Like to think about this using the membership requirements for the OCC( Ocean Cruising Club). They require a passage of open water passage of at least 1500nm across a sea or ocean with no land falls. That implies-
Greater than 5 day passage so longer than you can receive a meaningful reliable weather forecast when leaving. Hence the need to be prepared for at least force 8 and a way to receive weather routing data while on passage.
It also implies a total belt and suspenders approach to all key systems including propulsion, fresh water, food, hygiene, electricity sleep as well as navigation and communications. (SSB, satphone, personal/ship AIS/epirbs etc.)
It implies having sufficient fuel, water, filters, spares, food to allow passage to take at least one third longer than expected.
It implies having the skill set, materials and tools for the vessel to remain functional without outside support.
It implies the vessel will be outside SAR rescue for the majority of the transit. In other words outside 200nm as most SARS helicopters are 400nm (200nm out and 200nm back even with a brief time on station). So if you call you will have either fixed it, are dead or in a raft by the time they show up.
It implies you are off any continental shelf for the majority of the time. Waves break either from extreme height, conflicting wave trains or ground effects. Given only 1/7th to 1/8th is above sea level once off the shelf ground effects which are the major cause of breaking waves coastally are no longer operating. Conflicting wave trains and wind against water is much less likely as well. Major exceptions like the Gulf Stream or intra island rages exist but are local and predictable.
Trips from Florida to any part of the island chain (Bahamas to Trinidad) are not blue water.
Not off a shelf for any measurable significant time.
No transit greater than 5 days.
Not outside SAR range.
Have access to outside support.
Minimal communication issues.
Often coastal weather is more problematic than open ocean. Simple things like setting a drogue or sea anchor or lying a hull or hoved to are often not a viable option when coastal. But the entire thought process of blue water v coastal prep and execution is different. Both can be done safely or not. Both can kill you. But they are different.