Might consider joining a local 4WD club. My experience is that the members are usually very supportive in teaching/helping a newb learn how do do relatively easy things such as lifts themselves. If you're looking to do many mods down the road you can save a boatload of $$ by doing the work...
Just curious about your statement about vehicles not rusting in FL. Not doubting, just curious as when I worked down on the Space Coast years ago it was a never ending battle with rust and corrosion. Something about the salt air and humidity. Maybe modern vehicle coatings keep it at bay?
If you put the spare on on axle that isn't locked you'll be fine. Not sure on a limited slip rear axle but to be safe you could always put the spare on the front.
This is true to a point, depending on how you plan on wheeling it down the road. In 06, I purchased a 06 Wrangler X based on an opinion just like you stated. After having it awhile I got bit by the off-roading bug and started to look at upgrades. What I found is the stuff on the Rubicon (D44...