It also sounds like this student would,qualify for instate Florida residency if the bio dad lives in that state. That could save thousands of dollars.
While he doesn’t qualify for Bright Futures, he does qualify for a portion at least of the Pell Grant, and the $5500 Direct Loan freshmen can take.
I can understand the reluctance to be in the same state as this dad…but it’s not a teeny state…and some of the colleges are large. There would be no reason to actually be in contact with the father…but having residency in FL might be a help cost wise.