;Undecided on what shade trees to get

I live in zone 8; northwest FL, close to Pensacola. I had two pines in my yard and chopped them down because I want to plant two shade trees. I'm looking for two trees that will provide shade and don't need much care but also will produce pretty flowers. Any suggestions? Here is what I'm thinking: Magnolia, Dogwood, Royal Empress, Wisteria, any ideas?
joy

Wisteria's a vine not a tree--they can be trained as a standard but it's never going to be a large shade tree so I'd cross that off your list. Royal Empress is invasive in many areas of the southeast so I'd probably stay away from it too unless you do some research first and find out that it's not a problem in your area. Most of the dogwoods I know are smaller so they may not give you quite the amount of shade you're looking for (and they're an understory tree, which means they'd prefer to have a bit of protection from afternoon sun in a hot area like yours). So from your current list, magnolia sounds like the best bet to me. I'm sure there are a ton of other things you can grow too--hopefully some of the folks from FL or nearby areas will be along soon with some other ideas for you.

ecrane3: Thanks. I was just trying to find a small shade tree for the front that would have blooming flowers on it, must admit, I don't know much about trees or what would do well here.
joy

Maybe a Flowering Pear
Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer'

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/81441/
http://forestry.about.com/od/urbanforestry/a/callery_pear.htm
http://www.arborday.org/TREES/treeguide/treeDetail.cfm?id=155

Scientific Name: Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer'
Mature Height: 40'
Mature Spread: 15'
Leaves: Narrow medium green glossy leaves that turn red in the fall.
Flowers: Clusters of white flowers in late winter.
Fruit: Very small round inedible fruit.
Root System: No large surface roots.
Growth Rate: Moderate - fast.
Cultural Notes: Adaptable to many soils - useful for narrow areas.
Note: must not be topped but allowed to develop side branches naturally.

Minimum Planting Distances:
from SMUD pad mounted equipment (such as a transformer mounted on a concrete pad): 8 feet
from a building foundation: 10 feet
from walks and driveways: 6 feet
from an air conditioner: 6 feet
from a fence: 6 feet
from a utility offset (such as an underground line, pipe or cable): 6 feet
from a utility overhead (such as an overhead power line): 20 feet
from a swimming pool: 10 feet
from a septic system: 20 feet
between trees: 18 feet

From: http://www.sactree.com/doc.aspx?181

What about a Franklinia, Stewartia, Styrax or Catalpa? These are, for the most part, smaller trees with blooms but not the best of shade imo (except for Catalpa). There's also Vernicia fordii http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/72530/ but know little about it. I like Xanthoceras sorbifolium for blooms and I guess it could produce some shade but it's not that tall. If you go for Dogwood, Cornus kousa would give more shade. Aesculus might give some decent shade and blooms. Some food for thought.

Thank you both, I'm gonna to research these to see what they look like and if they grow in my area, they sound great. I must admit, I don't know anything about trees; but, would like to have two in my front yard to replace the pines I cut down and as long as they give shade, aren't too big and have flowers and are fast-growing and easy to care for I'm all game.
joy

I keep thinking of Magnolia grandiflora which would give you good shade when of size but for some reason thought you wanted deciduous.

I saw a really cute small shade tree that was covered with pretty white blooms and the trunk was a white color, any idea what kind of tree it is? Also, I've seen these trees that are filled with lavender type blooms, these are all small type trees and would look pretty and yet; lend a little shade; but don't know what kind they are?
joy