I'm a new member and just jumping in here w/ suggestions. I know shops in one area, but I didn't see a city...newbie, maybe I missed that.
What part of Florida?
One place to start would be to find a local quilt shop via the phone book. Go to one (or two if the first is not super friendly) and ask if they participate in a shop hop. These are held annually and most shops participate and can give you a link to a web site or list of the shop hop participants.
Quilt shops are WONDERFUL resources and they are happy to help new quilters. You can find courses there and meet other quilters.
Also, in addition to the internet, you can join a local quilt club/guild.
This is an ADDICTION, as you will soon see! WELCOME ABOARD!