Florida School system

Thanks for your reply, I am compiling a list of places to look and it is very helpful to have people who actually live there give their opinions.

Another native Floridian here...  I lived in Jacksonville Florida until junior high 1988 then we moved to MA for 2 yrs then moved back to Middleburg FL graduating in 1995.  I don't recommend Duval or Clay counties unless you go private.  Alot has changed since I graduated they did not have FCATS they just had the HSCT.  Since I now have children one of which is in the school system I am very well aware of the changes.  My brother-in-law graduates this yr.  He was in private all the way up until this yr and since he did it that way he is 'advanced' and some of credits are going towards college.  Currently we live in Cape Coral FL which is Lee County and since my son is hearing impaired we don't have a wide selection of schools for him.  BUT...  Cape Coral and some of Ft. Myers is beautiful.  There are alot of homes here for sale, preforeclosure...  NICE homes!  Since you live in NY you know howexpensive small homes are.  My Aunt from MA comes down and can't believe the prices...  Depending on your culture as far as what you are used to (surburban or country living) will determine where you buy.  My husband is Puerto Rican loves the beach, heck he's from an island... But he likes the quiteness of the country.  So we have both where we are.  White sandy beaches... anyway.  Make sure when you are looking at schools you look at their school grades too.  I also looked up crimes and predators but... that's just me.  Best of Luck or any questions you can PM me or whatever...

Thanks for the info. When I looked on Realtor.com there was a lot of homes for sale in Fl, and I was surprised at some of the prices. NY is so expensive even with the dropping home values. I live in the country now so I would be happy in the country but I love the beach too so it sounds like the perfect place.

ive lived ft lauderdale my whole life... its funny that you love miami.. i hate going down there,, but i love west palm beach county... ill never leave... i went to school in a great school... im having a baby in a few  months.. and they will be going to school here as well ( god willing)