University expects ‘a lot of nervousness’ after free parking now costs $300 as executives admit they want to make more money

STUDENT drivers are set to lose an extra $300 after a university added a fee to a previously free service.

Florida State University has signed a new overnight parking fee that will see students forced to pay a fee to park their vehicles on campus during certain times.

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What used to be free for university students will now cost $300 a year.

The new fee that is expected to take effect during the fall has already angered local residents, who considered the measure a “money grab” by the FSU.

All students wishing to park their vehicles on campus overnight between midnight and 5:45 a.m., Monday through Friday, will be required to purchase the $300 permit.

The decision was made by the university’s board of trustees on June 20 after there was “controversy” over FSU’s parking situation.

‘SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES’

“I know that every time we deal with parking, it generates a lot of nervousness, controversy and different opinions,” FSU board trustee Jorge Gonzales said at a Finance and Business Committee meeting last week, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

“But this is something that seems to be a growing consensus in terms of the two goals that we have, which is to generate a little more revenue and also reduce the amount of overnight parking.”

Gonzales’ comments were made before the council approved the new overnight parking permit.

The campus has more than 8,000 student parking spaces, with six garages and several smaller lots, a university spokesperson told the news outlet.

Currently, students can obtain a free regular parking permit or pay a $415 annual fee for virtual permits reserved for 24-hour parking in select on-site garages.

In addition to these vehicles, approximately 5,200 cars currently park on campus for free overnight, with 4,200 of them belonging to students living on campus and 1,000 to students living elsewhere.

However, FSU has historically struggled with parking on campus, with students complaining about being forced to rush to classes because they couldn’t find a parking space.

In response to these concerns, the University previously introduced additional transportation options as well as real-time parking availability information.

While the increase in bike racks and a shuttle service to and from campus has been a welcome move, the issue of parking is still a hot topic for the university as nighttime vehicles take up daytime spaces.

Approximately one-third of campus parking spaces are occupied 24 hours a day, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

FSU’s senior vice president of finance and administration says many of these spaces are occupied by students who don’t live on campus.

“When I come to work, I often see several parking lots completely full with people parking overnight who are not located in a housing complex but have chosen to park there due to availability,” Kyle Clark told the outlet.

Absolutely a bang for the buck.

Father of an FSU Alumnus

He added that new housing being built off-campus is making the problem worse, as properties often don’t have enough parking for tenants.

“This causes significant challenges for students commuting to campus,” Clark noted.

RETALIATION

While the new $300 overnight parking permit is expected to redeem overnight parking by 25% to make room for those commuting to FSU, local residents have expressed their concerns about the change.

“Absolutely to make money,” said one parent he wrote on Facebook.

“One of the reasons my daughter left FSU.

“Children spend hours finding parking and have to pay additional fees to park off property in addition to transportation fees.”

“It’s all about the money,” added another.

“Overnight parking should be free for students living on campus, but students who only use the campus for long-term parking or car storage should pay a fee,” a third suggested.

Meanwhile, others highlighted concerns about an increase in DUI offenses if students decide to move their vehicles after the party.

“Absolutely a very valid point!” said a Facebook user who claims to be a former FSU professor.

“I’m concerned about student safety with this.”

However, revenue from the new parking program, estimated at about $1 million, will go toward improving parking and transportation facilities, an FSU spokesperson said.

The US Sun has reached out to FSU for comment.