Welcome to the City of Gainesville! We hope that the information on this page will help make the transition to living in Gainesville for the next few years easier. In this section, you will find some of the necessary resources, as well as a general overview of some of the laws of your new city and unexpected fun that Gainesville has to offer!
- Yard waste: this includes all leaves, branches, grass clippings and small tree limbs, but does NOT include boards or lumber. Place out yard trash in designated bags and leave curbside on your designated day by 7 a.m.
- Solid waste: common trash pickup happens weekly at various days based on area of town. Please have all garbage in bags and cans curbside by 7 a.m. on your designated day to ensure pickup.
- Appliances & Hazardous Waste: Large appliances, paint, toxic chemicals, etc. can NOT be put by the trash for normal pick up. Schedule a free pick up of these items online at the GRU scheduler. Furniture does not apply and can be left curbside with normal garbage.
- Recycling: If you live in an apartment or condo, contact your landlord to find out where your recycling station/area is located. For more information, call 352-334-2330 or visit www.gainesvillerecycles.com.
Gainesville Regional Utilities: GRU serves the Gainesville area with electric, water, gas, wastewater and telecommunications services. For more information on GRU, how to turn on your services or how to conserve energy, please visit their website at www.GRU.com or call 352-334-3434.
Voter Registration: Registering to vote in the city that you live is important because it gives you a voice in your local community. To register in Alachua County, contact the Supervisor of Elections at 352-374-5252 or online at the Supervisor of Elections' website.
Department of Motor Vehicles: The Driver's License Division can assist with driver's licenses, driving tests and ID cards. For more information on how to schedule an appointment and the various requirements to show proof of identification and address, please visit Alachua DMV online or call 352-374-5236.
Animal Control: All animal control is done through Alachua County Animal Services which can be reached at 352-955-2333. Please note that many apartment complexes and rental areas have pet restrictions. This is typically left to the landlord's discretion.
Law Enforcement Agencies: Gainesville is policed by three different agencies based on where you are: Gainesville Police Department, Alachua Sheriff's Office and University Police Department (on campus and surrounding areas). Gainesville Fire Rescue services the greater Gainesville area's fire and EMT needs.
Public Transit: Cars are not always needed in Gainesville as we have Regional Transit System (RTS), a reliable public bus service that runs frequently throughout the day around town and to campus, as well as select routes at night. RTS provides FREE bus rides to all SFC and UF students. For schedules and a GPS locator app, visit www.go-rts.com.
City Vehicle Parking: Vehicles are permitted to park ONLY in designated areas. Parking in the yard or any other non-designated parking area is prohibited in the area surrounding the university. Additionally, areas of decaled parking can be found around UF and downtown. Violation of this may result in a parking violation.
Where do I pay my parking tickets?
Parking tickets need to be paid at the Parking Violations Office located inside Gainesville Police Department or can be paid online at their site.
Where do I pay any traffic tickets?
Traffic citations can be paid at the Clerk of Courts, located at 220 S. Main St. This is not city hall, but rather two blocks south of the University and Main St. intersection.
How do I get a parking permit for restricted areas?
The city operates a restricted parking program in the University Context Area, northeast downtown and in the southwest courthouse area. On-street parking in these zones is designated for residents, businesses and visitors of these areas. If you do not have a permit/decal/hangtag and park in these areas, you will likely be towed.
What happens if my car has been towed?
If you have been towed, it has likely been by one of the area's independently operated towing companies. Signs will likely be posted informing of which company has jurisdiction to the specific area. Please call that company and they will be able to assist you as to the location of your vehicle.
What if my vehicle was towed by Gainesville Police Department?
To get a vehicle out of impound, the registered owner of the vehicle must pick it up from the police station at 721 NW Sixth St.
Drugs and Alcohol: Gainesville has a strict NO OPEN CONTAINER law in place. This means that you cannot have any open alcoholic beverage in a public area such as beer, wine, a mixed drink in any cup, an alcoholic beverage with a broken seal, etc. on any public right-of-way such as a street, sidewalk, or parking lot. This is in accordance with Gainesville City Ordinance 4-4B and is a misdemeanor which can result in your detention and arrest.
Alachua County also strictly enforces a 2 a.m. close time for all local bars Monday-Saturday. Please drink responsibly and NEVER drink and drive. Gainesville has many transportation services from late bus routes to taxis, Uber/Lyft and bicycle carts to provide a safe route home.
Noise Limits / Party Patrol: The Gainesville Police Department's Party Patrol focuses on noise and other neighborhood violations. Violations include any noise that can be heard from 200 feet away and can include car stereos, home noise, voices, music, etc. Noise permits are available to public property and public spaces, but are not available for private property. Violation can result in a civil citation or a notice of violation. To report a violation, call 352-955-1818.
Gainesville is home to more than 80 recreation parks, nature parks, swimming pools, tot lots, community gardens and more! Several acclaimed performing artist groups, ranging from thespians to musicians to dancers make Gainesville a great place for live entertainment and culture.