Hawkwind:
I'll add that the extra cost for block/stucco on my Gardenia was less than $5,000 back in late 2004. Having lived in a brick home practically forever before I came here, I frankly never even considered frame.
But, I also had that image that Florida homes are either block, or manufactured (i.e., mobile) or high-rise condos on the beach!
And, certainly I felt and feel safer in block. That said, every home here has a roof that is of simple frame construction. So, should we have a hurricane or Heaven Forbid another tornado, the roof might disappear even while the walls may stay.
IMHO: GO BLOCK!
SWR