First, congrats on qualify for FAS Bright Futures scholarship!!!
Lets look at the typical cost of attending a Florida public university.
Undergrad On Campus
Tuition / Fees $6,380
Books and Supplies $1,210
Computer/Cell Phone $1,250
Housing $5,440
Food $4,470
Transportation $1,100
Clothing Maintenance $970
Personal $310
Total Budget $21,130
Bright Futures covers most of the Tuition/Fees and book/supplies cost.
However, as you can see, the next big $ items are housing and food. Overall, you still have about $13K to cover.
Based on your family situation, you may qualify for a Pell Grant. I believe the maximum is about $5,920. Then some schools will also offer some need-based aid (this is different from merit-based aid). Some schools may also offer you merit based aid.
You can also take steps to reduce your cost; don’t get the meal plan, shop/cook your own meals, look to room with several roommates, to reduce your rent, etc.
Now that you and your sister are in school, your chances of aid also go up, as they do consider that your family is trying to put two through school.
Still, that leaves a large gap, and loans will likely be needed.
I can appreciate wanting to avoid loans, let alone having your parents also take out loans. One option (which is popular in Florida) is to attend a local CC for two years. You likely can void any loans, and even save some money, so that when you do attend a University, you will not have to take out as many loans. It’s an option.
Also, it’s a lot easier to enroll (based on your major) into UF, FSU, UCF, etc, as a transfer student.
Note that private colleges in Florida are much more likely to offer need-based aid, but they also start off charging more for tuition. It’s worth looking into these schools and then reviewing what type of aid package they offer, after you’ve been accepted.
Good Luck!