I’m a big believer in being direct, but I also know that in challenging emotional times, sometimes a round-about way to approach a hard subject can be worth a try, too. In that spirit, I’m going to suggest you watch the movie Real Women Have Curves with your parents. The story arc is similar–a girl wants to go away to college and parents say no. She has a supportive teacher who helps her. The family is Latino so that may or may not fit, but the story arc will probably open up some conversation. Watch it first by yourself, of course, and see if you think it’s appropriate. I agree with the above posters who encourage you to find an adult to help you mediate this conversation. You’re at a crossroads in life, for sure, but if you got this far to be at this crossroads, then it proves you have the intellect, perseverance, and maturity to get through this hurdle. Rooting for you!
In Florida it is possible to make a full tuition, but not a full ride, work. Bright Futures will take care of tuition and books at public schools. The student can then use any school scholarships, the Pell grant, local scholarships, and loans to pay for room and board (which can be done cheaper than dorms at almost every school).
You need more than desire to be emancipated. OP hasn’t said she has any documentation, a trusted adult willing to testify to abuses, a social worker or more. And it takes time to get a court date. I doubt this would be resolved by August. (What emergency?)
In FL, the legal age of emancipation is 18. She can go her own way at 18. But without college funds past first year. If she’s much younger, she’d need to have a guardian or personal representative sue on her behalf. I don’t think she has this.
If it were that easy, don’t you think thousands of families would seek to “emancipate” their kids, to get a free ride? (We discuss all the time that this won’t cut mustard.)
And what does she do after freshman year, when her parents have refused to fill out the new Fafsa and CSS and shes not considered independent for aid, by the colleges? Do some of you think Penn or JHU is going to waive procedure? Or that they’re so desperate for one more kid from FL that they’ll get between a parent and child?
She’s probably already 18 or will soon be. This emancipation discussion is likely an unnecessary side discussion.
She has to see if her mom will continue to help with financial forms like she did this year and/or talk to her school.
Whatever your fathers reasons for what he is doing, he is being emotionally abusive. You are eighteen - not a child, but a young adult. You got into some outstanding colleges and should go. Considering your circumstances, I would pick the one with the best financial aid. You can be honest about your family situation, and the colleges should also be able to find you a job over the summer if necessary. By standing up to your father you can also set an example to any younger siblings. If you need more help with this, maybe there is a high school guidance counsellor or similar that you could talk to. The colleges will also not want you to decline simply because you are being pressured by your father.