The start of a new year brings in the car auctions swarming into the sunshine state. January starts off with the Mother of all auctions, Mecum. A record breaking 4000 entries puts them in a category of their own. Over an 11-day period (Jan 4-15) in Kissimmee, you can browse for days on end and never see everything. This is an event, not just an auction. The average Joe will feel at home here because there is something for everyone.

Next up is Carlisle Auctions Feb 10-11. Banking on their excellent Pennsylvania reputation since 1974, they have brought a well-known name to the Sun N Fun venue in Lakeland. Appealing to the masses with their affordable classics, it is a great place for a new hobbyist to start.

Barrett Jackson is the leader in prestige, charity vehicles, and wine 'em & dine 'em method of auctioning. The main event in Scottsdale is packed full of entertainment, both in vehicles and people watching. Palm Beach April 13-15 is much smaller and laid back. It doesn't give the true scale of BJ like Scottsdale does.

Smaller auctions have started popping up around the state. Dealers Auction Exchange hosts one in Zephyrhills in conjunction with the annual car show Feb 16-18. The famous Dezerland Park will host Vicari Auctions in the tourist area of Orlando Mar 10-11. Southwest Florida will have their own by the Premier Auction Group in Port Charlotte Mar 17-18.

If that wasn't enough classic auctions in Florida, Amelia Island Concours has jumped on board with their new Broad Arrow auction Mar 3-4. Showcasing the elegance of pre-war classics and historically significant vehicles is my guess.

Bottom line is, if you can't find what you want or sell what you have in Florida, you may want to rethink your plan. The opportunities here are vast.

Happy shopping.