We lived in Florida a short time years ago. We loved it. Since we are from Texas and Louisiana the weather is about the same. Things are slower there, but you can have just about anything fixed. Many retirees have the skill to repair appliances, toos, etc. AND CHEAPER THAN BUYING NEW ONES. My cousin from Illinois is now living in North Point Florida and really likes it. The schools are getting better (She teaches junior high) When they miss the snow so bad they can't stand it, they spend christmas in Illinois. I don't thnk either of them miss frozen streets and oil burning furnaces. Their Christmas cards always have the beach as a background and everyone in shorts. Just think of it as a new experience. Get your computer set up with skype so you can see them when you talk to them. If you are retired or have a lot of vacation time, start watching orbitz, travel com, etc for cheap air rates and go see them. Life is not over. It is better to have a job somewhere than be homeless and unemployed.