Florida has some cheap real estate, unfortunatly Ft. Lauderdale and surrandings isnt one of them unless you want to live in the gehtto (lots of them).

I would took to rent for a while untill you make up your mind on what you want.

Basic numbers: (i usually take 18%-20% out total from gross)

6 mo based on 72 hr resv line after taxes and deductions $2,100
6 mo based on 78 hr hard line after taxes and deductions $2,400

Any new hire fell free to jump in.

These are conservative numbers to say the least. But better plan for the worst case. Some guys say that they can hold lines quick. The benefit is more hrs/mo swaps, drops and pick ups.

Any first year, as you know, if rough anywhere, but it gets better.

Im not from SE florida, but I was told to look in Weston, Plantation, Parkland, Coral Springs, Deerfield beach, Delray Beach.
Some places in the Ft. Laudardale area arent bad, but you have to fork some money.

Good luck if you are going to join us, Welcome if you are already here.

Sailor