Central Florida is a bit different than South Florida (where I am-Palm Bch Cty) but that wasn't always the case. We have more NY/NJ people now, but the center and northern parts of the state still retain a lot of the stereotypical good ole white boy attitude. My mom lives in Longwood, which is a gorgeous suburb of Orlando. It's also more "white" than Sanford, except for that weird black guy across the street
I can't really say much about self-defense rules. The general attitude is that the police here (anywhere in Fl) are among the most corrupt in the US. If you come onto my property and I don't want you there, I can blast you (in most cases even if you are not an immediate threat to me) )-- Castle Doctrine.. How this law extends to a gated community's common property, I don't know. That would be a ridiculous stretch.
If you get a chance, google "Florida sucks" or "Why Florida Sucks". One of the things you should be led to is a blog called Ruined My Life. The Why Florida Sucks post comments are gold. "Don't taze me bro" happened a town away from me...
Also, for a better description than I can give, google Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground.