Rules and Regulatations

Definitions: 

• Date of notification is the date on which an identified owner of lost or abandoned property is notified by the Property Custodian that such property is in custody and informed of the location and means by which the property may be released. If notification is by mail, the date of notification is five (5) business days after the date the letter is mailed.
• Date of receipt is the date lost or abandoned property comes into the custody of the Property Custodian as recorded by the Property Custodian.
• Lost or abandoned property is tangible personal property with some appreciable value or apparent intrinsic value to the rightful owner that has been mislaid or deposited on campus and left unattended, including vehicles that are deemed abandoned in accordance with subsection (2) of this regulation.
• Notice of impoundment is a letter sent by the University to the registered owner of an impounded vehicle via certified mail or a notice posted on the vehicle notifying the registered owner that the vehicle has been impounded and stating the place and means by which the vehicle’s release may be secured.
• Property custodian is the individual(s) designated by the University President to manage the transfer, storage, and disposal of property lost or abandoned on campus in accordance with Section 705.18, Fla. Stat.; persons designated by the Property Custodian to carry out any of these duties.

Property Deemed Abandoned

A vehicle that has been impounded will be deemed abandoned if not claimed and released pursuant to the University impoundment appeal procedure within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of impoundment or fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of the Notice of impoundment, whichever is later. The date the vehicle is deemed abandoned in accordance with the above shall be recorded by the Property Custodian as the date of receipt of abandoned property for purposes of this regulation. Property deemed abandoned shall be treated as abandoned property under the procedures set forth in subsection of this regulation. 

Procedures:

• All reports pertaining to missing, lost, stolen or abandoned property that is or may be located on campus shall be made to the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD).
• All lost or abandoned property found on campus shall be delivered to the Property Custodian who shall record the date of receipt of the property and retain custody of the property until disposed of in accordance with this regulation.
• If the rightful owner of the property is identifiable, the Property Custodian shall make reasonable efforts to contact and notify the rightful owner of the location and means by which the property may be released.
• In determining whether the rightful owner is identifiable, the Property Custodian shall compare outstanding reports made to UFPD of missing, lost, or stolen property to the
  property in custody. Property that appears to be recovered stolen property may be retained by UFPD as necessary for evidentiary and/or investigative purposes.
• If lost or abandoned property is not claimed by the rightful owner within thirty 30 calendar days from the date of receipt recorded by the Property Custodian, or a longer period of time as may be deemed appropriate by the Property Custodian, the University will dispose or make use of such property in accordance with Section 705.18, Fla. Stat. The rightful owner of such property may reclaim the property at any time prior to the University’s disposition or use.
• Any lost or abandoned property claimed by the rightful owner shall be released subject to any applicable liens, fees, fines, and reasonable costs of transport, storage and sale.

This Regulation sets forth the parking restrictions and requirements for the UF campus. UF does not guarantee parking, nor can it guarantee the safety and security of vehicles, property, and persons within the campus parking facilities. UF charges fees for the use of its parking spaces in order to pay for the operation and maintenance of campus parking facilities and support the transportation infrastructure. All persons holding a valid operator’s license may use properly registered motor vehicles, motorcycles, motor scooters, bicycles, and other UF approved vehicles in accordance with the terms of UF regulations, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) policies and procedures and applicable Florida Statute.

Definitions:

• Abandoned Vehicle means a Vehicle that is left on UF campus for more than three (3) consecutive days without a valid Permit.
• Back-in Parking means parking a Vehicle with the front of the Vehicle facing the drive lanes and rear facing license plate is not visible.
• Commercial Entity means any person or company that has entered into a contract with UF to provide a service, regardless of the length of the contract, including but not limited to vendors and contractors.
• Disabled Parking means designated parking spaces for anyone legally qualified to use disabled parking.
• Employee means a UF employee including Academic Personnel, TEAMS, LEO and OPS (non-student), and any (non-student) employee of a UF direct support organization and other affiliates.
• False Registration means applying for, receiving, or displaying a Permit by providing false information or by other fraudulent means; including reproducing, altering or defacing a Permit or any other document used for registration.
• Head-in Parking means parking a Vehicle with the front of the Vehicle facing into the front of the parking space and with the rear license plate visible and facing into the drive lanes.
• Holidays means official UF holidays only. Academic breaks and weekends are not holidays.
• Impound/Impoundment means to tow a Vehicle away from the place it is parked, to boot a Vehicle by use of an immobilization device, or to seize and hold legal custody of a Vehicle.
• Inoperable Vehicle means a Vehicle in a state of disrepair or incapable of being moved under its own power. Inoperable Vehicles include any vehicle abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, scrapped, junked, or in a partially dismantled condition, including uninflated tires, no wheels, or lacking other parts necessary for the normal operation, regardless of displaying a valid Permit.
• LPR means License Plate Recognition, an online system integrated with digital cameras that use optic character recognition software to convert a digital image of a license plate into text. The license plate data is then sent to a database where it is compared in real-time to a list of plate numbers that are associated with a Virtual Permit.
• Parking means the act of stopping or standing of a vehicle anywhere on campus, whether occupied or not and whether the vehicle’s motor is running or not.
• Permit means a non-transferable UF parking permit, decal, hangtag, virtual permit, dashboard permit or metered parking receipt issued by TAPS.
• Reserved Space means an individually marked space, reserved for the specified user twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week or as otherwise displayed on the applicable signage.
• Restricted Area means an area where a Vehicle may be parked only if it bears the appropriate Permit for that area.
• Service Drive Area means parking areas reserved for Vehicles for delivery, service, emergency, and other Vehicles with Service Drive Permits.
• Shands Employee means a (non-student) employee of UF Health Shands Hospital.
• Student means an individual who is enrolled at UF; full- time or part- time, regardless of the number of hours or days attending classes.
• Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) means the UF unit responsible for:
  • Issuing Permits
  • Collecting parking fees
  • Assessing parking fines
  • Enforcing parking rules on campus
  • Vested with the authority to store, dispose or transfer the title of Abandoned Vehicles.
• Vehicle means appropriately registered cars, motorcycles, motor scooters and other means of motorized transportation intended for and in current condition to be operated on public highways. Bicycles, mopeds, Segways, or micromobility devices are not Vehicles.
• Virtual Permit means a non-physical Permit that uses virtual verification by LPR.
• Visitor means a person who is not a Student, Employee, Shands Employee or Commercial Entity or other member of the UF community coming on to campus to attend to UF business or related activities; to participate in a UF related or sponsored event, class, activity, or program; or to further the UF educational mission.

General Guidelines for Permits and Registration

TAPS, the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD), appropriate law enforcement, and specifically designated personnel are authorized to issue citations for parking and registration violations in accordance with UF regulations and TAPS policies and procedures. Students, Employees and Shands Employees must register their Vehicle(s) and license plate(s) with TAPS in order to purchase a Permit and must display a valid appropriate Permit (or be properly registered for a Virtual Permit) during hours of Permit restriction as established on applicable signage at each parking facility.

• All registrants are responsible for providing TAPS with current and accurate information regarding Vehicle registration, ownership and tag number, as well as changes in address, enrollment and employment status.
• There is no grace period for registration of Vehicles and acquisition of Permits. New Employees may contact TAPS to obtain a temporary Permit for fourteen (14) business days from the start date of their employment at no cost. Proof of employment status is required.
• Parking spaces at UF are not intended for Vehicles altered for purposes other than transportation or in violation of UF policy and regulations, bicycles, mopeds, Segways, or aircraft with or without a Permit.
• Permanently marked Commercial Entity Vehicles (identified as clearly and conspicuously marked with non-removable non-transferable painted or vinyl lettering or company logos on both sides of the Vehicle) may park without a Permit in non-reserved, Permit restricted parking spaces, and in Service Drive Areas. They may not park in gated areas, carpool zones, reserved spaces, bicycle lanes, on the grass, on sidewalks, in no parking zones, and other prohibited areas at any time. A commercial representative in a Commercial Entity Vehicle using a permanently marked delivery truck, service vehicle, rideshare vehicle or bus making brief stops in the appropriate spaces or zones at one or more points on campus is not considered Parking and are not required to pay a Parking fee or display a Permit.
  • A Commercial Entity may purchase a Commercial Permit for an unmarked Vehicle upon presenting a letter from the Commercial Entity, UF project manager or department substantiating the need to park on campus. At the request of the UF project manager, TAPS may issue no-cost Permits for Parking in approved, fenced construction compounds and lay-down areas, or in the remote contractor lot for contractor Parking.
  • Commercial solicitation is not permitted on UF campus without prior approval and Permits shall not be issued (and will be considered invalid) if used for a purpose prohibited by UF regulations and policies.
• Disabled Parking:
  • Students and Employees with a State-issued “Disabled Persons Parking Permit” or license plate must purchase a Permit in order to park on campus.
  • Visitors with a State-issued “Disabled Persons Parking Permit” or license plate may use designated disabled spaces and in non-reserved decal restricted spaces in order to park on campus.
• Daily/Temporary Parking:
  • Visitors may obtain a temporary Permit from TAPS; or utilize daily and hourly pay parking facilities or metered spaces upon payment of the required fee.
• All vendors must be registered with UF, as visitor parking spaces may not be used for commercial purposes without prior approval.
• UF departments or colleges sponsoring an event on campus shall schedule and reserve event parking with TAPS a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance of the event. TAPS will determine the assignment of event parking based on availability.
• Retired and Emeritus: Retired faculty and staff are eligible to register and purchase Permits. Retired faculty and staff designated as “Emeritus” shall be issued a complimentary “Official Business” Permit.

Permit Regulation

• Physical Permits must be properly displayed on the inside of the Vehicle windshield, passenger side, lower corner. The Permit must be clearly visible from the exterior of the Vehicle while parked on campus or a citation may be issued.
• Physical Permits may be transferred between Vehicles registered to permit holders, or to family members residing in the same household, but only one Vehicle per Permit may be parked on campus at any time.
• Adhesive Permits are required for all two or three-wheeled motor vehicles and must be displayed on the front or rear fender or front fork of the Vehicle unless otherwise approved by TAPS.
• Drivers of two or three-wheeled motor vehicles must park in motorcycle/scooter parking zones as designated on campus. They may not park in an automobile space, except for metered spaces upon payment of the required fee.
• The Permit holder is responsible for assuring that the Vehicle is parked in compliance with the rules and regulations regardless of who drives it, and for knowing when the issued Permit expires.
• The Permit holder is responsible for all citations issued to any Vehicle associated with a Permit holder.
• A lost Permit must be reported to TAPS, and a stolen Permit must be reported to UFPD. TAPS will issue a replacement Permit for a $25 fee. Permits reported lost or stolen will immediately become invalid; and use of a Permit previously reported lost or stolen is considered to be False Registration and subject to fine and penalty. Any Vehicle bearing a Permit reported as lost or stolen is subject to immediate immobilization and tow, even if the Vehicle bearing the Permit is owned by the person who has reported the Permit as lost or stolen.
• Any Vehicle parked on campus is parked at the risk of the operator. UF assumes no liability for damage to Vehicles operated or parked on campus.

Payment

• All Student Permit charges will be charged to the Student’s UF account.
• Employees may pay for their Permits through payroll deduction.
• The Permit price may be pro-rated on a bi-weekly basis over the term of the Permit. The prorated price will be determined at the time of purchase.

Refunds:

• TAPS may provide a full refund on annual and semester Permits when the refund is requested less than fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of purchase or effective date. Monthly, weekly and daily Permits are non-refundable.
• Employees may receive a refund of one twenty-fourth (1/24) of the annual price for each unused pay period on an annual Permit, based on when the Permit is returned.
• No refunds will be issued unless and until the Permit is returned to TAPS.

Designated Parking Spaces and Areas

• Parking is permitted only within marked spaces. The absence of “No Parking” signs, curb markings or other indicators does not mean that parking is allowed.
• All Vehicles must abide by a Head-in Parking rule to ensure that the license plate is facing the drive lane and can be read by LPR. Exceptions to this rule are as follow:
  • Vehicles with ADA requirements.
  • Electric Vehicles requiring Back-in Parking to actively charge at a charging station.
  • Vehicles displaying an official State-issued front license plate.
  • Vehicles displaying an optional front tag purchased from TAPS.
• Where parallel or angled parking is permitted, Vehicles must be parked facing the flow of traffic.
• Vehicles shall not be parked in such a manner as to obstruct vehicular/bicycle/pedestrian traffic, wheelchair ramps, interfere with normal operational activities, or create a hazard.
• Parking on grass, unpaved surfaces, sidewalks, crosswalks, Service Drive Areas without a proper Permit, loading zones, truck spaces, or on streets (except where specifically marked for parking) is prohibited.
• Use of parking spaces requires either a Permit or a receipt for paid parking during restricted hours as defined by signage.
• No parking space may be used for commercial solicitation purposes.
• Unauthorized parking in Reserved Spaces or Restricted Areas is prohibited.
• A Vehicle parked overtime at any time limited parking space (meters, time restricted loading zones and Service Drive Areas, etc.) may receive a citation at the time the violation is identified and may receive another citation in the same day if the Vehicle remains in the same space more than two (2) hours from the time of issuance of the first citation.
• Vehicles may park according to Permit type in the appropriate lots and spaces as identified on the TAPS parking map and parking lot signage.
• All Vehicle operators using a parking space controlled by a meter must pay to occupy the space in accordance with the instructions on the meter.
• Only authorized Vehicles may park in disabled spaces.
• Oversized Vehicles such as trucks, trailers, motor homes, or any Vehicle that occupies more than one (1) standard car space or extends beyond the space shall be parked in an area designated by TAPS with appropriate Permit.
• Special Events/Maintenance: TAPS has authority to close streets, lots, and parking spaces to facilitate special events, and to perform necessary maintenance. Contact TAPS when planning a special event on campus to receive proper parking permits and assignments. No department has the authority to close any lots without first obtaining permission from TAPS.

Impounding Vehicles

Learn more our procedures and policies here. 

Parking Violations, Penalties and Payment

Violations and Suspension of Parking Privileges: Vehicle operators are subject to the parking fines in accordance with the schedule of violation charges as provided in this Regulation. TAPS reserves the right to restrict the ability of an individual or UF unit to purchase a Permit if they:

• Falsify or misrepresent information to TAPS
• Lend their Permit to another person when the latter is not entitled to driving or parking privileges;
• Fails to respond to and resolve citation
• Demonstrates actions that show a willful disregard for public safety or property, or engages in other types of disruptive behavior with another member of the UF community;
• Owes a delinquent parking debt to UF
• Displays a counterfeit, stolen, altered, lost, or revoked Permit; or
• Issues fraudulent payments to TAPS for services or fines.

 Delinquency

• Parking citations not paid within fifteen (15) days of issuance, or not under appeal, are subject to an additional late fee as outlined in this Regulation.
• An Employee may not purchase a new Permit if there are any outstanding citations on their account. Any violations or debts which are still outstanding after forty-five (45) days may be recovered by UF pursuant to UF Regulation 3.0421.
• Outstanding student accounts will also result in student records and registration being placed on hold until the debt is settled.
• More than three (3) outstanding citations will result in the Vehicle being Impounded.
• More than ten (10) outstanding citations will result in suspension of parking privileges.
• Unless otherwise specified, all fines may be paid via the TAPS website, to the TAPS office in person, or via mail.

Appeal Process for Citations, Suspensions and Impoundments

Citation, Suspension and Impoundment appeals: The University Hearing Authority (Student Traffic Court and Faculty/Staff Adjudicators) has jurisdiction over the disposition of appeals of parking violations.

• Persons wishing to contest a citation, suspension or Impoundment must complete an online statement of appeal on the TAPS website within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of issuance, or otherwise forfeit the right to appeal.
• Persons with an unfavorable appeal judgment (not suspensions or Impoundments), may file a second appeal by completing an online second level appeal on the TAPS website within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the first appeal judgment.

Decisions of the University Hearing Authority on appeals, suspensions and Impoundments are final.

View Full Policy and (2021-2022) Parking Permit Rates 

All State of Florida Traffic Laws are enforceable on UF’s campus. State of Florida Uniform Traffic citations issued on campus by the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) are referred to the appropriate local government office for disposition.

• Each area of the campus is posted with a speed limit appropriate to the area. The main campus (teaching and residential areas and streets adjacent to family housing areas) speed limit is twenty (20) miles per hour unless otherwise posted. The speed limit on streets wholly within the family housing areas is ten (10) miles per hour unless otherwise posted. Driving any vehicle in excess of posted speed limits is prohibited.
• Motor Scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles
  • Drivers of motor scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles are responsible for observing the same traffic regulations as those governing vehicles.
  • Drivers may not drive or ride motor scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles on grass, sidewalks or in the confines of a building, with the exception of bicycles which may be driven on a sidewalk.
  • It is unlawful for more than one person to ride on a motor scooter, motorcycle,
    and bicycle at the same time, unless the vehicle is designed for and equipped with a seat for each person.
  • Bicyclists on campus may be ticketed for a moving violation on streets or 2 sidewalks by UFPD. A person propelling a bicycle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, but the cyclist shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
• Moving Violations
  •  UFPD or the appropriate law enforcement authority on campus are authorized to directly and immediately enforce traffic rules and regulations, to make arrests, and to issue moving traffic citations on campus and off campus in cases where the offense occurs or originates on campus.

Authority: Florida Statutes Sections 1006.66, 1009.24 and Chapter 316; BOG Regulation 1.001. History–New 9-29-75, Formerly 6C1-3.11, Amended 5-14-87, 3-17-09 (technical changes only), Formerly 6C1-3.011, Amended 3-17-11 (technical changes only); Amended 4-22-22.

Purpose

This Policy augments University Regulations 3.006, Parking, and 3.011, Traffic, by establishing additional rules and requirements for the safe operation, parking, and storage of Electric Mobility Devices (EMDs) and Bicycles on Campus. Additionally, this policy ensures compliance with State of Florida Fire Code regulations regarding the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. The University promotes the use of sustainable and alternative transportation options, prioritizing the safety of the campus community.

Applicability

Enterprise-wide.

Exceptions may be made for medically-necessary EMDs by contacting your ADA representative. Students will contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@ufsa.ufl.edu and staff will contact UF ADA Compliance at adaservices@ufl.edu. All visitors and employees seeking accommodation related to their mobility device should visit https://ada.ufl.edu/accommodations/.

Definitions

• Bicycle means a vehicle propelled solely by human power, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include a scooter or similar device.
• Bicycle Rack means a device with open frame to which Bicycles and/or Motorized Electric Scooters may be securely attached for parking.
• Campus means any land or building within the state of Florida which is owned, occupied, or controlled by the University.
• Electric Bicycle means a Bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle for use of the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, as defined in Florida Statute 316.003.
• Electric Mobility Device (EMD) means any personal mobility device that uses electric power from a battery source, including but not limited to electric Bicycles, Motorized Electric Scooters, Micromobility Devices, electric skateboards, “hoverboards”, and personal electric assistive-mobility devices as defined in Florida Statute 316.003.
• Micromobility Device means any motorized transportation device, including Motorized Electric Scooters and Bicycles, made available for private use by reservation through an online application, website, or software for point-to-point trips and which is not capable of traveling at a speed greater than 20 mph on level ground, as defined in Florida Statute 316.003.
• Motorized Electric Scooter means any vehicle or Micromobility Device with or without a seat or saddle, designed to travel on three wheels or less, and which is not capable of achieving a speed greater than 20 mph on level ground, as defined in Florida Statute 316.003.
• Privately-Owned means belonging to a private individual rather than an organization, vendor, State department, college, or public body.
• Registration means filing for an official record of vehicle ownership.

Parking and Storage

Outdoor Parking and Storage

• Privately-Owned Motorized Electric Scooters, Bicycles, and Electric Bicycles must park at Bicycle Racks and be secured with a lock. A map of Campus Bicycle Rack locations may be found by visiting the UF Campus Map at https://campusmap.ufl.edu/ and checking the Bike Racks option in the Transportation map layer. Micromobility Devices must park in designated Campus parking zones.Parking adjacent to or locking to Campus structures or architectural elements, including, but not limited to, handrails, stairwells, trees, fences, bus shelters, benches, light poles, signage, or parking meters is prohibited.

Indoor Parking, Storage, and Charging is Prohibited

Electric Mobility Devices (EMDs)

• All Privately-Owned EMDs or Micromobility Devices are prohibited from parking, being stored, or charging at any time within Campus buildings.

Bicycles

• All Bicycles are prohibited from parking or being stored at any time within Campus buildings with the exception of designated indoor Bicycle storage provided within the building and private offices if approved by the senior college or unit administrator of the office.
• Bicycles stored in a private office may not block the means of egress from an office or prevent persons with mobility impairment from accessing public spaces within such an office.

Operation of Electric Mobility Devices and Bicycles

Bicycles and Electric Bicycles

• All operators of Bicycles and Electric Bicycles on Campus must follow the rules of the road defined in Florida Statute 316.2065, including all posted signage and speed limits.

Motorized Electric Scooters and Micromobility Devices

• Per Florida Statute 316.2128, all operators of Motorized Electric Scooters and Micromobility Devices must follow the same rules of the road as cyclists, defined in Florida Statute 316.2065, including all posted signage and speed limits and are subject to the same enforcement and potential fines.

Other Electric Mobility Devices

• Operators of all other types of EMDs are expected to follow safe operating procedures and be respectful of pedestrians and other vehicles, including operating in bike lanes wherever possible and obeying all posted signs and speed limits. EMDs are permitted to use standard sidewalks, when necessary, but must yield to pedestrians and give audible warning when passing pedestrians.

Additional information regarding legal, safe operation of Bicycles, Electric Bicycles and Motorized Electric Scooters may be found at the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) Bicycle laws information page: https://police.ufl.edu/how-do-i/links-faqs/bicycle-laws/.

Registration

• Privately-Owned Motorized Electric Scooters and Bicycles may be registered free of charge by contacting UFPD. Registration is strongly encouraged to ensure proof of ownership in case of theft, impoundment, or other similar reason.

Violations

Parking Violations

• Bicycles or EMDs parked in violation of this policy may be subject to impoundment by a University authority.

Operating Violations

• Any operator of a Bicycle or EMD found in violation of this policy will be subject to receiving a citation pursuant to Florida Statute 316.2065 or other applicable statute. Students, faculty, or staff may also be subject to additional disciplinary proceedings through the Human Resources or Student Conduct process.

Building Violations

• Privately-Owned Bicycles and EMDs or Micromobility Devices which are stored or charged inside Campus buildings may be in violation of state fire code and/or University policy. Infractions by University students, faculty, staff, or volunteers are disciplinary matters and will be referred to the appropriate disciplinary authority.

Questions

Questions about this policy or reports of suspected violations should be directed to:

UF Environmental Health and Safety
(352) 392-1591

UF Transportation and Parking Services
(352) 392-7275
parking@ufl.edu

Review Full Policy Here.