Homestead Exemption While Living in Investment Property

[Hugo Seijas]

For reference I live in Florida.

Here is the plan:

I want to refinance my primary residence and cash out to have 20% down to purchase a new primary residence and keep my original property as an investment/rental property. 

To do this without waiting the 12 month period, I was told by my broker that I would need to refinance the original property as an investment property under an investment loan. However, because the market is so hot, I'm not entirely sure how long it will take me to find a property.

Does anyone know if I can still keep my Homestead exemption on my original residence if my loan is an investment loan if I'm living in the property (aka never moved).

I understand that once I move or rent out the property that I would need to transfer the homestead exemption to the new property, just wondering what happens if I never end up being able to move.

I'll ask the local appraiser office tomorrow, but wondering what you guys have done or have experienced since sometimes these complex questions might confuse those at the appraiser office.

Thanks!