Oversight of parking at Florida Tech is the responsibility of the Department of Security. This includes parking administration, decal issuance, and enforcement of the myriad of regulations designed to control the limited parking facilities available, as well as to eliminate dangers to the University community.
Due to the ever increasing flow of traffic at all University locations, our mission requires diligence in traffic enforcement and your cooperation and adherence to regulations contained herein.
Primarily, these regulations are designed for the safety of the Florida Tech Community.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
The President of Florida Tech has delegated absolute authority to ensure enforcement of all rules and regulations to the Director of Security.
Rules are subject to change at any time and said changes will be broadcast to the University community in advance in order to properly prepare the university community of planned changes.
Each person using a vehicle on campus must know and abide by the rules and regulations stated herein.
Florida Tech appreciates the cooperation and courtesy shown to one another by students, staff, administration, faculty, and friends who observe the established rules and regulations.
Rules and regulations have been put into effect to control the use of limited parking facilities and to eliminate inconveniences and dangers to members of the community. These rules are subject to change upon notification.
Because of an ever-increasing flow of traffic through the campus, individuals are requested to cooperate by keeping the use of motor vehicles on campus to an absolute minimum.
Vehicle registration is essential if the Department of Security is to assist in cases of theft, fire, vandalism, accidents, and in the control of traffic on campus. The Department of Security may be unable to assist in such cases, if a vehicle is not registered.
Florida Tech assumes no responsibility for vehicles parked or operated on University property, nor for articles left in them. The risk remains fully with the operator and/or the owner of the motor vehicle.
Vehicles seen on campus and not bearing a Florida Tech parking decal will be ticketed and checked with the State Department of Motor Vehicles to ascertain ownership.
It should be understood that from time to time blocks of parking spaces will be reserved for special events.
Automobiles, motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, and other motorized vehicles to be used on University property including, but not limited to University parking facilities, must be registered with the University's Department of Security.
The following are NOT permitted on campus by Faculty, Staff, Students, or Visitors.
Exceptions may be granted by the Director of Security
Florida Tech does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, handicap, age, national or ethnic origin.
These regulations are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Qualifying members of the University community holding valid operator's licenses are privileged to use properly registered motor vehicles (bearing valid state registration) on Florida Tech's property. These privileges can be revoked by the Director of Security for cause.
Your signature on the permit application or check box on the online registration system signifies your understanding and compliance with the rules and policies on campus.
For the purposes of these regulations, "visitors" and "guests" are one in the same. A visitor/guest is defined as an individual(s) who are not a Florida Tech student, faculty, or employee on campus for a specific reason. Examples of such include but are not limited to future employees and/or students, attending a conference, or other personal reason(s) to visit campus.
All visitors are required to get a visitor’s parking pass. These passes can be obtained at the Department of Security upon your arrival to campus or prior to your arrival by the person or department you are visiting. Visitor’s wishing to obtain a parking pass must have a valid driver’s license and a brief description of their vehicle (including license plate). Visitor passes for periods of time exceeding two calendar weeks will be required to purchase a parking decal.
Student parking in any visitor/guest space is prohibited.
Anyone wishing to ride the Florida Tech Trolley must obey the following regulations.
Violations of any of the above regulations will result in a $50.00 fine per offense as well as possible disciplinary action.
For a map of trolley routes and stops, please visit this link http://trolley.fit.edu.
Parking decals are color coded to facilitate parking administration. Signs are posted at the entrance of all parking areas denoting the decal color assigned to park in that lot. Decals remain the property of Florida Tech and may be removed from any vehicle by a Security Officer.
Decals are to be purchased on a yearly basis. Anyone obtaining a Florida Tech license plate (Panther Plate) is privileged to discounts. Proof of purchase documentation for the Panther Plate is required upon registration in order to be eligible for discounts.
| Student Car Decals | ||
| Full & Part Time | Panther Plate | |
| Decal Expires 08/31/2020 | $100 | $50 |
| Student Motorcycle Decals | ||
| Primary Decal | Secondary Decal | |
| Decal Expires 08/31/2020 | $45 | $20 |
| Employee Primary Decals | ||||
| Salaried | Salaried w/ Panther Plate | Hourly/ Part Time/ Adjuncts | Hourly/ Part Time/ Adjuncts w/ Panther Plate | |
| Decal Expires 8/31/2020 | $125 | $60 | $45 | $25 |
| Employee Additional Decals | |
| Each Additional Decal | |
| Decal Expires 08/31/2020 | $20 |
| Employee Motorcycle Decals | ||
| Primary Motorcycle Decal | Secondary Motorcycle Decal | |
| Decal Expires 08/31/2020 | $45 | $20 |
(All fees are NON-refundable)
Students: If you wish to not pay via credit card you may fill out this form (in the link below) then proceed to the Cashiers Office in Harris Commons and pay in person. Student-Parking-Decal-Registration Form.
For your convenience custom parking spots are available.
Please Reference 2019 Parking Map
This pass assigns one specific space to its owner. The space will be marked with a number that corresponds with the decal number. This spot is solely this person’s and will be enforced as such.
STUDENTS: Enforcement will be between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday from August 1st through May 31st Annually.
Student owners of reserved passes may park in their space or at any other blue designated parking lots.
EMPLOYEES: All employee reserved passes will be valid annually from September through August. Valid for 24 hours/ 7 days per week.
Employee owners of reserved passes may park in their space or at any other blue, black, or orange designated parking lots.
Should anyone other than the owner park in this space, they will be ticketed and towed. However, if the employee (only) owner lends THEIR space out to someone, the Department of Security must be notified ahead of time. (This notification must include the vehicle make, model, license number and spot number) This is the responsibility of the parking spot owner and failure to notify the office that the spot is being “lent” will be cause for a (NON-refundable) ticket to be issued or the vehicle being booted or towed and the violator responsible for the expense.
Reserved Parking Pass.………………………………………………………………………………$790
(All fees are NON-refundable)
Upon vehicle registration, registrant will receive a parking sticker that must be displayed so that the entire decal is CLEARLY visible from 4ft. away on the REAR of your vehicle. The motorcycle decal may be placed on the front fork or rear fender of a motorcycle, moped, or scooter.
It is the responsibility of the registrant to remove the decal and to notify the Department of Security if and when the vehicle is sold or no longer in use. Otherwise, fines will continue to be charged to the former owner (registrant).
If any vehicle is found on campus in violation of any provision of these regulations, the person in whose name the vehicle is registered (in campus or state records) shall be responsible for the violations even if it is driven by another person.
Any transfer of ownership such as purchase, sale, or exchange of vehicle that bears a Florida Tech parking decal must be reported promptly to the Department of Security. Both the parking permit and license plate must be removed prior to relinquishing the vehicle. The pieces of the remaining permit must be brought back to Security in order to receive a replacement decal for $20 charge.
Traffic rules, regulations and directive signs governing the use of motor vehicles are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Pedestrians have the right of way to vehicles only in pedestrian crosswalks. Bicycles and skateboards must yield right of way to pedestrians in all cases including areas not designated by crosswalks.
The campus speed limit is 10 mph. Vehicle speed may be enforced by RADAR.
Unnecessary noise from horns, mufflers, stereos or any other noise-making device is always strictly prohibited on campus, and a violation may result in a fine.
Driving around a barricade, tearing down, altering, defacing or removing any traffic control device is prohibited and subject to possible arrest and fine.
All Florida traffic laws are applicable even though not specifically mentioned herein.
Motorcycles, mopeds, and motor scooters under power are only allowed to operate on roadways designated for MV travel; they are not to be operated or parked on sidewalks.
All vehicles, bicycles, skateboards, etc. shall come to a complete stop at all stop signs and may only continue when their movement can be made safely.
Motor vehicles shall never be taken into any residence hall or any other University building.
If any vehicle is found on campus in violation of any provision of these regulations, both the current driver and the person in whose name the vehicle is registered (in campus or state records) shall be held responsible for the violation.
No student vehicles are allowed to park in the Main Entrance Parking Area (Lot 1) at any time.
Vehicles must be parked only in spaces specifically marked for parking and within the painted lines. In unlined lots, vehicles must be parked at right angles to curbs and clear of obvious traffic aisles that allow access to and within the lot. If in doubt—do not park.
Parking is prohibited along any roadways, fire lanes, or service lanes.
Off Campus students, faculty, and staff may park on campus for classes and other University events, however, the University is not designed for long term parking. Therefore, Off Campus students, faculty, and staff are limited to parking vehicles on campus for no more than 24 hours at a time.
Vehicles may not be left on campus during summer semester unless the driver is registered for summer courses or otherwise employed by the University.
Parking on property adjacent to campus is prohibited.
Any vehicle parking in a handicap space must have a valid state handicap placard or license plate visibly displayed.
All vehicles must be parked nose in. (Front of vehicle forward in parking space and the vehicle can NOT be backed into parking space)
Panther Plaza – No Student Parking Unless Patronizing Businesses. A 1 Hour Maximum Time Limit Will Apply.
All students parking in the Panther Plaza lot must have a valid parking decal.
Parking for any other reason is prohibited, and vehicle will be ticketed.
Mobile Station; Parking In The Mobile Station By Faculty, Staff Or Students Is Prohibited Except For Patronizing The Station. A 15 Minute Time Limit Will Apply. Violators may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Double parking occupied or unoccupied vehicles is always prohibited.
Parking on grass, sidewalks, crosswalks, loading zones or on the streets (except where specifically marked for parking) is prohibited.
When utilizing loading zones for load/unload only, —four-way flashers (hazard lights) must be activated. Time limits apply.
No vehicles are permitted in the residence hall quadrangle courtyard or on grass areas adjacent to the residence halls.
Students, faculty, and staff will NOT park vehicles in "Visitor/Guest Spaces" or "Reserved Spaces" at any time.
No one shall touch, cause a motor vehicle to be moved from its parking spot without the permission of its owner or tip over a two-wheeled motor vehicle for any reason.
Parking lot codes may change due to usage. You are responsible for being cognizant of all sign changes.
Any changes made to decals, policies, etc., are advertised via the University e-mail system. You are responsible for checking this e-mail and for being aware of all posted Security notices.
Motorcycles, motorbikes, mopeds, and motorized scooters are defined as motor vehicles for the purposes of these regulations. Due to their flammable nature, none of these vehicles or any other gas engine vehicle is permitted inside a residence hall or school building. Any vehicle found indoors will be removed at the owner's expense.
Motorcycle parking is limited to areas designated across campus as MC parking only (see this link for a listing of MC lots http://www.fit.edu/security/parking.php).
Motor scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, or other motorized two-wheeled vehicles must be parked only in special racks, motorcycle pads, or areas designated for motorcycles. Motor scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, or other motorized two-wheeled vehicles shall not utilize parking spaces reserved for four-wheeled vehicles or sidewalks.
| Replacement Decals (without turning old decal in) | Full Purchase Price |
| Replacement Decals (with turning old decal in) | $20 |
| Tag Tracing | $10 |
| Appeals (amount will be added to the fine if appeal is denied) | $10 |
| Skateboard Violation | $25 |
| Motorcycle in Motor Vehicle Space | $25 |
| No Valid Decal/ Improperly Displayed | $50 |
| Failure to Head Motor Vehicle (Backed in) |
$50 |
| No Parking Zone | $50 |
| Outside Assigned Area | $50 |
| Reserved Area | $50 |
| Obstructing/ Impeding Traffic | $50 |
| Parking on Grass/ Sidewalk | $50 |
| Outside Parking Lines | $50 |
| Exceeding Loading Zone Time Limit | $50 |
| Parked/Driving on Grass/Walkway | $50 |
| Failure to Yield | $50 |
| Expired License | $50 |
| Removal of Ticket from Vehicle (other than one's own vehicle) | $50 |
| Failure to Immediately Report Traffic Accident | $50 |
| All Other Violations Enumerated in Handbook (Not Listed Here) | $50 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $75 |
| Wrong Way | $75 |
| Excessive Speeding | $100 |
| Fire Lane/ Handicapped | $100 |
| Main Entrance | $100 |
| Reckless Driving | $100 |
| Causing an Accident | $100 |
| Causing Damage by Driving on Grass | $100 |
| Littering | $100 |
| Failure to Obey Officer's Direction | $100 |
| Reserved Space | $100 + Boot/Tow |
| Fraudulent Decal | $100 + Boot/Tow |
| Driving Under the Influence | $200 |
| Hit and Run | $200 |
| Immobilization and Towing Fines | Click Here All Related Fines |
Staff and faculty members who receive a citation will be allowed two (2) weeks from the issue date on the citation to pay the fine. If it is not paid within this period of time or no appeal is filed, the fine amount will be deducted from their payroll check.
Students who receive citations will have the fine amount charged to their student account, if not appealed within 3 business days. All outstanding fines must be paid prior to registering for the next academic semester. Graduating students must pay all outstanding fines prior to graduation.
Payment of fines may be made at the Cashier's Office by cash, check, or credit card during the following times:
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Please make all checks payable to Florida Institute of Technology. If you are mailing a check payment, please include your name, student ID number, and citation.
Continual or flagrant disregard of University traffic regulations may result in disciplinary action, revocation of parking privileges, towing of vehicle, or all of the above.
The Department of Security utilizes both immobilization devices (more commonly known as "boots") and towing to aid with the enforcement of University parking policies. Any vehicle/person in violation of University regulations can be "booted" or towed at any time.
Vehicles may be "booted" or towed for the following reasons:
Immobilizaiton Fees:
If your vehicle is immobilized, all citations owed, plus the immobilization fees must be paid prior to "boot" being removed. Immobilization tickets are NOT appealable.
Once a vehicle has been immobilized, do NOT attempt to move the vehicle as this may cause serious damage. Tampering with or removal of immobilizer may result in revocation of parking privileges, a minimum fine of $200.00 and disciplinary action. Theft of an immobilizer is a felony and could result in criminal prosecution.
Towing Fees:
If your vehicle is towed, all citations owed, plus towing fees must be paid prior to the vehicle being released. Towing tickets are NOT appealable.
Traffic citations issued by the Department of Security are presumed to be valid unless proven otherwise.
Any person wishing to appeal a citation must do so in writing, forms are located at the Department of Security. This must be done within three (3) business days of the issuance of the citation. Appeals will NOT be accepted after the 3 day period.
Appeals will not be accepted for failure to have a valid decal or improperly displayed decal.
Appeals must be for reasons other than disagreement over the rule being enforced.
The Appeals Committee has final decision-making authority regarding appeals. This committee is comprised of students, faculty, and University staff. The members of this board change yearly. All appeals must be submitted in writing. All decisions rendered by the committee will be sent via e-mail to the individual who submitted the appeal.
If the appeal is denied, a $10.00 processing fee will be added to the ticket fines.
All Decisions Rendered By The Appeals Committee Are FINAL; No Further Appeal Is Possible.
Sections 316.0085 and 316.1925 and 316.0085 are used as guides to these regulations.
Under Florida’s Uniform Traffic Control Law, “Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all the rights and all the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter. The term “vehicle” includes bicycles under this law. Additionally, a person propelling a vehicle (a bicycle is a vehicle) 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. Pedestrians have the right of way in all instances.
The term bicycles include: unicycles, bicycles or tricycles or any or any self-propelled unit of a similar type. The term skateboard includes any similarly designed equipment including 3 wheels, handles, self-propelled or motor propelled.
All persons engaged in bicycling and/or skateboarding shall be responsible for:
Registering your bicycle with the Department of Security allows us to return your bicycle to you should it be found at a later date.
The majority of serial numbers are located under the bottom bracket where the two pedal cranks meet. Simply turn your bike upside down and record the number. If there is no serial number there, then check places like the headset at the front of the bike or the rear stays. The diagram at the right indicates the five most common serial number locations. If you just can’t find anything then you can either engrave your driver’s license number (engravers are available through UTPD) or describe the bike the best, you can when registering and maybe even take a picture with it to prove ownership.
The best chance at recovering a stolen bicycle is having a registered serial number. These numbers are used by police across the nation. You need the manufacturer's serial number to register your bicycle.
Bicycles are to be locked to bicycle racks ONLY. Any bicycle found locked to anything other then a bicycle rack will have the lock cut at the owner’s expense and the bike removed.
Bicycles are not to be stored in public areas, hallways, stairwells or attached to buildings.
If necessary, to bring a bicycle within your dorm room, it must remain clear of all exits.
Bicycles in disrepair may be removed at any time.
Bicycles left on University property after the end of each semester will be donated to charity.
Anyone wishing to donate their bicycle to charity may turn it over to the Department of Security at any time.
The following rules are those promulgated by the State of Florida and are included for your information:
CAUTION: VIOLATING FLORIDA STATUTES 316.212, 316.2125, OR OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES MAY RESULT IN BEING ISSUED A TRAFFIC CITATION.
REMEMBER: DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE AND NOT A RIGHT; PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS BY OBEYING THE LAWS AND DRIVING SAFELY. THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN OR A LOVED ONE.
While On Campus Regulations Pertaining To Golf Cart Operation Will Supersede The State Law When The State Law Is Inapplicable.
Definitions:
Concentration is one of the most important elements of safe driving. The driver's seat is no place for day dreaming, mental napping, window shopping, scenic viewing or distracting conversation. Nor is it a place for a person who is ill, worried and angry or in grief. Driving is a full-time job. There have been too many accidents after which the driver (if they survived) said, "I don't know what happened." (From the Florida Driver's Handbook) DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE the State of Florida considers the operation of a motor vehicle a privilege - not a right - which one must earn by proving that he or she is a good driver. One must not abuse the privilege or else risk losing it.
PEDESTRIANS, SKATEBOARDERS AND BICYCLISTS
All Florida Tech vehicles and carts on campus shall give the right of way to all bicyclists, skateboarders and pedestrians. Every individual must do everything possible to avoid an accident.
Carts are not known for their racing qualities. Electric carts with their fixed battery and electric motor combination, seldom can reach more than about twelve miles per hour. Over smooth and level roadways, progress at this speed can seem agonizingly slow. So, a contest develops to boost speed with lower gear ratios, altered motor field strength, and higher horsepower ratings to get the golf carts to go faster. The result has been the achievement of speeds over twenty-five (25) miles per hour. Such speeds are well below the limits set for automobile operation. The danger for cart users is due to the less safe features of cart design:
All the above put cart riders at significant risk especially at brisk speeds. At 24 miles per hour the momentum of the human body is four times the force experienced at 12 miles per hour. Even at 6 miles per hour the cart passenger has difficulty staying in the cart in an abrupt left turn. A collision at 24 miles per hour would be like dropping from a second story window. Carts going fast are also at the mercy of uneven pavements and could be thrown against a parked or passing car.
Adding to occupant danger at any speed is the tendency to leave a leg or foot outside of the cart while it is in motion. Many serious injuries are reported from unexpectedly catching on the ground or a stationary object.
CRASH DEFINED: By the United Stated Department of Highway Safety: An incident involving a moving vehicle. (In this case a car, truck, van or cart) Includes collisions with a vehicle, object, or person (except suicides) and derailment/left roadway. Occurrence in a sequence of events that produces unintended injury, death or property damage. Accident refers to the event, not the result of the event. (NSC1)
If, while driving, you hit an unoccupied vehicle or damage any object that belongs to someone else, you must notify the owner. Report the crash immediately to Florida Tech’s Department of Security EXT. 8111 or 674-8111, 24/7. Give the owner your name, address and cart number and the department you work for. You are also required to report the crash to your department.
NIGHT DRIVING
Driving at night poses additional challenges for operators of carts. Their low profile and lack of automobile lighting make night time recognition more difficult. For those reasons the following requirements must be adhered to:
This is often time called careless driving, daydreaming, or negligent driving. This occurs when you are not paying attention and as a result, you may wreck the cart.
