Hey Steve, I learn something every day. What dive ops are known for doing these "outside reefs done as drift dives"? I've never heard of it, and I think I've used four different ops over the years. How would I even inquire about it? Just inquire if they do a drift dive?
I have done it four times. First two times were with Bluewater (not sure if they are still there) several years ago and I wanted to do drift dive. So we did one on day one and I lead one (great learning experience) on day 2. Third time was with Bluewater again but under different owners. Met a guy who was diving with them so we buddied for a day of diving with Bluewater which he was already booked with. We did a drift dive. The earlier ones were on a wide gentle slope with sponges, etc. This one was at 70 ft and almost a wall effect for a while. The fourth time was with Ocean Divers a year ago. There were only two of us on the boat (which they will go with) and we were by coincidence both DM candidates he with OD me with somebody else. He was an instabuddy. Mate had seen us both dive before. Mate said how about something different, we said sure and we did drift dive in about 60-70 ft of water. They had floats etc already on the boat. Other guy had to tow the float since I had a big SMB with me and he had nada. This drift dive was on of the three times I have seen reef sharks off Largo.
Note that for the drift course they have to stay in 60 ft or less otherwise can do it out in 70 ft or so. This is on the outer slope where the reef is going deeper.
Bottom line is you can request it. Need to have just a few folks on the boat who are agreeable so a six pack or private charter is easiest.
Outer edge is different. More open. Big sponges. Etc.