Regulations & Policies

Parking

I. PARKING - PURPOSE, SCOPE & DEFINITIONS

1. Definitions- The following words and phrases, when used in this regulation, shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to them in this section, except where the context otherwise requires:
   1. Virtual Permit. Vehicle registration associating a license plate to a specific registered vehicle allowing it to be parked on the grounds of the University, as set out in this regulation.  The words “permit” and “decal” are used interchangeably in this regulation.
   2. License Plate Recognition (LPR). The utilization of license plate recognition hardware and software for parking systems management and enforcement.
   3. Registration of Motor Vehicles. Individuals assume responsibility of a vehicle by:
      1.  purchase of an annual or term Virtual Permit for vehicles used by faculty, staff, students, vendors, contractors and other eligible persons requires the vehicle be registered with PATS by the first day the vehicle is on campus. Registration can be completed online at URL http://www.unf.edu/parking  or at PATS (Bldg. 52).
      2. Submission of an appeal
      3. Paying for a citation
      4. Continuously purchasing a visitor permit.
   4. Automobile. Any motor vehicle having 3 or more wheels.
   5. Motorcycle, Moped or Motor Scooter. Any motor vehicle having less than 3 wheels.
   6. Vehicle. Any automobile, motorcycle, moped or motor scooter as defined.
   7. Back-In Parking. Parking a vehicle so the front-end of the vehicle is pointing toward the drive aisle. It does not matter if the vehicle actually backed into the space or driven through an adjacent space.
   8. Nose-In Parking. Parking a vehicle so the rear of the vehicle is pointing toward the drive aisle allowing the license plate to be clearly visible.
   9. Parked or Parking: A vehicle occupying a space regardless if vehicle is occupied.
   10. Ticket: An official notice of a parking offense.  The terms ‘ticket’ and ‘citation’ may be used interchangeably. 
2. The purpose of this regulation and the following parking requirements is to set standards for the parking of all vehicles at the University of North Florida and is applicable to all persons who park a vehicle on university property including its garages, lots, designated spaces, roads, grounds or other portions of the campus. Every vehicle on university property must maintain a valid permit. All Duval County traffic and parking ordinances which are not in conflict or inconsistent with university regulations shall extend and be applicable to the University campus. University parking regulations are available from the Department of Parking and Transportation Services (PATS) located in Bldg. 52 and are also published online at URL http://www.unf.edu/parking. Parking a vehicle on University property is a privilege, not a right, and is made available only pursuant to this regulation.   
3. PATS personnel and/or the University Police are authorized to enforce the parking requirements contained in this regulation and may issue citations, immobilize vehicles, or tow away vehicles to enforce this regulation. This regulation is enforceable at all times of the day and night and in any weather condition throughout the calendar year.
4. A Non-Moving University Parking/Traffic Infraction Citation is a minor infraction of university regulations and any person who receives such a citation has a right to appeal the citation through the University's internal parking appeals process. This is the exclusive process to contest a citation and the outcome of any appeal through this process will be the final decision of the University.
5. The University does not assume any responsibility for damage or theft to vehicles or their contents while they are parked on university property. Any vehicle parked on campus is parked at the risk of the owner.

II. VEHICLE PARKING PERMITS

1. Any vehicle parked on university property during enforcement hours, not specifically exempted in paragraph (5) below, must park the vehicle only in spaces specifically marked for parking, “Nose-In” allowing full visibility of the vehicle’s license plate, and maintain a valid University parking permit. Any person desiring an exception to the “Nose-In” parking requirement may either purchase a “Back-In” hangtag permit at a rate approved by the University of North Florida Board of Trustees, or have a state issued plate mounted on the front of the vehicle. Vehicles displaying a “Back-In” hangtag are authorized to park in a “back-in” style but must allow ample space for a patroller to visually inspect the license plate number. Vehicles displaying a “Back-In” hangtag or a state issued front plate are not allowed to park in a “Back-In” style in angled spaces. A “Back-In” hangtag permit is not required for disabled parking spaces. If another hangtag is in use, the “Back-In” hangtag permit can be placed on the vehicle’s dashboard. Both hangtags must be visible.
2. During special events on campus, parking in selected areas may be limited and subject to an additional special parking fee for the event. All other parking requirements contained in this regulation are in effect 24 hours per day throughout the calendar year.
3. Purchase of a specific category parking permit does not necessarily guarantee a parking space in a specific location. On some occasions, high traffic flow periods may result in all the spaces in a specific location being occupied. All permits allow parking in Gray Lots.
4. All visitors to campus who desire to park a vehicle on university property must purchase and maintain a non-refundable daily virtual parking permit. These daily virtual parking permits do not allow for parking in all spaces on campus. Location allowance and/or restrictions are noted on the pay-by-plate kiosk’s screen during purchase and on the paper receipt or mobile app.
5. The following vehicles are exempt from the requirement of maintaining parking permits:
   1. Vehicles parked inside an authorized University construction fence;
   2. Vehicles parked in posted timed load zone spaces (e.g., 20 minute, 40 minute) must park only for the maximum time limit as posted.  Vehicles parked in posted timed load zone spaces must park nose-in with license plate visible to the road;
   3. Delivery vehicles, maintenance service vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, telephone, water or power trucks, press vehicles, vending machine service vehicles, limousine service, taxis, and buses as long as the vehicle clearly displays markings identifying its purpose;
   4. Vehicles with “STATE” license tags. State vehicles without specifically assigned spaces must be parked in gray, blue, or green only;
   5. Vehicles while on official business with "US Government" license tags;
   6. Vehicles of individuals parking in lot 16 (Herbert University Center lot) who have business in the Herbert University Center and are not University employees or students.
   7. Vehicles of specific guests of  Departments  parked in spaces designated by  “Reserved for UNF Special Guest”
6. Contractors and contractor personnel engaged in University construction projects will be provided specific parking instructions. Any contractor who fails to comply with the parking instructions provided and parks outside of the specified areas will be subject to all parking requirements, including payment for and maintaining a valid parking permit. 
7. Lot 16 (Herbert University Center lot) is only available for vehicles of individuals with business in the Herbert University Center. Vehicles of university employees or students with business in the Herbert University Center must maintain a valid parking permit to park in lot 16. Herbert University Center employees or students must maintain a minimum of a valid blue parking permit.
8. Each Faculty, Staff or Student at UNF may add up to five (5) vehicles, including motorcycles, to a virtual permit but only one (1) vehicle may be parked at UNF at any given time; otherwise, a citation will be issued to all vehicles registered to the virtual permit parked at UNF.  Each Faculty, Staff or Student may purchase a second parking permit. The second permit is limited to the Gray permit category or a motorcycle permit.

III. PARKING PERMIT FEES, STYLES, DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS, REPLACEMENTS AND REFUNDS

1. The University of North Florida Board of Trustees approves the permit categories and sets the amount to be paid for parking permits. This information is published at www.unf.edu/parking and is available from PATS. The University President may adjust the daily permit rate for individual days and/or at specific locations on campus to accommodate requirements for special events. Any adjustment would be to the daily permit rate only and would not affect the rates of annual or term permits.
2. Styles of Parking Permits and Display Requirements. The three styles of parking permits and requirements for display of each are: 
   1. Virtual permit. Permits linked to specific vehicle(s) and associated to the vehicle’s license plate number. The University requires the purchaser to register the vehicle(s) using annual or term virtual permits for validation of parking rights.
   2. Daily Virtual Permit.  Daily virtual permits register the license plate to a specific vehicle for one day.
   3. Hanging style permit. These permits must be displayed on the inside rearview mirror with the permit number visible and facing outward at all times a vehicle is parked on campus. Hanging style permits may be transferred to any vehicle the permit holder parks on campus. The University may require the purchaser to register any vehicle(s) that uses the permit for validation of parking rights.Styles of Parking Permits and Display Requirements.
3. Parking Permit Updates:
   1. If a vehicle is traded-in, sold, or the license plate number has changed, the owner must update the license plate and vehicle information on their parking account online at http://www.unf.edu/parking or by contacting PATS.
   2. All stolen permits must be reported to both the Parking Services and University Police Departments. Stolen permits will be replaced upon receipt of a University Police Department Report for an administrative fee of $5.00.
   3. All lost permits must be reported to the Parking Services Department. Lost permits will be replaced for an administrative fee of $20.00.
   4. Parking Permit Refunds for students will be provided for permits purchased in the current term if the permit is deactivated before the last day of the Add/Drop period for the current term and if the student is no longer enrolled in classes. Parking Permit Refunds are not issued for Faculty/Staff with payroll deductions as they cease upon separation, but may be issued for Faculty/Staff who paid via one-time payroll deduction, if requested by emailing PATS. 
   5. An annual virtual parking permit may be exchanged for a like-category term parking permit during the fall term before the last day of the add/drop period. A refund equal to the difference between the costs of the permits will be provided.
   6. A term virtual parking permit may be exchanged for a like-category annual parking permit during the current term, if available, at a cost equal to the difference in price.
   7. Reproducing or defacing a permit is prohibited and renders the permit invalid. A vehicle displaying a defaced or altered permit may be immobilized and/or issued citations for an altered permit and for no valid permit. Further, the driver of the vehicle displaying a defaced or altered permit may be subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.

IV. PARKING LOCATIONS

1. Visitors Parking: Visitors with a valid daily virtual permit may only park in locations on campus as specified on the pay-by-plate kiosk’s screen during purchase and on the paper receipt, or mobile app. In order to accommodate specific guest or visitor circumstances, such as summer housing or special events,  PATS is authorized to issue multi-day parking permits with specific allowances and restrictions.
2. Guest Parking: Guests are those that have received an advanced invitation to park in defined areas on campus. Parking passes for Guests can be validated at a pay-by-plate kiosk or by mobile app using the validation code provided on the invitation.
3. Open Parking Spaces: Any parking space within an assigned lot not specifically marked for another purpose is an open parking space. Students, faculty, staff, visitors, vendors, contractors, and others may use these spaces on a first come basis, if they have valid parking permits for these spaces.
4. Disability Parking Spaces: Only vehicles lawfully displaying a state-issued disability parking permit and maintaining the appropriate category UNF issued virtual parking permit are authorized to park in disability parking spaces. Failure to do so will constitute a parking violation.
5. UNF Temporary Mobility Impairment Parking: A registered student, faculty, or staff member with a temporary mobility-related impairment may apply to PATS for a temporary mobility impaired parking permit. Individuals seeking such special temporary parking privileges may require approval from Student Accessibility Services and/or ADA Compliance Office. Upon receipt of approval, PATS will provide a temporary permit to the individual that will allow the permit holder to utilize the University’s disability parking spaces in the parking areas where the permit holder’s UNF virtual permit is applicable. Temporary mobility impaired permits normally will only be issued for (30) days and if an applicant anticipates needing mobility impaired parking for a longer period, they are encouraged to apply for a state-issued disability parking permit. Failure for an individual to have a UNF Temporary Mobility Parking Permit and maintain an appropriate category UNF parking virtual permit will constitute a parking violation.
6. Reserved Parking: Reserved spaces may be designated by the President or his/her designee.
7. Vehicles must be parked within the identifiable space boundaries including front and back lines, if present. Parking on or over a line is prohibited.
8. Unless authorized by PATS, vehicles parked in more than one space simultaneously is prohibited at all times.
9. Vehicles may not be parked in such manner as to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, wheelchair ramps, interfere with normal operational activities, or create a hazard. Vehicles so parked may be cited and/or towed at the owner’s expense.
10. Parking on grass, sidewalks, loading zones, or on roadways (except where specifically marked for parking) is prohibited.
11. Any vehicle parked on campus is parked at the risk of the owner.
12. Except for students living in university housing, overnight parking of any vehicle on campus is prohibited unless special advance permission to park overnight on campus is provided by PATS.
13. Vehicles which are parked in a manner that may constitute a traffic or safety hazard are subject to be towed away at the owner’s expense. Similarly, disabled or abandoned vehicles,  may be towed away at the owner’s expense.
14. Vehicular service, repairs (except windshield/battery replacement and tire change), maintenance, cleaning and other activities which impede traffic, damage or release illicit discharges to the grounds or waterways is prohibited.
15. Locating a legal parking space is the responsibility of the vehicle’s operator. Lack of a parking space will not be considered a valid excuse for violation of this parking regulation.
16. Unauthorized persons parking vehicles in disability or reserved parking spaces are subject to fine, immobilization, and/or having a vehicle towed at owner’s expense.
17. Requirements concerning no-parking zones, loading zones, reserved parking or other specially allocated parking areas are subject to enforcement at all times and unauthorized parking in such areas is prohibited.
18. Electric vehicles with a valid permit may park in spaces designated with electrical charging stations for the sole purpose of recharging their electric vehicle. Non-electric vehicles and any electric vehicle found parked beyond the allotted time designated to recharge the vehicle will be cited.  Any electric vehicle found charging from an electric source other than a vehicular electrical charging station will be cited.
19. Providing commercial services in parking lots and structures is  prohibited unless approved in advance by  PATS  and may require approval from the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.

V. MOTOR SCOOTER, MOTORCYCLE, MOPED, BICYCLE, BOAT, TRAILER AND NON-MOTORIZED VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

1. Motor scooters, motorcycles, mopeds, or bicycles shall not park in automobile spaces and shall park only in special racks or designated areas.
2. Parking boats and trailers on campus is prohibited.
3. Parking of recreational vehicles (motor homes) on campus is prohibited unless advance permission to park on campus is provided by PATS.

VI. VIOLATIONS OF PARKING REQUIREMENTS

Any vehicle that is parked and fails to maintain the appropriate permit type, virtual or hanging style, in the designated manner described in this regulation is in violation of the parking requirements contained in this regulation and is subject to the issuance of a Non-Moving University Parking/Traffic Citation by Parking Services personnel or police officers. The parking citation will state the nature of the violation and the number of the issuing individual. The person who registers a vehicle with PATS assumes responsibility for all citations issued to that vehicle. If the vehicle has not been registered with PATS then the person(s) in whose name the vehicle is registered with the State Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall be held responsible for citations issued to the vehicle.

VII. FINES, LATE FEES AND OTHER PENALTIES

1. The University of North Florida Board of Trustees approves the fines for citations, late fees and immobilization fees. This information is published at www.unf.edu/parking and is available from PATS.
2. Fines for parking, permit or other infractions issued pursuant to violations of this regulation must be paid within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date of issuance. After fourteen (14) days, late fees and other penalties, including administrative action, collection fees, and vehicle immobilization may be assessed.
3. Payment or other appropriate arrangements for parking permits must be made within fourteen (14) calendar days from the last day of the add/drop period for the current term. After fourteen (14) calendar days, a late fee and other penalties, including administrative action, collection fees and vehicle immobilization may be assessed.
4. A vehicle found with a lost, stolen, invalid, altered or forged parking permit may be cited, immobilized, and parking privileges may be revoked for the remainder of the permit year. Possession, use or distribution of a lost, stolen, invalid, altered or forged parking permit may also result in criminal prosecution and/or University disciplinary action.
5. Other Penalties:
   1. Permission to operate and/or park a vehicle on campus may be revoked for a period of up to twelve (12) months for falsification or misrepresentation of information when applying for driving and parking privileges;
   2. Permission to operate a vehicle on campus may be revoked for a period of up to twelve (12) months for habitually or willfully violating this regulation; or
   3. Permission to operate and/or park a vehicle on campus may be revoked as deemed by the University President, or designee.

VIII. PAYMENT PROCEDURES

1. All persons receiving UNF citations for non-moving violations shall pay such charges in person, by mail, or on the web to PATS. Such payment must be made within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the citation is issued.
2. Citations which are not satisfied within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of issuance will be assessed a late fee and collected in accordance with the University accounts receivable collection procedures. The University may, as a result of failure to pay the appropriate fine within fourteen (14) calendar days or if charges were not dismissed upon appeal, take one or more of the following actions, as appropriate, until such payment is satisfied:
   1. Revoke parking and driving privileges on University property;
   2. Prevent registration as a student;
   3. Withhold delivery of transcripts or degrees; and/or
   4. Place the receivable with a collection agent.

IX. VEHICLE TOWING, IMPOUNDMENT AND IMMOBILIZATION

1. A vehicle may be towed away and/or impounded and all associated costs will be the responsibility of the vehicle owner if  PATS or University Police determines the vehicle:
   1. Is blocking a traffic way;
   2. Is blocking a pedestrian way;
   3. Is blocking access to a required service;
   4. Is creating a hazard;
   5. Belongs to a person whose parking privileges on campus have been revoked by the University;
   6. Is parked in a designated no parking or tow-away zone;
   7. Is illegally parked in a disability parking space;
   8. Is illegally parked in a reserved space without authorization;
   9. Is parked in a fire lane;
   10. Is illegally parked in a Green space without authorization;
   11. Is involved in a crime or is potential evidence;
   12. Would be left unattended due to the arrest of the driver;
   13. Appears to be abandoned and reasonable efforts to contact the vehicle owner were unsuccessful;
   14. Vehicle is inoperable for more than 2 weeks and vehicle owner is unable to repair vehicle;
   15. Is not displaying a valid license plate or a valid temporary registration tag:
   16. Has been immobilized by placement of a wheel lock device to it for a period of twenty (20) or more calendar days and the owner has not satisfied requirements to have the device removed;
   17. Is parked in a manner that has the potential to cause harm to members of the University community, or damage to University property or other property;
   18. Is deemed by the University President, or his designee, to require removal.
2. Any and all charges against the vehicle, including the immobilization fee, must be satisfied prior to the vehicle being released from impound. Wrecker services removing vehicles from the University are entitled to payment as authorized by applicable Florida Statutes and Municipal Ordinances.
3. Use of Immobilization Devices. PATS is authorized to attach a wheel lock device capable of immobilizing a vehicle so that it cannot be moved when:
   1. a vehicle receives (3) or more parking citations for parking requirement violations contained in this regulation and not successfully appealed and remain unpaid for more than fourteen (14) calendar days;
   2. a vehicle displays a lost, stolen, invalid, forged or altered UNF parking permit;
   3. a vehicle repeatedly parks on campus without maintaining a valid parking permit; or
   4. the virtual parking permit for a vehicle has been issued to an individual whose parking privileges on campus have been revoked by the University.
4. At the time the wheel lock device is attached, a notice will be affixed to the vehicle giving information as to the amount of pending fines and where the fines should be paid, which must be satisfied before the wheel lock is removed. An immobilization fee as approved by the University of North Florida Board of Trustees and published at www.unf.edu/parking  will be charged, in addition to other fines.
5. If a vehicle is immobilized or towed, all outstanding citation amounts, late fees and the immobilization or tow fee must be paid before the vehicle will be released. A citation appeal submitted before the payment due date may be filed prior to submitting payment. If the appeal is successful a partial refund, in whole or in part, of payments already made will be provided.

X. APPEALING CITATIONS AND APPELLATE PROCEDURES

1. General
   1. Faculty, staff, students, visitors and guests who wish to appeal a parking citation must complete and submit the online Citation Appeal Form which is available at https://www.unf.edu/parking/appeal.html. The completed form together with any relevant supporting documentation must be submitted online within fourteen (14) calendar days of issuance of the citation, including the date of issuance. Appeals not filed within the fourteen day deadline are untimely, and will not be considered. The citation will stand as issued.
   2. The appeal will be considered by PATS staff. Staff may accept or deny the first level If accepted or denied, an email notification will be sent to the appellant’s UNF or alternate email. If appeal is accepted, the appeal process is complete.
   3. If the appellant desires to appeal PATS' denied decision, a second level appeal can be submitted online within fourteen (14) calendar days of the issuance of PATS' first level appeal decision email date.
   4. An email stating the date, time and location of the hearing will be sent to the appellant’s UNF email address or the email address submitted on the Citation Appeal Form. It is mandatory that the appellant attend the hearing. Student cases will be heard by a quorum of the Student Government Judiciary body and a decision on the appeal will be made pursuant to Student Government Judiciary procedures. Non-student cases will be heard by a quorum of the Appeal Board and a decision on the appeal will be made pursuant to University's Parking Violations Appeal Board procedures. An appellant's failure to appear at the scheduled hearing will result in automatic denial of the appeal.
   5. Appellants are provided with a one-time reschedule if unable to attend the first scheduled hearing.  Appellants unable to attend the second scheduled hearing, or are otherwise unable to attend (i.e. out of town), may submit a written appeal in lieu of attending in person. The decision reached at the second level appeal hearing will be final and will not be revisited. PATS will inform appellant of decision. 
   6. Following consideration of an appeal, the appellant will be notified by email to the appellant's UNF, or alternate, email address of the final outcome of the appeal. If the citation is sustained, or only partially reduced, any remaining fine must be paid within fourteen (14) calendar days after notification of the disposition of the appeal, or late fees and other penalties, including administrative action, collection fees and vehicle immobilization may be assessed.
2. Appeal Decisions
   1. Decisions on appeals by PATS, Student Government Judiciary, and the University’s Parking Violations Appeal Board will be based on the details presented to them and all decisions will be based on the merits of the particular case. Members are expected to be diligent and conscientious in their duties and to use their best judgment and common sense when rendering decisions on parking citation appeals. The following justifications are not to be considered sufficient on their own to allow for a successful appeal.
      • Being late for an appointment or class.
      • Displayed an expired parking permit.
      • Disagreement with the rules and requirements governing parking at UNF. 
      • Unaware of the parking rules and requirements governing parking at UNF.
      • Someone else used your vehicle. 
      • Observed others parking illegally. 
      • Parked in a similar fashion without being cited. 
      • Could not find a parking space. 
      • Inability to pay fine or purchase a parking permit. 
      • perception that the parking area is not safe.
      • parked on the grass. 
   2. The decisions reached by Student Government Judiciary and the Parking Violations Appeal Board are the only avenue for second level appeals regarding parking citations and the decisions reached by these bodies are final, binding, and constitute the University’s final decision regarding the appealed citations.

XI. DISPOSITION OF FEES AND FINES COLLECTED

Monies collected from parking assessments and infraction fines shall be used to defray the administrative and operating costs of the parking program at the University and to provide for additional parking facilities on campus in accordance with Section 1006.66(7), Florida Statutes.

Amended and approved by the BOT November 17, 2022.

Print Page