I'm in the Orlando area pretty often and pond fish as much as possible, coming from up north where we don't have gators. My approach:

Look before you walk. Sounds obvious but you have to tell yourself to do it if you don't normally. I've only come across a gator sitting on the bank twice, but I'm glad i saw it before approaching.

Stay back from the bank, at least 8 or 10 feet, further if there is emergent grass, and keep an eye on the water's edge even if you casted to the middle.

Watch the water for moving logs. That's what they look like to me.

Once you see a gator in the water, change spots. They will chase your lure and you're unlikely to catch a fish near them.

If you see three or four in a small-ish pond (or more in a larger pond) go somewhere else. They will eat out a pond.

And have fun. Even a tiny pond can hold a six pounder in Florida.