I am at least a 10th generation Floridian. That is not all that unusual in the Panhandle. This part of the state has the best beaches and the best water, both salt and fresh.
My Sister married a guy from South Florida, near Stuart. He, surprisingly enough is also around a 10th generation Floridian. His Mother was of French descent. From what I understand, South Florida was even more backwoods than the Panhandle until maybe the 1920's.
Yes...South Florida was a swamp in which Malaria and Yallow fever were endemic. I think the last Yellow fever breakout was in 1917 or so. It was the coming of the railroads, drainage, and mosquito control that made South Florida viable.
As to panhandle beaches...that's debateable. While lovely they are rather barren. I am a diver so I am partial to coral reefs and abundant sea life.
But they are indeed distinctly different cultures. I didn't realize I was a southerner until I went to South Florida. I grew up in Jacksonille which was decidely Dixie. Different worlds both geographically and culturally.