Here in Florida they tend to prosecute people for growing food in their lawns, at least in the front yard. There are many examples of this happening, but it's getting better - in my town you can even raise chickens in the suburbs!

I don't see coconut much in St Pete - maybe, but there are plenty Ft Myers and south. Our soil is not so fertile as you'd think - very sandy! But nothing a little compost won't fix.

If you'd like a super easy start, I recommend the purple-leaf sweet potato, mustard greens, and mulberries. But there's obviously much more. September is the perfect time to plant beans, summer squash, and cherry tomatos around here. Probably cucumbers too!