In this article, we all are going through the state and federal rules of Florida about drones, and I will bring you the important facts that you should know before flying drones in Florida.
If you don’t know anything about the rules of flying in this majestic swamp and bustling city, fasten your seatbelts, grab your remote controller, and let’s embark on a quest to navigate the legal skies of Florida!
Drone Laws in Florida: Can I Fly a Drone in Florida?
Right now, as we are together in this section, there are thousands of drones registered in Florida.
So, we know that flying drones is legal in Florida but there are some certain rules that you better know before flying.
First, look at the FAA drone regulations in Florida state about registration and user identification.
FAA Drone Regulations:
- All drones weighing between 0.55lbs and 55lbs must be registered with the FAA.
- The FAA divides drone operators into two categories: recreational and commercial. Each category has its own set of rules.
- Use an identification tool to determine which user category you belong to and learn the applicable regulations.
Now, let’s get more details about the permits and licenses for drone flying in Florida.
Are DJI Drones Banned in Florida?
Florida has recently implemented a ban on state and local government agencies using drones from certain countries, including China.
This means that thousands of DJI drones, commonly used by public safety departments, are no longer allowed to be flown in Florida.
The ban went into effect on April 5, 2023, and it only applies to government agencies. However, it is better to note that private and commercial drone use is still permitted.
The reason for this decision is that the Florida government has expressed concerns that DJI drones could be used to collect sensitive data, such as images of military bases or critical infrastructure.
They also have concerns that DJI drones could be hacked and used for malicious purposes.
Can I Shoot a Drone Over My Property Florida? (State Drone Laws in Florida)
To ensure the safety and privacy of our community, the Florida city has implemented an ordinance prohibiting drone flights over both public and private property without the explicit consent of the property owner.
This ordinance also mandates that commercial drone pilots register with our local police department before engaging in any commercial drone operations within the city limits.
The Florida Legislature has enacted several laws to regulate drone operations within the state. These laws cover various aspects of drone usage, including preemption of local regulations, restrictions on flight over critical infrastructure, and prohibitions on capturing images of private property without consent.
Read more: Can you Shoot Down a Drone over your Property?
Rule No. 1: Fly Drones in Florida
This law establishes that only the Florida Government has the authority to create drone regulations within the state.
However, it permits local governments to enact ordinances addressing nuisances, voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, property damage, or other illegal drone activities.
Additionally, HB 1027 prohibits drone operation over or near critical infrastructure and the possession or operation of weaponized UAS.
Rule No. 2: Fly Drones in Florida
This law strictly forbids the use of drones in Florida to capture images of privately owned property or its occupants without their explicit consent, provided there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
The other important point about flying drones in Florida is that law enforcement agencies can only operate drones if they have a warrant, are responding to a terrorist threat, or need to take immediate action to save lives or find missing persons.
Additionally, this law allows individuals harmed by unauthorized drone use to file civil lawsuits.
Some special local drone laws in Florida are designed for the cities, and I am trying to explain them to you as briefly as possible, so take a look at these options:
Florida Drone Laws by Local
The town of Bonita Springs has restricted drone use at Community Park to unoccupied fields. Flying within 25 feet of people, power lines, buildings, or light fixtures is also banned.
In the town of Defuniak Springs, the drones cannot be flown over public or private property without the owner’s consent. Commercial drone pilots must register with the town police department.
Others are as follows:
- Lake County: Drone operators must obtain prior permission from the director or designee to take off or land on county-owned land classified as non-recreational or in areas with specific drone restrictions.
- Pinellas County: Drone operators are prohibited from taking off or landing on county-owned land EXCEPT for public safety purposes with written permission.
- Canaveral Port Authority: Drone operation on CPA property is prohibited without prior authorization from CPA Public Safety & Security.
These are just some of the most important local and state laws that all pilots should learn before taking off their drones in Florida.
Are Drones Allowed in Florida State Parks?
As mentioned earlier, drone usage is usually forbidden in Florida State Parks, with the exception of emergencies or parks with established landing facilities.
Nevertheless, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection may permit the use of drones to inspect natural disaster locations.
Read more:
Can You Fly Drones in National Parks?
Can You Fly a Drone In New York City?
Do you know what are the drone sentences in Florida?
The drone operators may be subject to civil liability for any damages they cause.
| Unauthorized drone operation in a restricted area: | up to $5,000 |
| Drone operation over or near critical infrastructure: | up to $1,000 and
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| Drone operation carelessly or recklessly: | up to $500 and |
| Drone operation without registration: | up to $27,500. |
| Drone operation with a weapon: | A crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000. |
The violators might even go to jail for 60 days to 1 year based on the activity that they have done.
High Point
The sky is yours, but not everywhere! Being a professional is not only about being able to fly in every situation; it is about knowing where you are allowed to fly and what the regulations are.
In this section, I gathered the most important data you need to know before investing in the sky of Florida. Can you fly a drone in Florida? Do you know about the state and local laws of Florida?
What are your thoughts on drone regulations in Florida? Did you have experience in flying in Florida? If you have anything to add, the comments belong to you, so please share your ideas.
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