Lost something at UF or around Gainesville? Get it back faster.
One report and we route it to UF Police, Gainesville City services, local lost and found offices, and active campus social channels. Your report stays active, searching for a match automatically.
What did you lose?
If there isn’t an adequate suggestion, select “Other – My item isn’t listed” and enter the item’s category. You can provide details later.
Publishing your report is free and your details stay private. The assisted search is a separate paid service, described in the Terms.
Recent activity
Florida : the legal window is 90 days once the item is in law enforcement custody. Hotels, airports and theme parks set their own, often much shorter, retention policies. (Florida Statutes ch. 705)
Across the United States
- Wrislet clutch gray/silver bag with documents · Chicago, IL, October 8
- Ring TM on top · Greensboro, NC, October 8
- Keys · Sarasota, FL, October 8
- Keys · Brookline, MA, October 7
- Camera · Monterey, CA, October 7
Local contact details reviewed on October 7, 2026.
How it works
You report the loss
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We gather the details needed and create your report in minutes.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes straight to UF Police, Gainesville PD, campus lost and found desks, and relevant community channels so you don't have to contact them separately.
Your report keeps searching
For your entire search period, your report automatically matches against new items reported found, campus announcements, and local social posts. You get an alert if a credible match appears, so you don't have to check back every day.
Where to report and what to do
These are the main channels for lost items around UF and Gainesville. ReportLost connects you to them automatically.
UF Police Department Lost & Found
The University Police maintains a lost and found desk for items found on campus. Report directly, or we can file your report with them and notify you of the precinct handling your case.
Gainesville Police Department
For losses off campus in Gainesville proper, the city police department handles reports and maintains a property desk. We can connect you to the right division based on your loss location.
Campus and local businesses
Libraries, dining halls, student centers, shops, and restaurants along University Avenue often hold found items for a set period. We help you identify which business is most likely and what information to provide when you call.
Community alerts and social channels
Campus Facebook groups, Nextdoor posts, and r/GatorsTalk are where Gainesville residents crowdsource lost and found items. Your report can be shared across these channels so your item gets eyes on it fast.
Lost pet?
If you've lost a dog, cat, or other animal, time is critical. Alachua County Animal Services, local humane societies, and pet-focused Facebook groups are your first moves. ReportLost has a dedicated pet report service that alerts shelters and rescue networks. File a priority lost pet report
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
The sooner you report, the better your chances
Items found on campus or downtown Gainesville are usually held for 30 to 90 days depending on the location. Filing a report now puts your item in circulation while it's still in someone's hands, a lost and found desk, or fresh in community memory.
Report my lost item →At the University of Florida and across Gainesville, losing something feels like it vanishes into a maze. The police department has a lost and found, campus buildings have their own desks, local shops file items separately, and community posts scatter across Facebook and Nextdoor. By the time you contact everyone, days pass and the trail cools.
ReportLost simplifies this. One report reaches all the right channels at once, and your report stays active for months, continuously searching for your item without you having to revisit the same places or groups. Once you file, you can focus on your day while we make sure your loss keeps circulating in the places that matter.
Common places where people lose things around UF and Gainesville
Your loss location matters. Help us narrow down which department to contact.
UF Campus and Reitz Union
Student center, library, dining halls, and quad areas. UF Police handles campus lost and found.
Downtown Gainesville and University Avenue
Shops, restaurants, and pedestrian zones where locals and students gather. City police and individual businesses are your points of contact.
Shands Hospital area
Medical complex with its own security and lost and found desk. If lost at Shands, hospital security maintains items.
Norman Hall and academic buildings
Classrooms and offices throughout campus where items are often turned in to building security or department offices.
Parking lots and transit stops
University lots and bus stops around Gainesville where items are left behind. UF Parking or transit departments may hold your item.
Online communities where lost items are shared
These groups and forums are where Gainesville residents post about found items. We can share your report there.
Active Facebook group where students and residents post lost and found items
Reddit community for UF and local Gainesville discussions, including lost items
Neighborhood app popular in Gainesville for hyper-local lost and found posts
Facebook pages for dorms and student housing where lost items in dorm areas are reported
Common questions about lost items in Gainesville and at UF
How long does UF Police hold lost items?
UF Police typically holds lost and found items for 30 to 90 days, depending on the item's nature and where it was found on campus. Contact the UF Police Property & Evidence Unit at (352) 392-1111 for specifics.
What if I lost something at a UF dining hall or student center?
Each location has its own front desk or manager office. Call the specific building (Reitz Union, Dining Services, etc.) or contact UF Police to identify the right desk. We can generate the right details to include when you call.
Can I report a loss if I'm not a UF student?
Yes. If you lost something on campus as a visitor or guest, contact UF Police directly at (352) 392-1111. If it's off campus in Gainesville, the city police will take your report.
How do I check if someone found my item?
Call UF Police at (352) 392-1111 (campus) or Gainesville Police (off campus) to ask if a matching item has been turned in. We can provide the exact details to mention and which department to contact.
What if I lost something at Shands Hospital?
Shands has its own security office and lost and found. Call the main hospital operator at (352) 265-0111 and ask for Security or Lost & Found to report and follow up on your item.
Is ReportLost.org an official city or university service?
ReportLost is an independent service that connects you to official police, city, and campus channels. We're not part of UF or Gainesville government, but we work with the real agencies that hold and track lost items so your report reaches them faster and stays active longer than filing separately.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to report your lost item?
The faster you file, the sooner UF Police, city services, and local community channels get to work on your case. Your report will stay active and keep searching for a match for as long as you need.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the University of Florida, Gainesville Police Department, UF Police, or any other city or university agency mentioned. We work on your behalf to connect your report to these official channels, but we do not represent them and are not responsible for their policies or response times.