You only need a valid Class 1 for the Commercial issue (And any Commercial flying later) - it slips to a Class 2 in the one year following the expiry of the Class 1. You can renew it with a doc near Ormond Beach as well so if you have any hour building to do you could combine the two. However, believe its slightly more expensive than a renewal in the UK.
You will need an FAA Class 3 Medical to complete training anyway - this goes hand in hand with the student pilot certificate.
See you here shortly.