its a long, long way from just about any real boat launch to say Western Lake
my heavy 28 footer cabin cruiser has even had some scary moments in the Gulf so SJ is very right - if you don't have experience stay out of the Gulf!
and the FMP was all over the Destin Pass yesterday handing out tickets like candy
Florida requires a V (Vessel operator) on your drivers license to operate (drive) any boat with a motor, regardless of what state you live in and whether they have a V for their drivers license or not
if you enter the Gulf at the end of the Pass, prepare to be spot checked by either FWL, FMP or the Coasties for things like seaworthiness, emergency flares (must have non-expired dates), inland-walters-only class PFD's (not ocean-class), stainless steel hooks, a posted license for each boat radio or each GFRS (more than 1-watt or greater than 2 mile) walky-talky pair onboard, and any oil, sludge or residues inside the bottom (bilge) area of your boat, any opened beer or booze, or unidentified or prescripton pills in a unlabeled or expired container without your name on it - any of these things and a whole lot more will either get you ticketed or possibly have your boat impounded or even siezed
just be careful and remember to always keep every head, scrap and backbone of any fish you clean onboard for FWL spot checks (just say you will have to bring a bigger cooler next time), know the exact species of each fish you keep (have an fish identification book or detailed card onboard and easily available to show the officer) and be able to rattle off the exact name, limits and size of each fish you have on board (keep a current regulations printout or the booklet with the fish identifier)