With sandy beaches, tropical palm trees and picturesque sunsets, setting the stage for a romantic proposal in Florida is as close as the nearest beach. There are many ways to propose in Florida, both on the beach and off, and with a little knowledge of your partner and forethought, it's little trouble to start a new life together with a romantic proposal, Florida-style.
On the West Coast, propose on a beach at sunset. For the daring, bury the ring (in the box) in the sand and build a sandcastle together. For the early riser, an East Coast sunrise is the perfect time. On any coast, on the beach in the moonlight works, too.
Try tandem parasailing and, 70 feet above the water, pop the question. Look for established parasailing businesses with boats inspected by the United States Coast Guard. Inland, try skydiving in Deland and popping the question on the way down.
Rent a kayak and paddle to an island uninhabited by people, such as Shell Key in Pinellas County or any of the spoil islands in a nearby bay. Propose on the island.
Hire an aerial advertising company like the Advertising Air Force to ask the question for you. These companies fly so many proposals that they can often get a banner up in the air the same day.
Go diving or snorkeling on a shallow reef in the Florida Keys and, as parrotfish, eel and urchins wander by, pull the ring out of your wetsuit. Remember, though, that barracudas love shiny things, so don't flash that diamond around too much.
Take a sunset sail on a public trip or charter the entire sailboat for the evening. Let the captain know your intention, and he may linger a few minutes longer after sunset, letting you work up your courage or savor the moment. The crew will also probably hide the champagne until the deal is official.
For a truly extravagant yet quirky proposal, go see an underwater show with the Weeki Wachee mermaids. Arrange the day with park officials and ask them to announce your question as part of the show. Make sure the mermaids know where in the theater they can find the lucky lady (or man).
The Sunshine State has an elaborate system of springs and rivers, many of which have picnic areas and sandy banks. Plan a picnic and head to a river to pop the question.
