I can't tell you sh*t about Ft. Lauderdale, but I can tell you, if you're new to an area, you're going to have to find it yourself and then you're going to have to deal with the locals that are already in the know. I have just moved in on Fernandina Beach and I am learning the in's and out's of the breaks up here, but I haven't got any help, I've had to do it myself, even in 5 foot chop. Sorry, maybe this isn't helpful to you, but that seems to be the way it goes here in Florida. Breaks are limited here in Fla as I'm sure you know and at this time of year it's even worse, so go and find out. Watch out for the coquina if you come north though.
I lived in Ft Lauderdale for 5 years and rarely saw surfers unless there was a huricane off shore. You may come out better to go north. If you go to Surfline.com you can figure out where most surfing spots are.
I now live in Jacksonville, as for Fernandina I have talked with a few that say the Little Talbot island point is the best. Be prepared to walk, you park in the North parking lot and head to beach and walk north.