Were there legal repercussions? That would affect federal financial aid, not sure about Florida/BF.
The federal financial aid is only an issue if the drug charges are made while receiving the aid. Since this student is still in high school, shouldn’t be a problem.
Knowing he wants to stay in Florida, I don’t think this will be a problem at all. All the stuff from the GC will be sent electronically to the colleges in big bundles. He won’t stand out at all. Many high school kids take DE off campus as seniors.
Find out what the transcript looks like and how the issue was reported. Keep your applications consistent with those reports.
It’s not hype when people are dying.