Now that I have the means (financially), is it worth a trip to Florida to
achieve a life's ambition ?

That question needn't be answered, but I will.

I waited till I was 35 to start flight lessons. Learning to fly changed my
life, and I now regard my first 35 years on this planet as wasted time.

Do it now, before another year passes.

Anyone know if there is a stigma against hiring newly qualified pilots at,
say, 48 ????

I wouldn't count on a career in aviation, but that's beside the point.
Flying is an end in itself.

Good luck...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"