A few more ideas for you. Plumeria -- how could I forget? So fragrant, and so many colors to choose from. They will grow to small tree size where you live, so plan accordingly. Another colorful option -- ti plants, or cordyline fruticosa -- many colors, shapes and sizes ranging from greens to vivid pinks, burgundies, and combinations. Don't overlook exotic anthuriums, very long-lasting waxy flowers in shades of red, pink, green, purple. They will brighten your shady areas with tropical punch. Perhaps you can grow heliconias and torch gingers -- a lasting display of exuberant tropical colors and exotic forms. These can be large or small, be sure you know mature size before you buy. Ixora -- I understand this is fairly common in South Florida, but they make a colorful contribution, are somewhat compact, and the lacy effect of the flowers will be a contrast to some of the others I've mentioned. Hope these suggestions are helpful.

Have you asked your local extension office? Also there are rare fruit groups all over Florida that consist of backyard gardeners with tons of experience. They may have some ideas for you. Then there's the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead. I've never visited it yet but it sounds WONDERFUL. They have a big shindig coming up June 21. Do a google search. They will be having tastings of many fruits. Here is a link that might be useful: Broward Rare Fruit group

Honestly, I think the tax/insurance issues in FL is killing the market here. Hoping the state government will do something about the taxes but I guess we'll find out more next month in the special session. As far as insurance, so far, nothing's happened as promised. Buyers aren't willing to put themselves out there with all this uncertainty. I am in the same position - listed 3 weeks ago. Nineteen others in my neighborhood (maybe 220 homes total) that are currently for sale, some being FSBO's. In this time period we've had 1 showing and apparently the buyers looked at everything in my neighborhood but are about 6 months out from buying. We discussed open houses but decided against it. Our agent's other marketing incl flyers at sign, postcards, newspaper (she says doesn't work though), some local magazine with homes for sale, their office marqui, and the internet but do not subscribe to the enhanced listing service for Realtor.com. Found this part out after we listed. We also offered a 7% commission (3.5% to each agent) thinking this might get more showings. So far don't believe this has helped. Not to mention in our price range $600k plus, there are even less buyers. We've decluttered the house except the garage has yet to be done (storing items for new house there), removed most of the family photos, paint touchup, repainted front door, remulched & planted flowers. Not really sure what else we can do. I think it will just be a matter of timing - right buyer at the right place & right time. Hopefully soon! I wish you all the best!

That “free” propane tank is about as free as a “free” Puppy. Its not. Do some due diligence and make sure you understand what your fees and costs will be for re-fills. Do they charge you a monthly leasing fee? They own the tank hence they have to fill it and they dictate the price. They will also charge you if you decide to have them take it out. We own our tank and can shop around for re-fills. I have paid $3-$5 less a gallon for refills than folks I know that lease their tank from a supplier. I suggest calling around and asking about refill prices for owned (on demand refills) versus leased refills. Over the last 50 months our propane costs for hot water/fireplace/side burners (I have induction for my cooktop and an electric dryer) has run less than $20 a month. Far less than the minimal $35 a month I paid to a natural gas company when we lived in the Orlando area (that was my bill when we were not home and only keeping a hot water heater minimally warm). Our 250 gallon propane tank was paid for in 3 refills. Natural gas was not available and the gas company wanted $35K to run a line 13 houses down the street if we wanted to hook up, We also have solar and one battery backup. It will take us about 6 years to recoup our solar investment less tax credits. We felt it was worth the investment. Our costs should be net zero for electricity and will get a check when the electric company “trues” up after our first year. Tax credits start phasing out after the end of this year unless something has changed. The battery back up was a splurge - they are still fairly expensive. We now travel extensively and are often gone during the peak of hurricane season - we enjoy being able to leave the house with some peace of mind that we will not be coming home to a mess in our fridge and freezer. If we are home without power - we have our fridge/freezer/hot water/garage door openers and lights/outlets/fans in part of the house. We can cook with an induction portable unit and toaster oven if we dont want to use the grill/side burners outside. We can charge our phones and use them to hot spot to stream tv and access the internet from our other devices if we choose - so we can live fairly well - just will not have AC. Good Luck!