We are thinking of relocating from the midwest to the FL gulf area. Would like some honest opinions from people living in this area on the things people never tell you. For example, any pests or rodent problems, humidity levels, public school systems .... etc. Any info you can give us, good and bad, would be helpful. Even websites or places to for us to find out more would be great. Thanks!

I've lived in Naples permanently since 1977.
I don't think it is any secret that the heat and humidity here are VERY high in the summer.

Used to be a horrible mosquito problem, but that is well under control. In fact I rarely see or feel a mosquito. And everytime I go back to the midwest I'm aware of all the flies. We seldom have flies.
We have cockroaches here, but they are called Palmetto Bugs to be politically correct. But a good pest control company (a necessity for anyone living here) keeps them totally in check.

As a former teacher, I personally think our school system is pretty bad. There are some good private schools--but very expensive. Last year the school board built themselves and the administrators (which we have more of than many major school districts twice our size) a huge palace of a building. Meanwhile the schools themselves are overcrowded and using trailers as classrooms. Well, don't get me started on that!!

But after all these years, when I'm taking my daily walk on the beach in the early morning, say in February, I still think to myself "ah, another day in Paradise".

To be absolutely politically correct, Patrick, those aren't "trailers", they are "portable classrooms"! Sheesh. Where did FL schools ever get the idea that this was an acceptable solution to the problem of over-crowding? Some of our Tampa Bay schools open brand new with portables. I've been eternally grateful that our kids were up and out before we hit either GA or FL school systems. We had no idea how lucky we were--in TX no less! Everyone seems to accept it here though, and as long as that attitude prevails, what motivation is there for change? The majority of my friends' children are in private schools with prices reaching as high as $17,000/year! How about $10,000 for kindergarten at one school, and a waiting list that begins when the child is born!!

Our kids went through the Plano school system which had every bit the growing pains that north Tampa has, going from a population of 70,000 when we moved there, to about 300,000 by the time we left. Schools were built at the same time as the neighborhoods though, and at a rate of several a year to keep pace with the growth. I doubt that community would have tolerated the concept of portables.

Agreed--walking the beach on a winter day though, you just know, despite the problems, life is pretty darned good here.

The real shame of Florida is its public eduction system. I know few people who send their children to public schools. Jeb Bush talks up improving education and facilities but it is shallow talk, especially since we have tax laws that make school funding difficult. These tax laws are also an attraction for many to retire and move here.

A constitutional prohibition on an income tax further ties lawmakers hands as does the SOH (save our homes) cap on real estate taxes which traditionally fund schools. People want good schools without the commensurate tax expenditures.

On the other hand, our law makers make sure that Florida gets a big share on infrastructure support from the federal government for the intracoastal waterways and the federal highways. Lots of lawmakers have second homes here and the odd yacht .

As for me, I love the big skies and supersized weather on every scale and the fact that relatively small cities like Naples and even little Fort Myers have cultural opportunities usually limitied to much larger places......LMF

All this talk about school facilities but what about the educators or test scores themselves?? I dont live in Florida anymore but growing up in North Florida I feel I had a great education. Yes over crowding happens like it does everywhere. FYI: Portable classrooms ARENT trailers or resemble them for that matter.

I do not wish to turn this into an education debate. But I just read that we (US) spend far more money for each student (Primary , High School) than any other country in the world, more than 10.000 a year, nevertheless we are far behind in comparison with other countries.
Something is wrong and it is not $.

My solution...I homeschool my children and let them live and enjoy the beautiful State we live in by enjoying the beach when other kids are in school
We walk together and say, "Ah another day in paradise"

bottom line (for the person who posted the question)
Florida rocks! No snow, dont ever have to travel far for vacation, dinners on the beach all year, ports for cruises etc...I moved to Florida from NJ 5 years ago and have loved every minute of it.