I lived in South Florida years ago. Fort Lauderdale to be exact. I found the closer to the beach the more expensive the rent and sale prices are. There are two kinds of rentals one is a yearly lease, and the other is the seasonal rate. Which rent skyrockets from Nov. to April, if I recall correctly.
It's a really beautiful place at least along the coast. Another plus.......no state taxes to file! Last time I was there the sales tax was 8.75%.