OK, long post here...
I feel that I can give a ton of insight. I was in your shoes 3 years ago... and I'm a Florida boy too.
I have gone to Beaver Creek CO (just out side of vail) for 3 years now. First year, I decided to ski. It was my first time ever being on snow or a mountain. I took a half day lesson which included a full day lift pass, lesson, and lunch. Think I paid around $150. I took my half day lesson and it went very well. After lunch I did a few more greens, then ended the day with a blue. I took my fair share of falls, but I it wasn't beat up too bad. I did blues for the next 3 days.
Second year I wanted to try snowboarding. Took a one day lesson. Didn't really "get it" till day 3. After 7 days strait on the mountain, I was doing blues. My body was beat to hell. I mean every inch of me was throbbing.
This year I bit the bullet and purchased my own snowboarding gear. It was a great choice for me since we go every year. I spent 4 days on the mountain this year, and did only blues. Hopefully next year I will be doing blacks.
Tips I learned:
- Buy your pants, jacket, etc from a place like Burlington coat factory. I got all Columbia brand gear for very cheap.
- Waterproof (or as best as possible) gloves
- Goggles. I bought a nice pair of Oakleys. I think its worth it to spend the money here.
- I use a helmet. I am not in complete control of myself on the mountain, and don't feel like going Sonny Bono on a tree.
- Bad Ash is right, food and drinks on the mountain are highway robbery. I paid $9 for a 16 oz bottle of Gatorade on top of the mountain.
- Skiing is WAY easier to learn. Also WAY easier on your body.
- Snowboarding, though harder to learn, is much more fun.
- Last thing... if you snowboard, use wrist guards while you are learning or you could end up like my girlfriend...