Its not the tile that is the worry. Its the whats under the tile. If the tile is on a concrete slab (I dont think they do basements in FL) then you should be OK. But if its 2x10, or heck even 2x12, I-Beams then you will need some SERIOUS reinforcement and sistering.
As far as doing it right the first time, I think that is close to impossible. Mistakes are going to happen, even with all the reading you may do about other's mistakes you won't learn from them until you make those mistakes or have those problems.
Myself, I started with a 29 gallon and carried the knowledge (and inhabitants) over to a 60 gallon. Currently I am working on setting up a 230 gallon (72x24x30). I consider the knowledge I learned with the smaller tanks priceless. I know everyone says start with a big tank because it is more stable, but I wouldn't want to go through the inevitable beginner's mistake with the amount of money ($5,000+) that is involved in hardware and livestock in a tank that size.
As for lighting a 30+" deep tank, 250 MHs would be the minimum, you will probably have better luck with 400 MHs placed every 2 feet.
Acrylic is lighter and offers better thermal properties, but glass doesn't scratch and may be cheaper for a tank that size (I think the break even point is around 200 gallons).
I also second the RO/DI, chiller and heater comments. And also be prepared with a generator for when the hurricanes hit!! You dont want to lose thousands of dollars of fish and corals because of poor planning on your part.
One last thing, Good Luck and share pics!