As someone who is neither a beauty queen or from the south, take my words as you will Gatorgirl
I know that UF recruitment can be extremely competitive, but college is an opportunity for you to build your confidence. It's a chance to make a "new" you, if you're not particularly fond of the old...it's a chance to work on the parts of you that need it, and make yourself a wholly great girl! With all that sunshine, here's a little thought. What, in your life, have you ever gained that wasn't worth taking a risk? You say you'll be very, very hurt if you got cut, but what if you got a bid from your first choice house? Without going through recruitment, you'll never know...you need to weigh what is more important, your hurt feelings from getting cut or the opportunity to possibly join a fabulous group of women.
One word of advice...if you're shy, that's one thing. If you're on the low self-esteem thing, that's wholly another. It's ok to be nervous, but be confident in the person you are, and try it. The worst that can happen is that you leave with a new group of friends (all the girls that go through rush!).
Best of luck, no matter what your choice.