Florida Drone Laws

Prohibits operation of drones over critical infrastructure facilities (power plants, water treatment, wireless towers, seaports, airports, military installations, correctional facilities, dams, and other listed facilities) or allowing a drone to come within a distance close enough to interfere with or cause disturbance to the facility. The statute uses a 'interfere with or disturb' standard; secondary sources reference a 500-foot horizontal / 400-foot vertical rule of thumb. Facilities must be completely enclosed by a fence or clearly marked with no-entry signage.

Prohibits operation of drones over any public or private school serving students in voluntary pre-kindergarten through grade 12 at all hours (not limited to school day or weekday). Ban applies 24/7, regardless of whether school is in session. Affirmative defense: written consent of school principal, school board, superintendent, or governing board.

Prohibits operation of drones over agricultural lands to conduct surveillance or harassment.

Prohibits use of drones to harass individuals on private property or state-designated hunting lands. Penalty escalates with video recording and repeat offenses.

Prohibits possession or operation of a drone equipped with a weapon, firearm, or explosive device.

Prohibits operation of a drone carrying or appearing to carry a weapon of mass destruction or making a credible threat that a drone carries a WMD.

Prohibits any person, state agency, or political subdivision from using a drone equipped with an imaging device to record privately owned real property or the owner, tenant, occupant, invitee, or licensee without written consent if a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Florida presumes a reasonable expectation of privacy if the subject is not observable from ground level in a place where an observer has a legal right to be, regardless of aerial observability. Law enforcement use restricted to warrant-backed operations with narrow exceptions (terrorism, imminent danger, missing persons).

Prohibits delivery of contraband into state correctional institutions, contractor-operated correctional facilities, or secure detention centers by drone or other means. Penalties vary by contraband type.

Prohibits delivery of contraband into county detention facilities by drone. Penalties vary by contraband type.

Prohibits using a drone to take, harass, or assist in taking fish or wildlife. Harassing wildlife, including disturbing nesting birds, is a violation.

Prohibits recording a person in a state of undress or in a private place without consent. Can be applied in conjunction with § 934.50 for drone surveillance of private areas.

Prohibits launching or landing any aircraft, including drones, in any park or land managed by Florida's Division of Recreation and Parks (175+ state parks). Exceptions limited to life-endangering emergency or pre-existing designated landing facility (none currently guest-accessible).

Prohibits launching or landing aircraft, including drones, on lands managed by the Florida Forest Service (state forests and parks) except at runways or helispots with prior authorization from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Emergency situations and official business are exempt.

Prohibits launching or landing aircraft, including drones, on District lands unless authorized by a Special Use Authorization permit.

Preempts local governments from regulating drone design, manufacture, testing, maintenance, licensing, registration, certification, and operation. Carve-outs permit local authority over nuisances, voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, property damage, and other illegal acts arising from drone use.

Miami Code § 37-12 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Restricts drone operation within a half-mile radius of sporting events and large-venue special events at designated locations (Bayfront Park, Marlins Ballpark, Miami Marine Stadium, Calle Ocho Festival). Drones under 5 pounds cannot carry detachable cargo, release payloads, or be equipped with weapons. Drones over 5 pounds may only be flown by registered AMA members. Permits required for certain drone-related activities.

Orlando City Code § 43.02 — Drone Operations

Prohibits drone operation within 500 feet of any outdoor public assembly, any event drawing 1,000 or more people, any detention facility, any city venue (Amway Center, Camping World Stadium, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Mennello Museum, Dr. Phillips Center), or any city park, school, or government building. Permits available: $20 per flight or $150 annually with proof of insurance.

Hillsborough County Drone Policy — Mango Park Designation

Bars drone takeoff and landing on county-owned non-recreation land without written permission from Parks & Recreation administrator. Maintains Mango Park (11717 Clay Pit Rd.) as a dedicated drone-flying area accessible to pilots without a permit.

Pinellas County Code of Ordinances § 90-7 — Aircraft Operations

Prohibits launching or landing drones on county-owned or county-managed land except for public safety purposes or with prior written permission from the administrator or designee.

Lake County Code of Ordinances § 16-65 — Motorized Devices on Public Land

Prohibits motorized devices, including drones, on public lands or lands operated and maintained by Lake County except if authorized by a Special Use Permit.

Bonita Springs Municipal Law — Drone Operations

Restricts drone flying at Community Park to times when fields are unoccupied. Prohibits flying within 25 feet of people, power lines, buildings, or light fixtures. Allows photography during special events with permit and commercial operations with written concessionaire agreement.

DeFuniak Springs Ordinance No. 866 — Unmanned Aircraft Operations

Prohibits drone operation over private or public property without owner consent. Requires commercial drone pilots to register with police department and provide 4-hour advance notice before flights.

Canaveral Port Authority — Unmanned Aerial Systems Policy

Prohibits drone operations on CPA property without prior authorization from Public Safety and Security. Drone photography prohibited within 24 hours of any scheduled launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station or Kennedy Space Center.

University of Tampa UAV & Drone Policy

Restricts all drone operations (commercial and recreational) over university-owned property and grounds unless official authorization is granted by the university.