Welcome to Gainesville
. The
Gainesville Police Department would like to ensure that students and homeowners
alike share in the wonderful quality of life we have in our community. We hope
this information will provide you with an understanding of the services, ordinances
and laws in Gainesville. The City of Gainesville, has in the past, handled
complaints of loud and disturbing parties with tolerance. Due to increased
violations of laws and citizen complaints, the Gainesville Police Department
will take a more aggressive role in enforcing the nuisance violations that
affect our quality of life. Violations of the City ordinances and State Statutes
dealing with these may result in citations, fines, and/or arrest.
Parties and Noise:
The City does not prohibit parties, but it does have a
responsibility to protect the rights of those who are adversely affected by
those parties. City code prohibits drunken, noisy or disorderly conduct within
the city limits that disturbs public tranquility. This includes the use of
amplifying devices such as home stereos, car stereos, televisions and in some
cases, human voice. Any of these exceeding decibel limits by a noise meter,
plainly audible to the officer, generally disturbing the peace, or to the
point of disturbing any person who owns or occupies property in the neighborhood
is in violation of the law.
Tips for a Responsible Party:
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Allow only those guests that are of the legal age to consume alcoholic
beverages. No one under the age of 21 should be in possession of an alcoholic
beverage. The host and underage guest can and will be charged with this
violation. |
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Keep guests to a manageable number. |
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Show your neighbors consideration by announcing your party plans before the
event and by closing the party at a reasonable time. |
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Cooperate with the police officers that are called to your event. |
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The host/hostess should be prepared to present proper identification when
asked to do so by the officer. |
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You and your guests should adhere to the officers instructions to avoid the
closure of your party. |
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Make sure you and your guests are not parking in a "no parking
zone", blocking driveways or private properties. Towing laws will be
strictly enforced. |
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City Codes regulate the exterior care of dwellings. Excessive growth of
grass, shrubs or weeds and/or trash in the yard can lead to fines being
imposed. During a party, make sure all cans, bottles, etc. are properly and
promptly discarded. |
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Speed limits within city residential streets are posted at 25 or 30 mph.
Remind your guests of the excessive speeding fines that will be enforced. |
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Open Container, City Ordinance Section 4-4(b)(1) unlawful to possess any
alcoholic beverage in any open container on a public street, sidewalk or
public parking lot. |
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Disturbing the Peace is a violation of Florida law, Ch. 877.03 and is a
misdemeanor crime, punishable by a fine and jail time. |
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Possession of an altered, false, fictitious, or forged Drivers License is
a violation of Florida State Statutes and could lead to your arrest. |
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Florida laws Ch. 856.015 restrict the use and distribution of alcoholic
beverages at a house party. |
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Disorderly intoxication, Ch. 856.011 is also prohibited by law. |
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DUI’s carry heavy penalties, fines, and jail time. |
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Remember, a criminal record can damage your educational record and future
career goals. |
What Actions the Party Patrol Will Take: When a loud
party complaint is received by the Gainesville Police Department, it is our
responsibility to contact the party host/hostess and inform them of the nature
of the complaint. Our primary objective is to address the complaints and
eliminate the disturbance, if it is determined one exists. If compliance is met
and no other laws are being violated, there will be no further contact by the
police.
Repeat complaints or violations could result in: 1) The party
will be closed down. 2) The host/hostess may be charged with a crime and the
party will be closed down. The officers will base their decision on several
different concerns, including: time of day, number of complaints received, level
of cooperation from the host/hostess, crowd capacity and manageability, location
of the event (commercial vs. residential) and any unlawful acts that are
occurring at the event.
Social status, race or gender plays no part in the decision
making process. Your cooperation and the cooperation of your guests play an
important role in the actions that the police must take while at your party.
Our message is simple…A little responsibility goes a long
way to encourage good feelings between neighbors and ensure a safe place to live
for all our residents – students, renters and homeowners alike.
For any questions, please contact our Community Resource
Officers at 334-2441 or Public Information Officer at 334-2425.
Other Helpful Numbers:
UF Dean of Students Office (352) 392-1261
SFCC Office of Student Activities (352) 395-5912
Gainesville Police (non-emergency) (352) 334-2400
Code Enforcement Division (352) 334-5030
Solid Waste Division (352) 334-5040
Later Gator (352) 334-2605
