Southeast / beginner-intermediate spots?

[mekanic]

Going to be in Ft. Lauderdale area next week. Are there any good spots for beginners-intermediate? It's going to be my first time in the ocean, on top of that it's the first time this season on the water. I'm in Toronto Canada and have spend the last few months snokiting. The season before that was my first water season, and by the end I was just starting to get upwind. Since the winter season, I've learned tons and can go upwind no problem, jump, toeside and a few other tricks. My concern is that I don't have a small enough board for holding a hard edge in big wind. I do have 3 kites however.

Anyway, just getting a bit concerned with all the info I'm finding about beaches on the verge of being banned from inexperienced, or rogue kiters, and don't want to be the guy who gets a beach banned.

I'm also concerned for my girlfriend who wants to kite as well. we both have IKO level one, but she's not really been "up on the board" yet. Hoping to find some spots that would be positive for both of us.

We're staying in Ft. Lauderdale, but will have a car. We also plan to go over to the gulf side as we have friends there. Are there any better spots over there?

Sorry for the long post, but really need some insider advice.

Thanks,

K.