For what it's worth, here are my top tips for buying in Florida. (I have two buy to let properties in Ft Lauderdale, and they have been consistently rented since purchase 6 years ago).

1. Do not buy in speculative tourist areas. The glut of over-building and inflated promised on rental return have caused the market to crash. Steer clear of Orlando!
2. Buy to let in zones where Americans buy, and where Americans want to rent.
3. Good local communities, schools etc are critical when you buy.
4. Any investment south of Boca Raton is good.
5. Buy in areas you can access easily ie you can get to in an hour or less from an airport - you will want to keep an eye on your properties and also see what else is coming up on the market. Miami is easy to get to, and the cost of flights from the UK very competitive.
6. If you are seriously looking to buy, use a property finder - most Americans do, and it cuts down a huge amount of wastage time.
7. The weakness of the dollar, combined with a correction in the housing market, means that the time to buy is now! I am investing again - it's just too good to miss.
8. The local rental market is very strong - mortgages are harder to get for Americans and so rental is booming.
9. Open a local bank account before you buy - so much easier.
10. Understand what Americans expect to find in their rental home - and make sure you have a local service contract for all the white goods you install!!

Hope this helps
sarah@shortcutsflorida.com