On different UF admissions pages and literatures there are different word “limits” on the essay. I have seen 500, 450, as well as 450. If my essay is within the 3980 character limit for the text box on the application, does it really matter what my word count it? My essay is nearly 600 words long but still fits in the text box because it is under the character limit.
If you are certain that your entire essay fits the character limit, then you are fine.
They’re pretty specific. The limit is 500 words. The extra characters are there to allow space between paragraphs. I’d edit your essay down so it fits their guidelines.