Been going to Florida a couple or more times a year for over forty years. Lived in Tampa for 2 years, and now have two kids and 4 grandkids in south Florida.
As JoLin said the summers are brutal, the spring and fall are perfect, and winter is winter. Not like up here, but you will use a winter coat the second year.
Two major weather systems in Florida I know of, The Gulf and the Caribbean, in Tampa it was the Gulf and south Florida is all Caribbean.
The interior of Florida around Orlando and south is just plan nasty in the summer, so try and get as close to the gulf or Atlantic as you can afford.
If your looking at Sarasota area, then checkout:
Burntstore Marina in Punta Gorda, FL
Gated, HOA takes care of everything outside including anything you plant around your home.(no weeding if you don't want to) That's not common in Florida.
Price is reasonable for a HOA (under 200), the home prices are starting to get up there, but again reasonable.
SIL parents have lived there for 4-5 years. They retired there so he could fish everyday and he does fish when the weather permits, mostly fresh, but salt is just as close.
Up and coming area that's growing like crazy right now. We spent the night there earlier this month and it's changed a ton over just the last year.
Farther south, but might work for you.
huts
