Florida Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Florida maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with targeted legislation addressing critical infrastructure protection, law enforcement use, and commercial drone delivery services. The state has existing statutory prohibitions on drone operations over critical infrastructure facilities (Fla. Stat. § 330.35) and recently enrolled legislation authorizing law enforcement drone use via search warrants. Florida does not impose broad statewide restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements, and state law expressly preempts local governments from regulating drone operations.
State Drone Laws
Fla. Stat. § 330.35Operating Drones Over Critical Infrastructure Facilities
Prohibits the operation of a drone over a critical infrastructure facility in Florida. Critical infrastructure includes electrical power plants, water treatment facilities, and other protected sites. Violators are subject to criminal penalties. The statute pre-dates the 2026 legislative session; proposed bill S0870 sought to revise these existing prohibitions but died in committee.
Fla. Stat. § 934.50Surveillance by Drone — Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act
Prohibits law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather evidence or other information without a warrant, with limited exceptions such as counter-terrorism operations, search and rescue, and preventing imminent danger to life. Also prohibits private individuals and entities from using drones to conduct surveillance on persons or property with intent to harass. Evidence gathered in violation is inadmissible. This is Florida's foundational drone privacy statute.
Fla. Stat. § 330.41Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act — State Preemption
Establishes that the regulation of the ownership and operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is preempted to the state of Florida, except as otherwise provided by law. Local governments are prohibited from enacting ordinances related to drone ownership and operation. This statute centralizes drone regulation at the state level and prevents a patchwork of local rules, though it does not prevent local agencies from managing drone use on their own property.
Fla. Stat. § 330.30Unmanned Aircraft — General Provisions and Definitions
Provides definitions and general provisions governing unmanned aircraft systems in Florida. Defines 'unmanned aircraft,' 'unmanned aircraft system,' and related terms consistent with FAA definitions. Establishes the framework for Florida's UAS regulatory scheme under Chapter 330.
Fla. Stat. § 330.36Drones Equipped with Weapons
Prohibits the attachment or use of a weapon on a drone by any person other than a law enforcement officer in the lawful discharge of duties. It is a felony to operate a drone over a person without consent when the drone is equipped with a weapon capable of firing projectiles.
Fla. Stat. Ch. 934 (H0359 — Enrolled)Search Warrants and Law Enforcement Drone Use
Enrolled 2026 legislation authorizing law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants to use drones to conduct searches in certain circumstances. Permits judges to authorize law enforcement officers to appear remotely when applying for search warrants. Specifies procedures for timely execution of warrants for devices containing data. Amends Chapter 934 to address UAS-based evidence gathering pursuant to judicial authorization.
Fla. Stat. § 330.34Commercial Drone Delivery — Drone Ports
Addresses the regulation of commercial drone delivery services and drone port infrastructure in Florida. The statute framework enables drone delivery operations subject to state and federal requirements. Related 2026 legislative efforts (H1233/S1220) sought to expand and modernize these provisions but died before enactment.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Miami Beach
Drone Use on City Property
Miami Beach has enacted rules governing drone operations on city-owned property, including beaches and parks. While state preemption bars broad local drone regulation, municipalities retain authority to regulate drone use on their own property. Drone operations on Miami Beach city property require a permit from the City Manager's office.
Restrictions
Permit required for drone operations on city-owned property including public beaches. No drone operations over public gatherings without city approval.
City of Orlando
Parks and Recreation Drone Policy
The City of Orlando prohibits drone operations within city parks and recreation areas without prior written permission from the Parks Department, consistent with the state preemption framework which allows local governments to regulate use of their own properties.
Restrictions
No drone flights in Orlando city parks without written permit. Operations near Amway Center subject to event-based TFRs.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Florida does not impose state-level drone registration requirements. All applicable operators must comply with FAA registration requirements: recreational operators with drones weighing 0.55 lbs or more must register with the FAA for $5. Commercial operators must hold a Part 107 certificate and register their drone fleet with the FAA. Florida's state preemption statute (§ 330.41) bars local registration schemes.
No statewide permit is required for routine drone operations. However, flights in controlled airspace near Florida's major airports require LAANC authorization or an FAA waiver. Operations over critical infrastructure, sporting events, or government facilities may require additional federal authorization.
Florida does not mandate drone insurance at the state level. Some municipalities and universities require proof of liability insurance for permitted operations on their property. Commercial operators may face contractual insurance requirements from clients.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
FAA Remote ID requirement applies to all drone operators in Florida
As of September 16, 2023, all commercial and most recreational drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements (14 CFR Part 89). Non-compliance can result in civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation and certificate suspension. Florida operators must ensure their aircraft transmit Remote ID broadcast. Florida's state preemption statute does not conflict with this federal requirement; state law expressly defers to federal airspace regulation.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operations in Florida require FAA Part 107 certification
Any commercial drone operation in Florida requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Florida does not impose additional state-level commercial licensing requirements beyond federal standards. The state preemption statute (§ 330.41) bars local commercial drone licensing schemes as well.
Recreational Flight Compliance
Recreational operators must register with FAA and follow established guidelines
Recreational drone operators in Florida must register their aircraft with the FAA if the drone weighs 0.55 lbs or more, even though Florida does not mandate state registration. All recreational operators must comply with federal airspace restrictions, altitude limits (400 feet AGL in uncontrolled airspace), and line-of-sight requirements. Recreational operators must also pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
Airspace Authorization
LAANC system and waiver procedures apply in Florida
Operators conducting Part 107 flights near controlled airspace in Florida must obtain airspace authorization through LAANC or by requesting a waiver from the FAA. Florida's major metropolitan areas (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach) have LAANC coverage at their airports. Florida's Kennedy Space Center and surrounding airspace creates unique authorization requirements during launch windows.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Federal and state restrictions on drone operations over critical infrastructure
Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 46502 and FAA regulations) and Florida state law (Fla. Stat. § 330.35) both prohibit drone operations over critical infrastructure. The state statute supplements federal protections. The 2026 legislative session saw S0870 attempt to revise Florida's existing critical infrastructure drone restrictions, but the bill died in Transportation committee.
Military Installations and National Defense Airspace
Florida's numerous military installations create extensive restricted airspace
Florida hosts numerous major military installations including MacDill AFB (Tampa), Eglin AFB (Panhandle), Homestead ARB (South Florida), NAS Jacksonville, NAS Key West, Patrick SFB (Space Coast), and others. These installations have permanent restricted and prohibited airspace that applies to all drone operators. Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach is designated National Defense Airspace when the President is in residence, creating a strict no-fly zone enforced by the Secret Service and FAA.
Kennedy Space Center / Cape Canaveral Airspace
Special airspace restrictions apply around Florida's Space Coast
Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station have complex airspace restrictions that expand significantly during launch operations. Drone operators in Brevard County must monitor NOTAMs closely. SpaceX, ULA, and NASA launches regularly generate temporary flight restrictions covering large areas of the Space Coast.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at Florida's major airports including Miami International, Orlando International, Tampa International, Jacksonville International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Palm Beach International, and several secondary airports. Florida's dense airspace and tourist attractions create numerous controlled airspace areas requiring LAANC authorization.
Major Airports
MIA — Miami International AirportMCO — Orlando International AirportTPA — Tampa International AirportJAX — Jacksonville International AirportFLL — Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International AirportPBI — Palm Beach International AirportSRQ — Sarasota Bradenton International AirportRSW — Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)PIE — St. Pete-Clearwater International AirportGNV — Gainesville Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common around major events, government facilities, and special security areas in Florida. Notable recurring TFRs include: Super Bowl events (most recently Super Bowl LX, February 2026); NASCAR events at Daytona International Speedway; stadium TFRs during NFL, college football, and MLB games; TFRs around Kennedy Space Center during launches; ICE operations TFRs (established January 2026 by FAA nationwide); and Mar-a-Lago (Palm Beach) Presidential security TFRs when the President is in residence (classified as a National Defense Airspace).
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA and FBI Establish Comprehensive Drone Restrictions for Super Bowl LX
regulatory changeComprehensive drone restrictions and enforcement initiatives were established for Super Bowl LX in Florida, including no-fly zones extending several miles around the venue and heightened FAA and FBI surveillance. FAA stepped up enforcement and public outreach ahead of the event, emphasizing that violations could result in civil and criminal penalties.
FAA Institutes Nationwide Drone No-Fly Zones Around ICE Operations
enforcementFAA established nationwide drone no-fly zones around Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, with significant implications for Florida given its role as a major ICE operational hub. Florida drone operators near ICE facilities and operation sites must check NOTAMs before flight.
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties After Detection Over Fort McNair
enforcementFederal agencies signaled increased penalties for drone regulation violations following unauthorized drone detection over Fort McNair. This enforcement posture signals tougher federal scrutiny nationwide, directly affecting Florida operators who fly near military installations such as MacDill AFB (Tampa), Eglin AFB, Homestead ARB, and Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
Pending Legislation
S0870Died in TransportationOperating Drones Over Critical Infrastructure Facilities
Proposed to revise existing prohibitions relating to the operation of a drone over a critical infrastructure facility under Fla. Stat. § 330.35. Would have modified Florida's existing critical infrastructure drone restrictions. Bill died in the Transportation committee during the 2026 legislative session. Existing § 330.35 prohibitions remain in force.
Last action: March 13, 2026
H1233Laid on Table, refer to CS/CS/CS/SB 1220Transportation (Drone Delivery and Drone Ports)
Comprehensive transportation bill including revisions to drone delivery services and drone port provisions under Florida law. Would have modified requirements for commercial drone delivery operations and established drone port infrastructure standards. Laid on table in favor of Senate companion. Both bills ultimately died.
Last action: March 11, 2026
S1220Died in Returning MessagesTransportation (Drone Delivery and Drone Ports)
Senate companion to H1233 addressing transportation infrastructure including commercial drone delivery services and drone port standards in Florida. Passed both chambers with amendments but died in the messaging/conference stage at the end of the 2026 session. Drone delivery regulatory framework in Florida remains under existing statutes.
Last action: March 13, 2026
H0359EnrolledSearch Warrants (Law Enforcement Drone Use)
Enrolled legislation authorizing law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants to use drones to conduct searches in certain circumstances. Permits remote appearances by law enforcement officers in search warrant proceedings. Specifies timely execution procedures for warrants involving electronic devices. This represents a significant update to Florida's law enforcement drone authorization framework under Chapter 934.
Last action: March 5, 2026
S0442Laid on Table, refer to CS/HB 359Search Warrants (Law Enforcement Drone Use)
Senate companion to H0359 addressing search warrant procedures and law enforcement drone use authorization. Substituted by House companion bill H0359 which was enrolled. The enrolled H0359 reflects the legislative intent of both bills.
Last action: March 4, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | UF requires all UAS operations on campus to be registered and approved by the Office of Research and the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) division prior to flight. UF operates a UAS research program and has established protocols for both academic research and commercial drone use on university property. Operators must provide proof of FAA certification and registration. Restrictions: Pre-approval required for all campus flights. Drone operators must submit a flight request to EHS. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and surrounding areas subject to stadium TFR (no-fly) during home football games. No operations over crowds or gatherings. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Office of Research — research@ufl.edu |
| Florida State University | FSU restricts drone operations on all university-owned or controlled property to approved research and university-authorized activities. Personal or recreational drone use on campus is prohibited. Commercial operators must receive written authorization from FSU's EHS office and provide proof of Part 107 certification and FAA registration. Doak Campbell Stadium has a game-day TFR. Restrictions: University written authorization required for all flights on campus property. Doak Campbell Stadium TFR during FSU football games. No recreational drone use on campus under any circumstances. Proof of insurance may be required for commercial operations. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — safety.fsu.edu |
| University of Miami | The University of Miami requires advance approval from the Department of Public Safety and Risk Management for all drone operations on university property, including the Coral Gables main campus, medical campus (Rosenstiel School), and other UM facilities. Operators must provide FAA documentation and proof of adequate liability insurance. Hard Rock Stadium (UM's former football venue) is an off-campus location subject to its own event-based TFRs. Restrictions: Prior written approval required from Public Safety and Risk Management. Liability insurance proof required. No flights over persons, buildings, or crowds without specific authorization. Hard Rock Stadium TFR during events (off-campus, Miami Gardens). | Yes | Department of Public Safety / Risk Management — publicsafety.miami.edu |
| Florida International University | FIU requires all drone operations on campus (Modesto Maidique Campus in Miami and Biscayne Bay Campus) to be pre-approved by the Office of Research and Economic Development and Environmental Health & Safety. FIU has an active drone research program through its College of Engineering and Computing. Operations must comply with Miami Class B airspace requirements and LAANC authorization. Restrictions: Pre-approval from EHS and Office of Research required. Operations near Miami International Airport require LAANC authorization due to Class B airspace. No recreational flights on campus property. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Office of Research and Economic Development |
| University of Central Florida | UCF requires all UAS operations on university property to be authorized in advance through the Office of Research and the Safety and Risk Management office. UCF's main campus in Orlando is within the Orlando Class B airspace complex, requiring LAANC authorization for most drone flights. UCF has drone research programs through its College of Engineering and Computer Science. Restrictions: Prior authorization from Safety and Risk Management required. Most campus flights require LAANC authorization due to MCO Class B airspace. Proof of FAA registration and Part 107 certification (for commercial operations) required. No recreational flights on campus. | Yes | Safety and Risk Management / Office of Research |
| University of South Florida | USF requires pre-authorization for all drone flights on university property across its Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. The Tampa main campus is near Tampa International Airport airspace (Class B). USF's EHS office manages drone authorization requests and maintains a campus UAS policy. Research drone operations must also receive approval from the Office of Research. Restrictions: Pre-authorization required from EHS. Tampa campus flights may require LAANC authorization near TPA Class B airspace. Commercial and research operations require Part 107 certification documentation. No personal or recreational flights permitted on campus. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Office of Research |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) | FAMU, located adjacent to Florida State University in Tallahassee, requires drone operations on campus to be pre-authorized by campus safety and facilities management. FAMU has emerging drone programs through its College of Engineering. Bragg Memorial Stadium area may be subject to event-based restrictions. Restrictions: Pre-authorization required from Campus Safety. No recreational drone use. Event-based restrictions during football games at Bragg Memorial Stadium. | Yes | Campus Safety and Security |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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