Answer
Initially $F$ has 7 valence electrons.
Work Step by Step
The electron configuration of $F$ is $$1s^22s^22p^5$$
As we see from the electron configuration of $F$, the valence electrons are in the $2s$ and $2p$ subshells. There are 2 electrons in subshell $2s$ and 5 electrons in subshell $2p$.
Therefore, initially $F$ has 7 valence electrons.
