Gainesville is considered a relatively safe city, with a crime rate comparable to other cities of the same size. Visitors should be cautious when visiting downtown or in areas east of Main Street. Use the same commonsense precautions you would in any city: Be aware of your surroundings, don't walk alone at night and never leave valuables unattended in your car.
A recent city ordinance gives transgender sexual orientation the same protected status as other orientations, which means that people who feel they are women but have a man's body, or vice-versa, cannot be discriminated against in restrooms, gyms, locker rooms and so on. This is expected to result mostly in college pranks (as part of hazing, for example, where all the boys have to use women's restrooms), but it does have the potential for awkward and even scary situations.
Never forget that this is the subtropics. Wear sunscreen and a hat, drink plenty of water, and be alert for symptoms of heat stroke. When boating or hiking in winter, carry an extra layer of clothing even if the day starts off warm. Cold fronts can bring sudden wind shifts.
If you see an alligator and feel there is danger, call the Gator Hotline (toll-free 866-392-4286).
When driving or walking in the area of the University of Florida campus, be alert for very fast-moving bicycles—they could come at you from any direction, regardless of rules of the road.
Dos & Don'ts
Do remember that Gainesville is a college town. That means a lot of energetic, easily distracted young people on sidewalks and driving cars, so drive with caution.
Don't approach wild animals too closely or attempt to feed them, pet them or have your photograph taken with them. Alligators may appear docile, but they can move very fast on land as well as in water and can be extremely aggressive.
Do remain alert to Florida's hot summers, especially during July and August. It's easy to get dehydrated quickly.
Don't smoke in a restaurant or any venue that serves food or in any government or public building. It's illegal to do so.
