Going on a plane for the first time tomorrow. What to expect?

I'm going on vacation tomorrow and will be flying for the first time. I'm flying from NJ to Florida. I'm not scared about the actual flight but I'm very OCD and worried that I will hit long lines in the checkpoint and end up missing my flight. So what can I expect at the airport and how can I make my process as smooth as possible?

I'm arriving 5 hours ahead of my scheduled departure time. A little overkill, I know because they usually recommend you arrive only 1-2 hours before a domestic flight. But being the planner I'm I like to arrive way early so I can clear the checkpoints first! I'm not bringing much, either. No electronics (besides my phone) and only one bag of mostly clothes and personal products which I will have checked.

How does bag checking work? Do I just give them my bag and go through security then the boarding gates or do I have to wait with my bag while they look through it? I have nothing important in there so I don't mind just walking away. All I want is to get on the plane and get to my destination on time! I'm wearing slip-on shoes, gym shorts, and a t-shirt through security so no removal of laces or belts.

So considering all of this, how long do you think it'll take me to clear everything on time for my flight?

First off, airports are designed to lead people through the process. There will be lots of signage as well as people who you can ask for help.

How bag checking works depends upon the airport. In some, you just go to the ticket counter, then use a kiosk to check in. This usually involves knowing your last name and flight number, or your confirmation number. The kiosk usually prints out your boarding pass, then the airline employee weights your bag and tags it and sends it back to be put on the plane. In some larger airports, you go to the kiosk, enter your info, and it generates a tag that you put on the luggage yourself. Then you take it to a drop-off area where they weight it and take it from you. It's all pretty easy and there will be plenty of people around if you have questions.

For security, all liquids and gels (including toothpaste) must be less than 3 oz and fit into a clear, one quart plastic bag. Take this out of your carry-on. Also, take off your shoes. All of these, as well as your carry-on, go into the bins, with nothing on top of them. They go through the x-ray while you go through the body scanner. Once you collect your carry on, all you have to do is find your gate. It is usually printed on your boarding pass. If not, there are boards listing outbound flights where you can look it up. See if your airline has an app - this can be handy for tracking luggage and keeping track of gate changes. The last time I flew my last flight had around 6 gate changes before they finally settled on one. If possible, try to find a seat in the lounge with a power outlet.

All airports are designed the same way. If your bag is small enough you may carry it on with you. Otherwise you may check it in. You go to the departure area for your airline. You may see a clerk or use a kiosk. If you are checking in your bag, this is where it's done. You show the clerk your ticket, check the bag, and they give you your boarding pass. The bag then goes through a screening behind the scenes and gets to your plane. If you choose to carryon your bag, you take it with you to security. First they will ask for your ID. Then you place your bag in the Xray machine while you walk through the metal detector. If you bag is OK from the Xray, you pick it up. Otherwise they will open it. NOTE: once you are past this security you are in a secure area and you may go anywhere in the airport. BUT if you leave the secure area you MUST go through the security again. Once in the airport, there are signs everywhere. Look for a giant message board that lists your flight. If you arrive too early, your flight will not appear on the board. Locate your gate. Follow the signs to your gate. There are signs everywhere. Once you locate your gate you can sit and wait. Or look around, or shop, or eat, or use the bathroom. When it's time for your flight to leave, wait at the gate and follow instructions. At your destination you find the baggage claim area. The exit is next to that. There are signs everywhere. Simply follow the crowd form your flight because they are going to the same place.

Did I mention there are signs everywhere? You can also ask any airport employee if you have any questions.

I'm very OCD and worried that I will hit long lines in the checkpoint
Suggest you do not wait until last minute to get to Airport.
It is summer THERE ARE LONG LINES

Do I just give them my bag and go through security then the boarding gates YES YES YES

All I want is to get on the plane and get to my destination on time!
Most want the same thing.
Your time at check in is about TWO minutes.
Your security check is about One minute
The wait in line is unknown.

As you are early you should have lots of time AFTER security to have a beverage, get something to eat maybe get something for on the flight and use the toilet.

Position yourself near your departure gate and watch the show of the others running around frantic as they arrive last minute.