How does one go about obtaining a JR Pass? If you live if Florida, I believe there is an agent in the Miami area. How long does it take and what is the quickest way to do this? thank you

Drive over to the travel agent's office and take your credit card.

And you will be able to buy a voucher for the pass from that agent at that time. Agent should give you a pamphlet explaining the pass, but you could do some homework here:
http://www.japanrailpass.net/

You can also buy the JR pass by calling ANA (All Nippon Airways). The entire transaction can take place over the phone. I got my pass that way. And you don't have to be flying them to buy the pass from them. It's the same price as posted on the JR website.

JTB will sell you a voucher over the phone or by fax and will Fed Ex it to you so you get it next day. Don't buy the pass over their website if you need it by FEd-Ex- you need to call them.
http://www.jtbusa.com/enhome/branchinfo.asp

You can call any of their branch offices. I've called 4 of them in the past and have found the Manhattan office to be the most responsive.

laurieco, I didn't know ANA sold the vouchers. Thanks for that info. How long did it take to get your voucher in the mail from them?

emd, less than a week from what I recall.