Anyone currently doing REI in FL?

I was wondering if anyone who is investing in FL has any FL-specific information they may be able to share with me. I am just beginning, and I already know most of what makes FL different as far as what I could learn from books (we have the homestead exemption, we are not a community property state, I believe there is no right of redemption, etc).

What I am curious about are things that anyone may be able to tell me that would make FL unique in regards to such topics as foreclosures, marketing, wholesaling, lease-optioning, etc.

I have done my research, so if you think it is real obvious, then I’m sure I know it. What I’m trying to figure out are things that are more than likely to have not been discovered in my general research of the aforementioned topics, specifically because they are taking place in FL, and that the location makes a unique difference.

Any help contributed is greatly appreciated!

The only thing that has changed in the last few years is the dramatic increase in proerty taxes, and home/ flood insurance premiums. This increase has really taken a significant bite out of rental cash flows and holding costs.

Since Citizens is the only one writing policies right now it is impossible to shop around for better deals.

The foreclosure market has nearly increase by 4X the amount as years past. I think this is pretty much the same for a lot of areas in the U.S.

I invest mainly in the Pinellas County area (St. Pete, Clearwater, and Seminole) I only have a few properties myself. But plan on obtaining quite a few with the market the way it is now.

Thanks,

Joe