Jersey Shore

The University of Florida sent out an email to students participating in their study abroad program in Italy -- which states "any student who does agree to participate in the filming of the show, or who signs a waiver or legal agreement of any sort with MTV, will be dismissed from the program immediately."

TMZ obtained the email -- warning the students that any action deemed potentially embarrassing to the school "will not be tolerated."

The school has also threatened to contact the student's parental units to inform them why the school would be kicking them to the curb.

Funny, we thought the U of F mascot was the Gator ... not the Rat.

UPDATE: The UF is now changing their tune ... TMZ spoke with Janine Sikes, UF Director of Public Affairs, who tells us, "Generally speaking, students may participate in activities outside their Study Abroad program as long as they meet the academic and living requirements of that program."

According to the suit filed Monday in federal court in Miami ... Mike Sorrentino claims his pop, Frank Sorrentino, is illegally using his name and likeness all over his website, TheConfrontationSite.com.

Mike also insists his dad is actively trying to damage his business reputation -- by posting anti-Situation videos and statements all over the site.

Mike also takes a shot at his father's business partner -- claiming the guy who created his dad's site is a scumbag businessman who has a long history of ripping people off.

Sources connected to la famiglia ... tell TMZ the Situation's lawyer sent the email to Frank Sorrentino -- aka The Confrontation -- warning of a lawsuit and an emergency injuction to shut down that website where Dad blasts Sitch.

Frank's rep says they're not taking down the website -- and they're not threatened -- especially since, he claims, the email referred to a "law suit."

It finally happened ... The Situation ... Pauly D ... Ronnie ... and Vinny have touched down in Florence, Italy less than an hour ago -- and were greeted with a crazy fan crush!

The Italian paparazzi went crazy -- snapping photos of the boys as they unloaded their bags out of a taxi ... and took their stuff into the building where they will be living.

We're told the guys had to cover the cab themselves -- and had to huddle up before they could figure out how to pay the driver.

They're at the business class desk right now, with a bunch of tacky, animal print luggage.

The guys, we're told, are on the way.

Sources close to Frank tell TMZ, he hopes to start shopping his show as soon as he locks down his tell-all book deal -- whenever that happens.

As for WHY Frank's doing this -- we're told his own kids once said he had no talent ... and now he's out to prove them wrong.

If the reality show doesn't work out -- sources tell us, Frank is also open to hosting or co-hosting some kind of talk show.

Now THAT would be entertaining.

One of Frank Sorrentino's business associates tells TMZ, Frank had asked Sitch for some help making his monthly medical insurance payments recently -- and the "Jersey Shore" star flat out refused.

According to sources, The Situation not only said no -- but told his dad to "move to Florida and go on welfare."

We're told Frank was pretty adamant about repaying his son anyway -- using money from a business deal they allegedly made to develop real estate in NYC ... but the Sitch never gave him a chance.

Frank was outraged by his son's rejection -- and responded by RIPPING the Sitch into pieces online yesterday in multiple angry videos.

Frank Sorrentino claimed Mike has abandoned his family when he got famous, suggesting Mike refused to give him financial help.

Frank Sorrentino posted the tirade online today -- targeting his son, saying, "I ask you one f**king favor and you tell me to go f**king be like a regular f**king Joe Blow and go on welfare? No, my friend, I don't do that."

Our sources say there's so much security and hoopla over the President's visit Thursday, it would be too much of a hassle to shoot around it. So they're waiting till the Prez leaves, but shooting will begin late this week.

According to our sources, the delay was caused by a "logistical problem" ... and they are expecting to be all systems go a week from today.

Both the girls and guys (with camera crews in tow) were spotted in the last 24 hours gathering to head out to Italy (see below), but those plans are on hold for now.

Officials at the Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici fired off a letter to students saying:

"Dear Students,

Our Housing dept. has informed us that starting May 9th there will be shootings inside the 2nd floor apartment of your building. We advise you to NOT sign any paper, let anyone in, and keep us informed."

University sources tell us the I.L.D.M. is so serious about keeping students in a guido-free environment ... officials have offered "alternative housing close to campus" to anyone who wants to get away from the madness.