I have found a new product that may solve some of the issues that have been coming up in recent years regarding the drysuit requirement for SUPs and wind surfers and a few others. This rule modification is temporary and experimental. If things work out, it will become permanent.
Note that you can still use a dry suit with suitable insulation layers. In fact, it is still the recommended approach if you have any kind of open boat.
But several people have asked why they cannot use a wet suit. They use it all the time so why not during a challenge. The answer is conductive heat loss and chafing when worn in wind and for 16 hours or more per day.
But there is a somewhat new product that can fix that. Checkout http://sharkskin.com.au/ . This suit can be worn by itself, under a wet suit, under a dry suit or under any kind of foul weather gear. It solves all the problems with a standard wet suit and seems very affordable.
The combination of a Shark Skin and a wet suit or dry suit or paddling pants and jacket will meet the requirements for the Florida events.
I should have mine for the Hobie Sailing Meetup this Saturday.