As your local real estate professional, I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have about buying real estate in Central Florida.   Here are a few questions that have been asked already.  

Because there are so many transiant residents here, I'd Like to know more about the Homestead Exemption - who files for that and when?

Any homeowner that resides a Florida property as their primary residence qualifies for the Homestead Exemption.   The homeowners file for that with the local tax office.   The best time to file is as soon as the homeowner gets the deed in the mail, take it to the County Tax Office to file and get it done.  By filing Homestead Exemption, you are not taxed on $25,000 of your income and it saves you money on your taxes. 

Insurance - how much and what specific coverage should you have?

The answer to this question is really an individual case by case answer. Like all insurance, you need to be covered for any potential risks.  Are you ok with a lower payment but a higher deductible?  Or would you prefer a higher payment with a lower deductible?  

With a home you should look for insurance that covers disasters, floods, sinkholes, tornadoes, hurricanes, fire, theft, etc.   I always recommend everyone make sure there is sinkhole insurance on their property and oftentimes you need to ask to make sure it's covered on the policy.  Some insurance companies will add flood and sinkhole insurance as an additional rider to the policy.  Other insurance companies include it in their coverage.   Be sure to ask!

How much is enough?   If there's a lender who holds a note on the property, they'll want to make sure the home is covered enough to be replaced.   You may also want to insure the home for the contents PLUS replacement of the home, in case of disaster.    It's a personal choice, but it's a good idea to make sure you are covered as much as you feel you need to be.  If replacement of personal items is not important to you, then you don't need to add it to the policy.  

When is it OK not to get a survey?

Having a survey is always a good idea.  However, on existing homes that have been there for quite a while where fencing is already up and it's unlikely a pool, shed or other structures will be added to the property, it's possible to close without a survey.   If there's a mortgage that is going to encumber the property, the bank may require a survey, but it's not required on a cash transaction.

Keep in mind that if you don't want to do a survey prior to closing, you can always order one later and pay the surveyor directly for his or her services. 

If there's any dispute as to where the property lines are or if there is a possible infringement on the property line, a survey is highly recommended.