I also hunt FLorida..I'm mostly in a place to look at thick bayheads up to 300 yds from me..I have 4 different sets of optics { Old AUdubon member}
For hunting ..I try to travel light...I carry a compact..70.00 pair of Bushnelle 7 x 35
BUT for birding..all the old pros use 10 x 42 ..tighter picture but with practice I'm on the bird immediatelt.they are the green ring Leupolds..300.00 They are wonderful..but in the field..7 x 35 are fine..
I also have 2 more pair..
Most novice birders carry 8 x 42
for hunting..using a climber..I want as little movement as possible..the reason I carry compact small optics..the 7 x 35 are plenty good enough,