Wave period may sometimes be more important than the sea height. In Central Florida, the period should be larger than the sea height to prevent the surf from being too choppy. For small waves, periods over 10 seconds generally classifies as ground swell. Wind direction can make or break sizeable surf. Offshore winds will reduce the size ot the wave but increase the power and speed.
Crosswinds just make the surf very bumpy and ugly.
Central Florida is rather fortunate in that our beaches turn about 80 degrees from Cape Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet. I use this when seeking the hard breaking surf. Height of tide is most noticeable on small surf. Usually low tide is best. The tide heights vary tremendously over a two week period.