madmal,
I have done both - Ca & Fl. weather is the only thing better - there isn't much to be saved. I have had great trips in Fl down to the Keys out to Bahamas and all over Fl and up to New Orleans. Same in Calif to Las vegas and over Grand Canyon.
I'm in Dublin Flyers in Weston and we have a PA28 Cherokee and a PA28 Arrow (complex) its €40 a month plus €150/ hr tacho for the Arrow. Lots of contacts with the airlines if you want to go flying as a career.
email me and I can give you details
Regards