Yes, homesteading is good. Replacing trees here and there is a good start as well.

I'd suggest finding heartier plants to start with and lower maintenance, so as to get some success as proof-of-concept to the rest of your family. Gardening can take a lot of time until you understand what works in your area.

In Orlando we used to have a salad garden. Bibb and Romaine lettuce, carrots, radishes, onions. Tomatoes were great but had to look out for nematodes. Other than that, central Florida is great for food.