lighting
In my garage, the light switch by the door is wired to an outlet on the ceiling. I've got two, inexpensive 4' fluorescent lighting fixtures plugged into that outlet. I know that wiring a fluorescent light to a motion sensor directly can be tricky. I don't know if that applies to an outlet.
Is it safe to switch out the switch that controls the outlet with a motion sensor like the Leviton "Occupancy Sensor"?
Assuming you're talking about motion sensors like this:
Switches like that need power. They can work by trickling current through incandescents if hooked up like a normal single-throw switch (in series with feed going to lights). If the switch has 4 wires (hot, return, switched, and ground) then you can hook them all up and it will power itself using it's own hot + return. In that case, it shouldn't have to trickle power through the light's circuit, and fluorescents should be able to turn off.
Since you've got an older house, your fluorescents probably have starters. Fixtures that take a long time to turn on may have a bad starter. I'd look into replacing the starter if you can find a matching one - it should be a relatively cheap alternative to replacing the entire fixture.
Best Answer
It shouldn't be a problem, if you purchase the proper motion sensor. When shopping, make sure the sensor specifically mentions compatibility with florescent lights.
The Heath Zenith Occupancy Motion Sensor Wall Switch
According to it's documentation.
You can pick one up at Home Depot for ~$15.00 or Amazon for $32 USD (2018).
If you shop around, you can also find sensors that work with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). Like this one from Hubbell Building Automation, Inc..