Do you want a large SEC school or a smaller school? UF is a fine university but it is huge. If you want something smaller try looking at Miami, which gives very good merit money to strong in state candidates. You mention CWRU. My oldest graduated from CWRU in May and got very good merit money there.
It doesn’t hurt to apply out of state as long as you wind up with an acceptable, affordable option. Remember, UF is a really good school. You shouldn’t discount is just because it is in state.