Not just any plant can take the reduced light levels. In fact, most annual and perennial flowers found at garden centers won't grow in the shade. Florida gardeners are lucky. They can use foliage plants along with the few colorful flowers available for the shady sites. You also may have to give up the traditional in-ground beds.
Most shade comes from trees.
These sites have lower light levels plus lots of roots. Roots will compete with the plants. One option for shady gardens is growing the plants in containers. Large urns, clay pots or wood boxes with bottom drainage make attractive planters. Because many large containers have only one drainage hole, it's a good idea to place large stones in the bottom.