At all large schools, you’ll want to learn about the Honors college - honors students have a personal adviser which can make the difference wrt scheduling, knowing about opportunities, and support.
It makes a HUGE difference at UCF in particular (the Honors college is topnotch to snatch NMSFs from UF); good at FSU, worth looking into at USF. New Honors at UF (because it was nothing to write home about until recently and for a university that wants to be elite, it was a problem.)
Be aware that Florida publics require a summer term and, I believe, some online credits.
WILKES is FAU’s honors college, with a definite science bend.
Some families have a strong athletic affiliation with UF or FSU.
Floridians can’t believe it when people think UF is FSU and vice versa 
Another college worth a visit : Eckerd is known for its science program and 1st year research experience, offers good merit aid, and is right on the beach.
I think @Creekland’s kid attended?