Homestead Exemptions

In order for a Debtor to claim the benefit of the Florida Homestead Exemption, against a Creditor, he must be a Resident of the State of Florida.   In re Bermudez, a 1992 South District Court decision held that a Debtor who has a permanent visa or green card can qualify as a Resident of Florida for purposes of the Florida Homestead Exemption. An Alien Debtor, or a Debtor illegally within the borders of the United States, and specifically Florida, cannot claim the Homestead Exemption against a pursuing Creditor because such Debtor cannot form the required Intent to make such Residence his permanent residence.