I am thinking about opening a new business selling my favorite's college apparel and accessories. I want to use college's name in my business' name. I'm not going to post the name i want to use but here is an example: GATOR SHOP I am going to be selling University of Florida stuff and want to use the word GATOR in my business' name. Is that allowed?
You would need permission to use their trademarks in the domain name and any products you sell. http://www.gatorzone.com/licensing/
No. It is not allowed, unless you get permission. If you were to call it "Gator Shop" and sold Alligator shoes, then that would be a different story, otherwise, by selling the actual product, you are trampling all over their trademark. Clear violation.
Take in some business documents, outlying exxactly what it is you want to do. You might find that for a commision, they'd be willing to give you access to materials and sources that would otherwise be more expensive doing yourself. Such as logo designs, manufacturers, etc. Also, the word "official" sells itself.