Mark, Fortunately there are a number of active clubs in this area, including our local Atlantic Coast S Gaugers who take a layout to shows. Only downside of Florida: no basements, and the occasional hurricane. (I grew up in Pittsburgh and my family had a seasonal American Flyer layout in our basement every year from the end of October until early March.)
Pretty much our only choices here for layout space are to dedicate a room in the house (necessitating complicated negotiations with spouse), rent some space, or have a stand alone building like Larry, who replicated a Pennsylvania Dutch barn on his property. These are some additional photos of Larry's layout: sgaugers.org/NFD/NFD_LS.html
I'm not sure exactly what I will do. I've had an interest in N since my parents gave me a "Postage Stamp" train set back in the 70s. I think they probably bought it at A.B. Charles in Dormont! But nothing beats S. It just feels right. There might be some exceptions out there, but for many of us who grew up with S as kids, it is hard to get that same feeling from any other gauge!!!
