Your Student Guide To Florida State University Parking
Finding a parking spot on the FSU campus can be tough, but this guide is here to answer every question you may have. From student parking permits to visitor parking and even bike transportation, we have all the tips and rules you need for Florida State University parking.
Keep reading to become an FSU parking pro.
Key Takeaways
- You need a parking permit to park near classes and events at Florida State University. Get yours through the FSU parking portal, and be sure you renew it as needed and on time.
- There are different spots on campus for day, night, and overnight parking with different rules for students and campus staff. During the day, students use Student White Spaces, and after 4:30 PM, they can use Employee Red Spaces until 12 AM.
- Everyone on campus must park nose-in unless you have a valid Back-in Hang-Tag clearly displayed
- If you get a parking ticket, you can pay it online or in person, and paying right away is the best way to avoid extra fees.
- Biking is a good choice at FSU thanks to bike racks near buildings and university buses that carry bikes, too.
Student Parking Permits at Florida State University
Getting a parking permit at Florida State University is key for students who drive. These let you park on campus, so you’re close to all your classes and events.
Renewing and purchasing permits
Purchasing your parking permit at Florida State University is pretty straightforward on the FSU parking portal.
For student parking, be sure you know:
- When you’re registering on the FSU parking portal, have your vehicle’s license plate information ready.
- You’ll have a choice between several different types of permits, including motorcycle, overnight parking for students who live on campus, and reserved spaces in garages so you never have to hunt for a spot.
- First-year students have special parking guidelines, so look for information in the portal that explains where freshmen can park.
- Parking permits need to be renewed every year by a certain date, so make sure to mark your calendars and renew in the portal if you’re planning on parking on campus again.
- If you need to pay a fine or get a visitor parking permit, you can do both of those in the same portal.
Parking hours for students
There are a lot of rules to navigate when parking at Florida State University, even down to time of day. But they’re often designed to make parking easier for you and all the faculty who keep the university running.
From 7:30AM to 4:30PM, students must park their cars in Student (W) White Spaces. After 4:30PM, you’re free to use Employee (R) Red Spaces until 12AM Monday through Friday. This means if you have late classes or need to stay on campus for a study session at night, finding a spot gets easier after 4:30PM.
Similarly, faculty and staff use the Red Spaces during the day and can park in White Spaces at night.
Make sure to check the signs at all lot entrances so you know where your permit allows you to park.
Tips for Finding Parking on Campus
With so many different lots and garages available for on-campus parking, finding the right place can be confusing. Here’s a snapshot of the basics of where and when you can park with a permit.
Know the available parking areas
Our top tips for parking in campus garages include:
- There are a total of 6 on-campus parking garages throughout campus.
- The garages on the perimeter of campus (like Spirit Way and Call Street) are usually less crowded than those closer to the center. So if you need a spot quickly, start there.
- All garages offer overnight parking in designated areas. Check out FSU’s interactive garage map to get the specifics for each one.
If you’re parking in an FSU parking lot, know:
- There are 32 different paved or gravel parking lots at FSU designated for student parking, and there are 4 more that are shared with students and other commuters.
- While many of these lots offer open permit parking for students on weekdays, some are reserved for certain permits, so be sure to check the FSU parking lot map before you commit.
- The Seminole Express bus service offers rides from lots that are farther away from central campus locations, so you can find a spot and get a ride. Plus, students ride for free with a valid FSUCard.
Use the parking map & app
Finding your way around FSU parking can be tricky. Luckily, the FSU Tranz App and the interactive parking map make it easier to learn the ropes and even find an open spot before you arrive.
With the FSU Tranz app, you can find out how many spaces are available at each FSU parking garage in real time, and it sends announcements for things like garage closures and permit renewals. While we don’t recommend depending on this app entirely, it can help as you plan your trip to campus for the day.
In addition to the app, FSU has organized an interactive parking map that breaks down available parking (and several important parking rules) by categories like Student Lots, Visitor/Hourly, Motorcycle, Disabled Permits, and Alternative Fuel Vehicle parking. We recommend this tool as you get the hang of where and when you can park on campus.
Be sure to check the map each semester in case there have been changes in lot designations or available areas.
Consider alternative transportation options
Getting around FSU doesn’t mean you have to park on campus every day.
For starters, the university’s on- and off-campus bus service makes campus travel more accessible. With multiple routes and the Night Nole — which runs from 8PM to 3AM — you can stay well-connected throughout the city.
Or, catch a ride to FSU with Nole Cab for just $6 per ride. Simply hail a cab anywhere in the Nole Cab zone or call them up in advance.
And, with a silver-level status from The League of American Bicyclists, FSU is a strong supporter of bike commuters. For more information on that, keep reading.
Riding (and Parking) Your Bike at FSU
With bike racks available outside nearly every building, bus services equipped with their own racks, and even bike repair stations in several locations around campus, FSU is a great place for bicycle commuters.
First things first, check out this interactive map to learn where you can park and fix your bicycle. Then, keep reading for a few more essential tips.
Bicycle parking rules and regulations
Knowing FSU’s bicycle rules can help keep you and your bike safe on campus.
- Register your bike with FSUPD for free before you ride to campus, which helps just in case your bike goes missing.
- Park only at designated bicycle racks, use at least one bike lock, and never lock your bike to trees, light poles, or fences. Bikes parked in undesignated areas may be confiscated by FSUPD.
- Check out Seminole Express and StarMetro buses for rides, because they have bike racks to transport you and your bike safely.
- Call FSUPD if you have any questions about bicycle parking or safety.
Visitor Parking at FSU
FSU offers hourly visitor parking in 12+ different areas, including lots and garages. If you’re traveling to campus for a quick trip, it’s safe to assume you’ll need to pay, but the university does make it easier with the ParkMobile app. Be sure to download the app on your phone before you get to campus to make the process quicker.
Also, check the interactive visitor parking map for the most up-to-date location and hourly pricing info.
If you want to park on campus all day without worrying about the hours adding up, you can get a full-day visitor parking permit in the online portal. Visit the Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS) office located on campus if you need assistance or wish to purchase a permit in person. They can also offer guidance on the best parking options to match your needs.
As always, keep an eye out for special events that might change parking rules temporarily, and follow specific instructions for visitor parking so you avoid citations.
FSU Game Day Parking
Football game day parking is a completely different ball game. Many lots students normally park in may be closed to accommodate reserved parking during home games. And vehicles parked in reserved areas after 11:59 PM on game day will be towed.
So whether you’re cheering on Florida State or staying home, be sure to keep an eye on the football schedule and brush up on the interactive game day parking map. It shows general, paid, and reserved parking spaces.
Be an FSU Parking Pro
Getting around FSU doesn’t have to be hard. With the right permit, a little local know-how, and maybe even a place to call home near campus, you can find convenient spots for your car, your bike, and you.