Laws
There are several laws of the United States, State of Florida and City of Gainesville that may be surprising to you and very different from those in your home country.
Please read the following laws very carefully!!!
Underage Drinking top>>
Florida's laws prohibit the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Possession of alcoholic beverages by a person who is under age 21 is also illegal. Being arrested for the sale or possession of alcoholic beverages by underage persons can result in a jail sentence and/or a fine. Misrepresenting your age or using a fake ID is also illegal and punishable by law.
Open Container Law top>>
It is against the law to have open containers of alcoholic beverages while not on the property of a bar, restaurant or private residence. If you are walking in public areas or driving with an open container of alcohol, you can be arrested and/or ticketed.
2 A.M. Closing Time for Nightlife (bars and nightclubs) top>>
The City of Gainesville has established a law that requires all establishments that serve alcohol to close promptly at 2 a.m. every night. If you are in a bar or nightclub after this time and still are in possession of alcohol, you can be ticketed and/or arrested by the Gainesville Police.
Party Patrol top>>
This is a special task force of the Gainesville Police department created to ensure that parties in the city remain under control. On weekends, these officers patrol popular student areas and investigate noise complaints. The Party Patrol gives tickets for violations of the Noise Ordinance and can arrest if any underage drinking or any other illegal activities are observed.
Noise Ordinance top>>
This city ordinance defines a noise disturbance as any sound that can be heard a minimum of 200 feet from the property line of the source of the noise. This type of noise includes amplified music, musical instruments, televisions, and radios. The enforcement of this ordinance is as follows:
- 1st Offense - warning notice, in effect for 90 days, no fine
- 2nd Offense - within 90 days of warning, $50.00 fine
- 3rd Offense - within 90 days of 2nd offense, $100.00 fine
- 4th Offense - within 90 days of 3rd offense, court appearance and fine up to $500.00
Common noise violations include loud parties, barking dogs, construction, domestic powertools, loud car stereos, and noise between apartments.
Automobile Laws top>>
The State of Florida enforces strict penalties for drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol. These include hundreds of dollars in fines, community service work, revocation of your driver's license, and possibly a jail sentence. Do not risk your life and that of others by driving drunk. Florida state law also requires that seat belts be worn at all times by the driver and passengers in a car.
Bicycle Laws top>>
Bicycles are considered vehicles and bicyclists must obey all traffic laws. You can be ticketed for not stopping at stop signs or red lights and riding the wrong way on a one-way street. Tickets can cost $70 or more. When riding a bike at night, you must have both a front bicycle headlight and a small reflector light for the back.
Smoking Laws & Regulations top>>
In the state of Florida, smoking in restaurants is not allowed due to a recent ban on smoking at all workplaces. Also, smoking is prohibited in all UF buildings, including all residence halls.
Student Legal Services top>>
If you need legal advice, you can visit Student Legal Services in the Reitz
Union. This Student Government funded group offers free legal advice, free
notary service and confidential counseling in the areas of Landlord/Tenant
Law, Consumer Law, Family Law, Property Damage, Traffic Citations, Criminal
Traffic, and Criminal Charges.