I too am from Florida I was entered, passéd and raised, (1984) in a lodge working under the protection of the MWPHGL of Florida, which broke off from the MWUGL of Florida in about 1910, after finding this site ( thanks masons of Texas ) I came to a greater understanding of what it means to be regular, so I went through a process known as healing in Prince hall lingo. As for street challenges my instructor taught me to never challenge anyone, he also insisted that I learn the written work word for word, so I am willing to be tried often. I wear I C&S around my neck almost always visible and from time to people will mention it, some say Prince Hall, I say yes. Some what's that, I say lil something I found in a grave looking for the owner can't find him, what you know about this. That ends it no harm no foul. Branding I have heard of but never seen we call that hazing and it's a masonic offense that will get you expelled. Ritual differences really, I prepared first in my ...,..and then in a ......next...., since coming to this forum I discovered that we ( brothers) are different and alike. I will stop now, rules of order.