There are generally two types of residency in FL. One is to be a full time resident and the other is what the natives call "affectionately", Snowbirds, dual residents who live there every winter. It would probably cost more to live in a "community" which is usually quite enclosed and social within themselves. The other is to become a resident of a town or more rural area, looking into pre-existing real estate. Your community would more likely be your church, civic and other activities. I talked with my DD and she definitely recommended renting for about a year until you really know the area. There are a lot of forclosure homes available.
We lived in the Dade City, Zephyrhills area about 6 years ago, and I really did not find that the overall cost of living is that much different from NW Arkansas. Gas, groceries and Walmart are all about the same. :)