I am learning how to use a carolina rig and i was wondering (in florida especially) when,where,and how to use a carolina rig

My experience has shown that CR is best used in deeper water, say 10+ feet and when the bite has turned off.  However, find 10+ feet of water is tough in Florida.  The best time is typically in the late fall and winter time frame.  A slower presentation is better when they are not as aggressive. As far as how, I recommend a 2 foot leader with a very slow drag presentation.  I also like a bait with a big tail that really makes a lot of motion.

What kind of bottom, hard or soft?

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I find that the c rig is one of my favorite ways to fish.  I fish it deep or shallow. To me I gained alot more just going out and trying it as much as I could vs just reading how others do it. I guess my point is I made the c rig work for me  I beleve you can use it almost anywhere at anytime you just have to keep on it

def not my go-to technique but ive had luck slowly dragging the weight by reeling the line in at a slow constant speed maintaining bottom contact.

i probably throw a c-rig more than anything else. it excels in almost any situation. it is extremely versatile.

main lake humps, points and creek channels are probably the best use for them. but you can use them anywahere.

change the length of your leader in relation to the water clarity. generally, the clearer the water... the longer the leader.

any plastic at all will work on a c-rig. recently (this summer) i had good success with zoom trick worms and 7in zoom gtails.  lizards are a mainstay for the c-rig. beavers, craws and creatures work great too!

FWIW...we throw C rigs in 6' or less..here. Bottoms vary, rocks to silt, with weeds...baits, anything from 4" finesse worms to 12" anaconda's...I like ragetail lizards the best.