How to: Chicken Coup/New Chick on the Block

Hi Folks,
My husband and I are both cancer survivors and are about to move to property (38 acre junk yard) that will be our future farm and exotic fruit tree grove. I would like to have my own chickens for wholesome eggs. Can you suggest the best egg-laying chicken for South Florida and how to build a coup? We will be in a highly critter area so free range (Everglades) isn't an option. We rarely have a freeze, if that makes a difference. What chickens do you recommend and I hate to say but HOW and what do we need to do to build a safe coup? Also, my hubby eats chicken what is a good chick for that? When you collect eggs, is there a safe way from mean chickens? I don't know a thing but I had friends that were constantly attacted when collecting eggs. What are the best chickens for S. Florida and how do we start? I am just trying to be healthy! Thanks in advance!