Is it full sun exposure? How much sun? How much shade?

The area in question, where the azaleas would be planted, gets the full morning sun, until about 2:00 PM each day. After that it's in the shade for the rest of the day.

Azaleas prefer shade. In your zone, they struggle from the heat and direct sunlight for that much of the day would stress them even further. I would choose something that can take a bit more sun and heat. Hopefully others in your zone will chime in.

Carol in Jax

My neighbor across the street (Tampa, zone 9b) has almost the same orientation. His azaleas have been there for more than 25 years, but since he has in recent years started mulching them heavily they have been doing very well. On the other hand, consider Indian hawthorn.

FWIW, I'm thinking Tampa culture isn't too similar to Venice - further north & inland. Venice is more coastal. I know azaleas are sort of a woodland plant, liking humus-rich, acidic soil & high shade.

Have you tried searching Floridata yet?

Here is a link that might be useful: Floridata.com