I just came from Florida. I was there for four years. I hung up my float tube for the same reasons as you. I bought a 11'8" Kingfisher kayak made by Mainstream. I was surprised how stable it is. It's realy set up for the bass fisherman. It's a sit-on-top kayak with a wide enough girth that I've actually fished from it standing up. It's only 48 pounds. I got it at Bass Pro Shops for I think $350. I just slam it on top of my Xterra and go where ever. I've fished around gator and never got messed with. Do your research on kayaks but the Kingfisher is good entry level kayak. It's not as fast as the others but it's extremely stable and holds a crap load of gear.

John Collins U.S.A.F.