Why it is less expensive in Florida
1) No landing fees. You can do circuits for a solid year and it won't cost you a dime.
2) Fuel is about $5.00 a gallon here. (price of fuel times GPH times hours flown, you do the math)
3) Aircraft rental is about half of what it costs in the UK - parts available locally (here), plenty of aircraft available, lots of competition, which keeps prices down. Capitalism at work.
4) Weather generally good and usually not treacherous. The phrase "training schedule" actually means something most times.
5) Lots of CFIs building hours for airline jobs, so no shortage of instructors.
6) You don't need to put on one of those dorky hi-viz day-glow vests just because you are THINKING about airplanes. The FAA may be difficult to deal with sometimes, but compared to the CAA, they are just wonderful - and MUCH less expensive. The CAA/JAA/EASA are well on their way to regulating general aviation out of existence. The FAA is charged with ENCOURAGING it. Huge difference there.
Incidentally, the FAA says that 20% of the flight training in the entire world is done in Florida.
disclaimer - I work part time for an FTO that does CAA/JAA licenses here in Florida. Notwithstanding, that doesn't change the facts or the numbers.
Best Regards,
Echo Mike