Look at this thread on Hydrangeas in Florida. although the title says Annabelle (which is a type of H. arborescens) and you are most likely asking about H. macrophylla, there are several folks who posted about H. macrophyllas on that thread, including the last poster, Brian, who plants on the northeast side of his house. They need bright shade in FL apparently.

The east and north sides of the house or of a tree are usually the places to start researching. Specifically, look for non-windy locations that get shade in the hot summer months. Aim for areas that get sun only in the morning, say thru 10-11am and shade afterwards. If you cannot find some, also consider areas where there is shade full time but where the area gets indirect light bouncing off walls or cemented/street surfacess; we call it full but bright shade. Thus it is not dense shade but 'bright' shade.

You could grow the pot in its pot/container for now, place it in the area being considered (you could even dig a small hole and put the pot in there). Just remember to water it and fertilize it. Then when the summer months arrive, evaluate how the leaves respond. Then easily move it to another place if the leaves in direct contact with the sun get sunscorch (the ones getting hit by the sun will turn all yellowish, including the leaf veins) and the other leaves remain dark green).

Add plenty of compost if your soil is sandy and, when in the ground, give it 3-4" of organic mulch and about 1 to 1,5 gallons of water per watering (not when it is potted). Introduce it to the sun slowly, perhaps while potted. Cover the shrub with a lawn chair or something so it gets 1 hr or maybe 2 for a few days. The blooms will require lots of water too so consider removing those (optional) in the first year. My aunt in Ocala did that.

Thanks for your comments, they are very helpful.