I would recommend two books: Bonsai Techniques I, by John Naka, is still the best single general reference for bonsai. It is available from many bonsai book dealers which you can find on the internet. The other book is more specialized but since you live in Florida, I think it would be appropriate. The title is Ficus the Exotic Bonsai, by Jerry Meislik. You can order it from him at his website: www.bonsaihunk.8m.com. He specializes in Ficus bonsai which do very well in Floirda. I would also recommend that your father seek out a bonsai club in his area. You can locate one by Googling "bonsai clubs" and searching the results. Bonsai is a hands on art form and meeting with and observing and doing it with some guidance from more experienced people is the fastest and surest way to learn. Good luck, Jack

Hi
There are many fantastic Bonsai collections in many of the admission gardens .. I think the only difference would be choice of species. Go with tropicals that appreciate the hot humid summers and the lack of extreme seasonal
change . Any of the Ficus family are very easy to grow
and will take all kinds of manipulation . They tolerate anything lol. if you want to get a jump on the process you can get all kinds all ready setup at any of the box stores. Certainly not necessary though.
Hopefully your father is patient?? Even with year around growing it's still a slow but enjoyable process.lol
gary