Virtual parking permits coming to UF
The University of Florida will transition to virtual parking permits this fall.
The new virtual parking registration system for the 2022-23 academic year will replace the use of physical parking decals. Instead, the permit holder’s license plate will serve as the parking permit.
This new technology will allow for UF Transportation and Parking Services, or TAPS, staff to perform parking enforcement more efficiently than the previous method of visually inspecting each decal. Additionally, the discontinuation of physical decals will eliminate the expense and use of materials associated with printing and mailing the permits, as well as the waste that comes with physical permits.
“Modernizing the parking permit process provides an opportunity to enhance the customer experience, and at the same time, creates a more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable model for our services,” said Eddie Daniels, assistant vice president for business services.
The new system will require vehicles with only one license plate to be parked head-in with the plate facing out, as backing into parking spots will block the plate view from TAPS parking patrollers. Permit holders wishing to continue parking in reverse may purchase an alternate, vanity front tag from TAPS for $25. Also, this new process will allow users to update their vehicle registration information at any time through the new Gator Parking Portal on the TAPS website.
The cost of the new virtual permits will remain the same. They will be available for purchase on Aug. 8 for students and on Aug. 15 for faculty and staff and will become effective Sept. 1. To purchase or renew a permit, visit the Gator Parking Portal. The registration application will guide users through the process.
Vehicle tag numbers are required to complete the purchase. Permit holders will be ready to park once they receive a system-generated confirmation email from TAPS. State-issued disability hangtags will still need to be displayed, but physical, UF-issued decals will be discontinued.
How do virtual permits work?
Cameras mounted on parking enforcement vehicles will scan the rear license plates of vehicles parked on campus. Vehicles with only one rear, state-issued license plate will no longer be permitted to park in reverse, as the position would block the view of vehicle-mounted cameras from TAPS parking enforcement.
The virtual permit verification process works like a supermarket scanner with the vehicle’s license plate functioning as a barcode. When scanned by the cameras mounted on parking enforcement vehicles, the license plate number is automatically referenced against the parking database to verify a valid permit and proper parking privileges for the lot location. If the license plate and vehicle information are not associated with a valid permit or the vehicle is parked in an inappropriate lot, the vehicle will be evaluated by a parking patroller, who will make the determination on whether a citation should be issued.