same)
All applications submitted, must include copies of the following required documentation (proofs of residency) for all owners who apply:

1. Your recorded deed or tax bill.
2. All owners residing on the property and making application for the exemption must provide the following information:
If you drive, a FLORIDA Driver's License and one of the following:

◦Florida Vehicle Registration
◦Florida Voter Registration Card
◦Recorded County Declaration of Domicile (affidavit of residency obtained through the County Comptroller's Office)


If you do not drive, you must provide any two of the following,

◦Florida Identification Card
◦Florida Vehicle Registration (don't understand why a non driver would have this)
◦Florida Voter Registration Card
◦Recorded Orange County Declaration of Domicile (affidavit of residency obtained through the Orange County Comptroller's Office)
3.Social Security numbers are required for all owners making application and their spouses, even if the spouse does not own and/or reside on the property. Preferably your card or some other document with your number.

4.If you are not a United States Citizen, your Permanent Residence (green) Card (front and back).
SPECIAL NOTES:
If title to the property on which you are applying is held in a trust, a copy of the entire trust agreement must be submitted, with the application.

Qualifications and Trusts holding property.
Pursuant to Fla. Stat. 196.031, in order to qualify for a homestead exemption, as of January 1st of the tax year in question, you must have either legal or beneficial title to the property for which you are seeking an exemption, and the property must be the permanent residence of either yourself or someone who is legally or naturally dependent on you. Thus, the property can be owned by a trust, as long as the applicant retains beneficial title and a possessory interest in the property. However, the homestead exemption may not be claimed by a corporation.

The property must also be you or your natural dependent’s “permanent residence,” which is defined by Fla. Stat. 196.012(18) as “that place where a person has his or her true, fixed, and permanent home and principal establishment to which, whenever absent, he or she has the intention of returning.” In determining whether the property is your permanent residence, the Property Appraiser may consider a number of statutory factors, including but not limited to the existence of a formal declaration of domicile, where your children are registered for school, your place of employment, residency in another state, the address where you are registered to vote, the address on your driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration, the address on your federal income tax returns, the address on your bank statements, and proof of payment for utilities at the subject property