Not on Birth Certificate, Mother Filed for Welfare - Can the State Come After Me

My question involves child support in the State of: Florida

A few months ago, a friend found his 8 year old daughter, that he hasn't seen in 5 years. He has been corresponding with her and her mother, And sending voluntary child support.
Recently her mother filled for welfare, and when asked who the father was, she told them his name. A week later she receives a letter "The State of Florida vs his_name".
He is not on the birth certificate but knows that he is the father and wants to, and does provide support for his child. He lives in another state, has talked with the mother, and she is OK with him coming for a visit.

Can the State go after him for child support even if the mother doesn't want to?

What course of action should he take to preserve his rights and reduce court costs, legal fees, etc. from the State?

Thank you

The State absolutely WILL come back to him for Child Support if Mom is on welfare. They'd rather the tax payers didn't end up supporting his child.

He should go to court to establish paternity, and perhaps initiate a custody action where he can have an enforceable visitation plan.

He'll have the opportunity for a DNA test. Even if he "knows" he is the father, he should get tested.

Thank you both. I figured they would. He just wanted confirmation and know what he should do. He lives on a fixed income and understandably has some fears if and when the state moves in.