[ncr2482]

My understanding regarding deposits is ...the more desirable the lot (golf course, pond or view) you have 60 days to begin building. Otherwise the Villages state " You can even reserve your home site for up to one year if you’re not ready to build today". Know a couple who signed the contract for a home on a retention pond at the end of December (to benefit from the Villages price reduction, etc) and the closing was in mid March. They weren't in the rush to build, but the Villages said if you want this lot that's the way it is.
Regarding the summers - we are also from Massachusetts and have lived full time for 5 years....the summers are not worse than in Mass, just more of them. I prefer summers in Florida rather than winters in NE any day. Also everything is air conditioned ---