If the weather clears up and the house hasn't sold yet I'll spread some dirt and plant some shrubs for a more completed look.

Grow where you're planted. 

To me, that means that now is a great time to start planting seeds that you'll be able to harvest in the spring / summer months right around the corner.Hang in there and keep at it!

Long grass, litter, overgrown plants, anything that might give me a sense that the current owner doesn't care about the property.  

Due to the land's location and how it's in a corner of the highway and a dirt road, I've recently been caught up in a water district turf war. 7 years ago I granted easement rights to the city so that now that area has access to the water plant that was built across the street.

Tenant may plant the beds adjacent totheir dwelling to their liking, but only with those plants that are ofappropriate size and type for the beds. 

I too lived in Florida; Valrico, FL just east of Tampa but before the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL.  

I didn't want real estate affecting my readiness worrying about it, or planted all over the country when I got out.  

First, regardless of which you go with, be sure they are flat - un-textured.  

The best time to plant a seed was 10 years ago, but the next best time is today!