The element with the maximum number of valence electrons, excluding hydrogen, is fluorine (F). Fluorine is located in Group 17 (or Group 7A) of the periodic table and has 7 valence electrons in its outermost shell. The valence electron count determines the element's chemical behavior, as these electrons are involved in forming chemical bonds with other atoms. Fluorine's valence electron configuration of 2s^2 2p^5 gives it a valency of 1, meaning it can readily accept one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.