I don’t think that’s correct. A hs student applies to BF directly, not through a college. One must apply by Aug 31 after hs graduation and there is no requirement to apply to a college by that date. Once it is awarded, every college in Florida, even private ones, accept BF. The colleges can determine how it is used. For example, at my daughter’s college it could ONLY be used for tuition; not for fees, not for study abroad, not for insurance or r&b or anything else. Fortunately (sarcasm) there was plenty of tuition that needed to be paid. Other colleges allow it to be used for study abroad, fees, or just generally on the bill.
The colleges also have to certify the the student still qualifies for BF. Unfortunately, many do lose it because they don’t take 12 credits, don’t take the right courses like you can’t take a no credit class, repeat a class as part of the 12 credits, drop classes during the semester to take you below 12 credits.
OP should apply for BF. If he doesn’t qualify, BF will tell him that but the hs people shouldn’t be making that determination.