Smog exemption (CA)

Hi I'm wondering anyone has any experience with my issue. My husband is active duty military and I'm a veteran , currently stationed in FL. My car is paid off titled, registered and insured in my home state of California. My car is due for smog this year and I cannot renew registration without it being smogged. I'm looking into filing for a smog exemption for this year in order to keep my cali registration because the car will be returning to California next year. I'm looking into SCRA as I believe that would allow me a smog exemption but I am being told it does not by someone that works at the CA DMV.

My question is, would I qualify for the exemption? Or would it just be easier to register, insure and title in florida for this year and then back to cali next year? The only reason I'm hesistant is because I had huge issues getting my title last year when I paid off the car due to VA DMV having a lein on my title when my car was registered there while I was in the service. Any help is appreciated!