The grandparent waiver isn’t an automatic - so if they can get it, it’s FANTASTIC.
In the end, they need an affordable school - if it’s a Florida school…great.
If it’s a meet needs schools they can get in to and it’s affordable (I listed some less competitive admissions wise ones above but who knows if they meet the budget), then great.
If OP strikes out on all else, then they have to consider the options. For the in state flagship, it’s mostly out of state students. And btw - I got to both the Panhandle and Alabama for work - and there’s not a difference amongst the culture.
The OP will have a choice to make if that happens (no affordable, admits to reach schools and no grandparent waiver) - and certainly needs an assured affordable in their back pocket - but that’s up to them how they get there. There’s an easy option.
Best of luck to them in their reach list and getting a grandparent waiver. Check each school for the GP waiver - I think early bird may get the worm at some.
But they should have Plan C if neither happen - but that’s up to them.