Yellowgirl lives in your state and hopefully she will reply with some of the specific varities that she grows.

But, to answer your question: H. Macrophyllas, a.k.a. French Hydrangeas should grow well in the northern half of the state; H. Quercifolia, a.k.a., Oakleaf Hydrangea too, as they are native to Florida and tend to handle the hot weather very well.

Things to keep in mind: (1) like people in Texas, you really need to give them afternoon shade, (2) you really need to give them moist soil, rich in humus, (3) if you leave near the beach, salt may be a problem.
Luis

Welcome fellow Central Floridian to the forum! The first question you should ask yourself is "how badly do you want to grow them?" If the answer is "really bad" here are some pointers...

1. Forget label instructions; they don't apply here in FL

2. Unless you have the time to hand water every day or sometimes even twice a day, you will greatly benefit from an irrigation system.

3. Almost any macrophylla that you choose can grow here (in the right environment) and some other varieties as well. I am currently growing the following macrophyllas: Madame Emile Moulliere, Generale Vicomtesse DeVibraye, Veitchii, Mousseline, Lilacina, Fuji Waterfall, Variegata, and an assortment of un-labeled mopheads of the Nikko sort as well as Oakleaf Snowqueen, Anomala Petiolaris (climbing hydrangea) and Paniculata Limelight. (although I don't recommend the Paniculatas or the Serratas down here) I plan to add Arborescens Annabelle or Bounty but obviously can't report on their hardiness yet.

4. Location, location, location is everything!!! The first thing you MUST have to grow successfully in FL is shade. More than a couple hours of direct (even morning) sun will fry them and mid day sun is out of the question. My rule of thumb is no sun after 10 or before 4. You can tweak that a little to account for other factors in your yard and varieties that will endure more sun like the Paniculatas (only half a day of sun). A spot where they get all day dappled sun/shade is fine too and no direct sun at all in a bright sheltered location is also good. If possible, stay away from southern and western exposures all together or you will really face an uphill battle. (or lose the fight before you begin it) It's not just the direct sun that zaps them but also the heat in general. Even in the shade, it's not uncommon for them to wilt a little on hot afternoons. As long as they perk back up in the early evening, they are ok.

5. Water, water, water them!! They do not grow deep roots and will not look or perform very well without daily watering in the hot months. Ok, the hott"er" months. A newly planted hydrangea may need water twice a day for the first summer. Soil should be moist, not wet and never dry.

6. When planting, throw in as much organic matter (into this sand box we call soil) as you can. I top dress with aged cow manure and they really seem to like it.

7. Fertilize with a slow release type made for Azaleas, Camelias, Rhododendrum and other acid loving plants. If the label says every 6 months, do it every three months. Fertilizer dissolves more quickly in this heat.

8. Do not be intimidated by these instructions. If you baby them for the first year or two they will adapt a bit more and be a little less demanding from there on.

9. One more thing, I hope you like blue because that pink one that you buy will almost certainly end up blue in our acidic soil.

10. Good luck, be patient, enjoy.......yg