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Hosting On Campus


**Effective July 1, 2025, approved caterers will no longer be charged a 3% administrative fee on the total price of catered events. Any catered events held before July 1, 2025 will still be subject to the 3% fee.**

If you are looking to host an event or gathering on campus where food and/or beverages is offered and purchased with University funds, you must use either Palm & Pine Catering or a University-approved caterer.

EVENT PLANNERS & DEPARTMENTS

  1. Submit your event permit request through the GatorConnect Event Permitting System.
  2. Once your event is approved, read and understand the suggested Catering Operator Protocols.
  3. Choose your caterer based on your location. You must utilize Palm & Pine Catering for exclusive catering locations. For any locations not on this list, you may utilize Palm & Pine Catering or you can choose from our list of University-approved caterers.
  4. Work with your caterer and our suggested Catering and Mobile Food Vendor Guidelines to match the food, beverage, and service offer to your event needs.
  5. Please consult the attached list of approved Pepsi products for your event.

The University has updated guidelines for the continuation of campus events and gatherings. In order to promote safety and to provide peace of mind for your guests, Business Services has developed a guide for the safe offering of food and beverage services. Approved caterers are aware of and have agreed to provide food and beverage services according to this list of safety protocols. As an event planner, please understand the important role you play in ensuring the peace of mind and safety for event attendees.

Please note that your caterer has a full detailed set of these guidelines and can readily assist you as you plan a safe event.

Guest Safety Guidelines
  • If feasible, maintain a roster of guests, event staff, and catering employees.
  • Guests are not required to wear a face-covering but may still do so at their own discretion.
  • Hand sanitizer should be placed in numerous locations throughout the event space and at each food and beverage station, for guests to use. Work with your caterer and your event site manager to ensure this
Food Safety Service Guidelines
  • All catering employees are expected to wash their hands often and to change their gloves often.
  • Utilize single-service disposable/compostable individually-boxed meals or individually wrapped meal components if possible, unless otherwise required.
  • For buffet service, servers, sneeze guards, and disposable gloves or parchment paper for guests to use, are preferred but not required. Serving utensils should be changed out regularly.
  • Single-service disposable ware is recommended but not required. Wrapped silverware or cutlery is recommended but not required.
  • New utensils, plates, and cups are recommended for seconds and/or refills.
  • Please work with your caterer or event site manager so that waste is properly disposed of and is not unsightly during your event.

VENUE RESTRICTIONS

An approved GatorConnect permit is required for all Mobile Food Facilities on University property. This map shows the pre-approved locations on main campus that may be requested with a General Events or Run/Walk permit. For more information on rules surrounding Mobile Food Facilities please review the Food and Beverage Services policy.

*These locations require additional approvals and may only be considered for evening and weekend events. Please contact Matt Mueller, mmueller1@ufl.edu, for details.

The University of Florida gives Palm & Pine Catering exclusive operation for the sale and service of foods and drinks in University buildings that include a dining facility operated by Palm & Pine Catering. These buildings include:

  • Eatery at Broward Hall
  • Food Hall at Gator Corner
  • Reitz Union (and adjacent grounds)
  • Cravings at Racquet Club

The following venues may place additional restrictions or requirements for catered events. Please confirm with the venue manager for details and specific requirements for each venue:

Harn Museum
University of Florida Foundation (Emerson Hall)
  • Travis Hurst, Facilities Event Management, Event Coordinator – thurst@uff.ufl.edu, 352-846-2324
Straughn Conference Center (IFAS)
The Earl & Christy Powell University House
Baby Gator (2 locations)
P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School

UF Catering

(352)392-0306

catering@bsd.ufl.edu

Palm and Pine Catering

(352)392-3463

gatorcatering@compass-usa.com

www.palmandpinecatering.com