Mulch and decorative stone do the same basic job: they cover bare soil, slow down weeds, and make a bed look intentional. Which one is right depends on where it's going and what's growing there.
Mulch is the better choice for planted beds. As it breaks down, it feeds the soil, and it holds moisture through Florida's dry spring months so shrubs and flowers need less water. The trade-off is that it fades and thins, so most beds need a fresh layer once or twice a year. Pine bark and pine straw are common, popular options around Sarasota.
Stone and river rock last for years without replacing, don't float away in a summer downpour, and look clean next to pools, driveways, and modern homes. They do hold heat, though, so they're a better fit around palms and tough, drought-tolerant plants than around tender ones. Landscape fabric underneath keeps the rock from sinking into the sand.
Depth is what makes either one work. Mulch should go down about two to three inches deep, kept a few inches back from trunks and stems. Stone should be thick enough that no fabric or soil shows through.
Many yards use both: mulch in the planted beds, stone along the house, in drainage areas, and around the pool. We're happy to walk your property and suggest what makes sense where.