Lost or Abandoned Property

REGULATIONS OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

3.0051 Lost or Abandoned Property.

(1) Definitions. For the purposes of this regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) “Date of notification” is the date on which an identified owner of lost or abandoned property is notified by the Property Custodian that such property is in custody and informed of the location and means by which the property may be released. If notification is by mail, the date of notification is five (5) business days after the date the letter is mailed.

(b) “Date of receipt” is the date lost or abandoned property comes into the custody of the Property Custodian as recorded by the Property Custodian.

(c)     “Lost or abandoned property” is tangible personal property with some appreciable value or apparent intrinsic value to the rightful owner that has been mislaid or deposited on campus and left unattended, including vehicles that are deemed abandoned in accordance with subsection (2) of this regulation.

(d) “Notice of impoundment” is a letter sent by the University to the registered owner of an impounded vehicle via certified mail or a notice posted on the vehicle notifying the registered owner that the vehicle has been impounded and stating the place and means by which the vehicle’s release may be secured.

(e) “Property custodian” is the individual(s) designated by the University President to manage the transfer, storage, and disposal of property lost or abandoned on campus in accordance with Section 705.18, Fla. Stat.; persons designated by the Property Custodian to carry out any of these duties.

(2) Property Deemed Abandoned. A vehicle that has been impounded will be deemed abandoned if not claimed and released pursuant to the University impoundment appeal procedure within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of impoundment or fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of the Notice of impoundment, whichever is later. The date the vehicle is deemed abandoned in accordance with the above shall be recorded by the Property Custodian as the date of receipt of abandoned property for purposes of this regulation. Property deemed abandoned shall be treated as abandoned property under the procedures set forth in subsection (3) of this regulation.

(3) Procedures.

(a)    All reports pertaining to missing, lost, stolen or abandoned property that is or may be located on campus shall be made to the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD).

(b) All lost or abandoned property found on campus shall be delivered to the Property Custodian who shall record the date of receipt of the property and retain custody of the property until disposed of in accordance with this regulation.

(c) If the rightful owner of the property is identifiable, the Property Custodian shall make reasonable efforts to contact and notify the rightful owner of the location and means by which the property may be released.

(d) In determining whether the rightful owner is identifiable, the Property Custodian shall compare outstanding reports made to UFPD of missing, lost, or stolen property to the property in custody. Property that appears to be recovered stolen property may be retained by UFPD as necessary for evidentiary and/or investigative purposes.

(e) If lost or abandoned property is not claimed by the rightful owner within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of receipt recorded by the Property Custodian, or a longer period of time as may be deemed appropriate by the Property Custodian, the University will dispose or make use of such property in accordance with Section 705.18, Fla. Stat. The rightful owner of such property may reclaim the property at any time prior to the University’s disposition or use.

(f) Any lost or abandoned property claimed by the rightful owner shall be released subject to any applicable liens, fees, fines, and reasonable costs of transport, storage and sale.

Authority: BOG Regulation 1.001.

History: New 7-19-05, Amended 3-30-07, Formerly 6C1-3.0051, Amended 3-23-18 (technical changes only), Amended 06-06-19 (BOT approved), Amended 4-22-22.