I would assume that tow ratings need to be valid for all areas, Florida, the mountains of Colorado and Canada.

My boat cover ripped and the boat got quite a bit of water in it. I was hard pressed to find a location within a 15 minute ride where I could put it on even a slight incline to drain it. I finally went to the boat ramp. That being said I would assume that if I go slightly over the 1500 I would be ok in Florida.

 

I have an 09 model with the 2.4 cvt and tow a 1400kg (3100lb) van . I just did 2000k and averaged 15 lt to 100k and I sit on the speed limits. It tows like a dream.