If you are looking at forging knives, not stock removal, then bladesmithing is the way to go.
I also live in Florida. A couple of years ago when I retired I went to the American Bladesmith's Society school in North Carolina. I had never forged a thing in my life. 2 weeks of intense training with two different masters. Learned more in those two weeks than I thought possible. If you plan on becoming a full time bladesmith some day join the ABS to start counting time towards your rating today. You will be glad you did.
A private one on one class of a day or two can be helpful if you are not sure about this. Look at the overall cost of each to see which method best fits your need and budget of both time & money.
Good luck on your journey! I'm in South Florida, where are you? If close enough you might like to come by and try forging a small knife or just to check out the process.