Domestic Travel
Approval of travel expenditures from Ä¢¹½TV (Ä¢¹½TV) funds requires
that the travel must benefit the State of Florida and/or the University and have a
business purpose supporting the academic programs and support activities of the University
and its various organizations.
All travel, in state and out-of-state, should be authorized and approved in advance
by both the Traveler’s Supervisor and respective Vice-President or Dean.
All Official University travel should follow the guidelines outlined in our Travel
Manual and following Florida Statute 112.061.
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Spend Authorizations
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- A Spend Authorization (SA) is the traveler’s permission to incur expenses and travel on behalf of Ä¢¹½TV. The SA must include all travel expenses that are known or can be projected before the trip. SA’s are only to be created for travel purposes. Agendas or a screenshot showing dates of conference are required to show dates of travel.
- The payment of travel expenses on behalf of the University, using a university issued Travel Card or by the traveler is prohibited without an approved SA.
- Blanket Spend Authorization for Vicinity Mileage:
A blanket Spend Authorization (SA) may be set up when an employee performs numerous trips to the same destination for a set period of time or for vicinity mileage (within the 5-county region – Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades). - A vicinity mileage blanket SA can cover the entire fiscal year (07/01/XX-06/30/XX) The SA must include the estimated total amount to be reimbursed for the period covered by the SA.
- All blanket SA’s will need to have an Expense Report submitted at least quarterly.
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Expense Reports
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- An Expense Report (ER) should be completed upon returning from a trip with accompanying receipts and any additional documentation. The request should be submitted within fifteen (15) working days after the completion of the travel trip.
- The ER must list all expenses associated with the trip, whether paid directly by the University T-Card or reimbursable to the traveler.
- Expense Report should be fully approved within sixty (60) days after the last day of University business travel.
- Expense reports should be marked as final if there are no other expenses to be claimed for that trip. It will then automatically close the Spend Authorization that was submitted.
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Expense Items
Toggle More InfoAirfare
- Receipt must show balance paid and itinerary to confirm dates/times of travel.
- Economy/Coach pricing only.
- University does not pay for upgraded seats, priority boarding, travel insurance or bundles.
- Baggage fees are acceptable. If excessive, may ask for justification.
Car Rental
- Must select compact Car.
- Justification required for upgraded vehicles, if business related.
- If upgraded for personal reasons, traveler is responsible for the difference.
- If traveler does not use contract rates, traveler will be reimbursed up to contract rates only for Avis/Budget.
- Always decline insurance, as it is included within the contracted rates.
- You should not select fuel option, as it is more expensive. Fill up prior to returning.
Common Carrier - Other
- Train or bus.
Fuel - Rental Car/StudENt Only
- Receipts required.
- Fuel for personal vehicles are not allowed, traveler will be reimbursed mileage for personal vehicle use.
Hotel
- Justification is required if the hotel rate is more than $250.
- However, no justification is required, even if the hotel rate exceeds $250, if the rate complies with the Additionally, if the stay is at the “official� hotel of a conference/convention, and the rate claimed is less than or equal to the states conference/convention rate, justification is not needed
- $0 balance folio should be provided.
- No room services allowed.
- If staying with someone else, split the bill.
- Traveler should not pay the individual for their portion.
- Airbnb is permitted.
- Must provide documentation that it is the cheaper option.
- Tax exempt in Florida when using a T-Card.
- Make sure to review receipt when checking out that it was applied.
Incidentals
- Used for baggage fees.
- Tip to valet - $1 per instance.
- Tip for baggage assistance - $1 per bag, up to $5.
Meal Allowance (Per Diem)
- Rates for meal allowance ($6 Breakfast, $11 Lunch, $19 dinner).
- Breakfast: $6.00 – when travel begins before 6:00 AM and extends beyond 8:00 AM
- Lunch: $11.00 – when travel begins before 12 noon and extends beyond 2:00 PM
- Dinner: $19.00 – when travel begins before 6:00 PM and extends beyond 8:00 PM
- Meals provided with registration must be deducted, regardless of participation.
Meal Allowance with Last Day Per Diem
- Rates for meal allowance for trip except last day up to $80 per diem, depending upon return time and meals provided.
- Meals provided with registration must be deducted, regardless of participation.
Mileage
- Only when personal vehicle is used.
- .445 per mile.
- Round trip map OR two (2) one-way maps required.
- Use Google Maps or MapQuest.
- Should be from Ä¢¹½TV or your home, whichever is the shortest distance.
- If driving outside Florida, a flight comparison must be provided. The lesser of the two will be reimbursed.
Parking
- Utilize long term parking at RSW.
Per Diem
- $80 max per day – only when you’re not staying at a hotel (i.e. staying with family or friends).
Registration Fee - ConferENce/Workshop
- Must include the agenda with your Spend Authorization.
- Receipt $0 balance or showing paid in Expense Report.
- Additional paid workshops must be justified with a benefit to Ä¢¹½TV.
Taxi and Ground Travel
- Tip off trip fare.
- Tip cannot be greater than 20%.
Tolls
- Receipts required.
- Car rental tolls can be looked up on their respective websites or by clicking , or .