You can get by this Valentine's Day with red roses and chocolates in a big, heart-shaped box. But if you really want to keep the flame of romance burning, spring for a night or two in an intimate bed-and-breakfast. Nothing evokes closeness like a getaway to a B&B with a great four-poster bed, fine linen sheets and plump pillows. Nothing says lovin' like toasting your union before a crackling fireplace or in a tub for two brimming with bubbles and surrounded by candles.

Some of Florida's bed-and-breakfasts are on sandy shores with palm trees and hammocks. Some come with horses who lead guests down happy trails. All of them include yummy breakfasts you don't have to make.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Heron House in Key West: This gem comes with lush, exotic gardens and unique room designs that give guests a sense of seclusion and privacy. Shaded sitting areas surround the pool, and with an outdoor reading room like that, no one needs to enforce peace and quiet. It just happens.

Even during breakfast and afternoon wine-and-cheese gatherings -- both held in the courtyard near a waterfall -- life remains joyfully civilized at The Heron House. Guests have time to admire the gardens filled with bougainvillea, rare palm trees and orchids.

The Honeymoon Junior Suites have double French doors, floor-to-ceiling marble baths and/or breezy second-floor porches and sitting areas. Turn-down service is provided, upon request.

When it gets too hot, couples can splash in the pool with a heron painted on the bottom of it. Then they can repair to the second floor sun deck.

Cap off the day with a walk to Mallory Square to watch the sunset, then have dinner at elegant Antonia's Italian Restaurant on Duval Street.

• INFO: 888-861-9066; www.heronhouse.com. Rooms from $219 (from $199 in summer).

• Bokeelia Tarpon Inn in Pine Island Sound: The waters around this village are filled with tarpon, spotted sea trout, snook and redfish, but you don't need to be an angler to fall in love with this unassuming, slow-paced village on Florida's southwest coast.

You just need some time to kick back, breathe in the salty Gulf breezes and take in the panoramic view of Charlotte Harbor from Boca Grande to Matlacha.

The Bokeelia Tarpon Inn on Bocilla Island in Pine Island Sound is a perfect spot to do all three -- especially if you plunk yourself down on one of the handmade Indonesian chairs on the spacious, screened-in, second-story porch.

The bed-and-breakfast occupies the two-story, 1914 Poe-Johnson house. The home, one of the earliest buildings on the island, has been lovingly restored to show off its handsome hardwood floors and original fireplace. The five bedrooms have queen-sized beds and louvered shutters for privacy.

You'll want to hold hands as you watch the sun set and seal the day with a smooch or two.

• INFO: 866-827-7662; www.tarponinn.com. Rooms $159-$295.

• Harrington House Beachfront Bed & Breakfast Inn on Anna Maria Island: This seaside B&B, the site of dozens of weddings each year, oozes romance. Innkeepers go overboard to make couples feel special, from serving chilled champagne on the beach or in the pretty gazebo or making sure there are roses in the room. These amenities are extra, of course, but even the standard fare is outstanding here.

All the rooms have a different décor, but some elements are common to all. Most feature French doors opening onto balconies that overlook the heated swimming pool or the Gulf of Mexico.

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