[villagetinker]

IMHO, many of the "landscapers" do not actually know which plants are good for this area, they know which ones will make them money. We made some mistakes with our landscaping, so I suggest that you contact Master Gardener, they have meetings ate Pinellas Plaza and get info from them. As I recall they have a book with suitable plants for this area.
After your meeting, you can have discussions with the landscaper, and double check any suggestions with the book or master gardener.
NOTE: the big box stores have been known to have plants not suitable for this area or are actually invasive and very hard to control (aka bamboo for example). I have delt with Tree Frog and the owner is an arborist and will be able to give you advice.