Florida Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Florida maintains one of the most restrictive drone regulatory frameworks in the United States, particularly following the October 2025 enactment of HB 1121. The state imposes blanket prohibitions over K-12 school campuses (all hours, all days), enforces a 500-foot horizontal and 400-foot vertical buffer around critical infrastructure, and levies felony-level penalties for violations. State law presumes privacy expectations for drone surveillance even when subjects are observable from the air, and state parks are entirely closed to drone takeoffs and landings.
State Drone Laws
Fla. Stat. § 330.41Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act - Critical Infrastructure Protection (as amended by HB 1121)
Prohibits operating a drone over a critical infrastructure facility, allowing a drone to make contact with the facility or any person/object on the premises, or allowing a drone to come within a distance close enough to interfere with or cause a disturbance to the facility. Critical infrastructure includes: power generation/transmission facilities, substations, switching stations, electrical control centers; chemical/rubber manufacturing or storage; mining facilities; natural gas/compressed gas compressor stations, storage facilities, pipelines; liquid natural gas/propane terminals; aboveground oil/gas pipelines, refineries, gas processing plants; wireless/wired communications facilities; seaports; inland ports; intermodal freight facilities; airports; spaceports; military installations; dams; locks; floodgates; dikes; state correctional institutions; contractor-operated correctional facilities; secure detention centers; county detention facilities. Facilities must be fenced/barriers or marked with no-entry signage. Commercial operations authorized by FAA are exempt.
Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5)Drone Operation Over K-12 School Campuses
Prohibits operating a drone over any public or private school serving students in voluntary pre-kindergarten through grade 12 at all hours, weekends, holidays, or school days. Prohibition applies to school premises, facilities, and grounds. Written consent of school principal, school board, superintendent, or governing board is an affirmative defense.
Fla. Stat. § 330.41(6)Drone Operation Over Agricultural Lands
Prohibits operating a drone over agricultural lands in a manner that harasses, disturbs, or interferes with agricultural operations or livestock without owner consent.
Fla. Stat. § 330.41(7)Drone Harassment of Private Property and Hunting Lands
Prohibits using a drone to harass or facilitate harassment of persons on private property or Florida state hunting lands. Escalates with video recording and repeat offenses.
Fla. Stat. § 330.411Weaponized Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Prohibits possessing or operating a drone with any weapon, firearm, explosive device, or lethal payload attached or carried. Violations are felony offenses. Separate enhanced penalties for hoax WMD drones or drones actually carrying weapons of mass destruction.
Fla. Stat. § 934.50Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act (Drone Privacy)
Prohibits using a drone with imaging device to record privately owned real property or the owner, tenant, occupant, invitee, or licensee without written consent if reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Florida presumes reasonable expectation of privacy if subject is not observable from ground level in place where observer has legal right to be, regardless of whether observable from air. Creates civil cause of action for private parties. Restricts law enforcement drone use to warrant-backed operations except in limited Homeland Security/terrorism/emergency scenarios. Effective January 1, 2023, state and local government agencies prohibited from purchasing drones from foreign countries of concern (DJI, Autel, etc.); approved manufacturers include Skydio, Parrot, Altavian, Teal Drones, Vantage Robotics. Private and commercial pilots are unaffected.
Fla. Stat. § 810.14Video Voyeurism
Prohibits using any device to record or transmit images of person in state of undress or in private place without consent. Applicable to drones used for voyeuristic purposes. Can stack with § 934.50 violations.
Fla. Stat. § 379.401Prohibition on Using Drones to Take or Harass Wildlife
Prohibits using drone to take, harass, or assist in taking any fish or wildlife. Applies on Florida Wildlife Management Areas and all public lands. Harassment of nesting birds is specific violation. FWC maintains published Drone Manual for Wildlife Management Area operations.
Fla. Stat. § 944.47Contraband Delivery to State Correctional Institutions
Prohibits delivering contraband (drugs, weapons, cell phones, razor blades, etc.) to state correctional institutions by drone or other means. Enhanced penalties for controlled substances and communication devices.
Fla. Stat. § 951.22Contraband Delivery to County Detention Facilities
Prohibits delivering contraband to county detention facilities, including via drone.
Fla. Admin. Code R. 62D-2.014(15)Prohibition on Aircraft Takeoff and Landing in State Parks
Prohibits takeoff and landing of any aircraft, glider, balloon, parachute, or aerial apparatus in any state park or land managed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks. Exceptions only for life-endangering emergency or at designated landing facility (none currently guest-accessible). Overflight is not prohibited; takeoff/landing is primary restriction.
Fla. Admin. Code 5I-4.003Prohibition on Aircraft Takeoff and Landing on Forest Service Lands
Prohibits launching or landing aircraft on lands managed by Florida Forest Service except at designated runways or helispots with authorization from Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Authorization granted only if operation does not endanger health/safety of persons, potentially damage forest resources, or interfere with management objectives. Exceptions for emergencies and official business.
Fla. Admin. Code 40C-9.320Prohibition on Aircraft Takeoff and Landing on Water Management District Lands
Prohibits launching or landing aircraft on lands managed by St. Johns River Water Management District without Special Use Authorization.
Fla. Stat. § 330.41(3) [HB 1027]State Preemption of Local UAS Regulation
Preempts local governments from regulating drone design, manufacture, testing, maintenance, licensing, registration, certification, and operation. Local governments may regulate only nuisances, voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, property damage, or other illegal acts arising from drone use. Strong preemption language limits municipal authority.
Fla. Stat. § 934.50 [SB 92, 2013]Limitations on Law Enforcement Drone Use
Limits law enforcement use of drones to: (1) evidence gathering with search warrant; (2) counter-terrorism if US Secretary of Homeland Security determines credible terrorist threat; (3) search and rescue; (4) imminent danger to life/property. Creates civil cause of action for improper drone use by law enforcement. Evidence obtained without warrant or in violation of this section is inadmissible.
Ch. 2026-177 [HB 359/SB 442]Authorization for Law Enforcement Drone Use with Search Warrants
Authorizes law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants to use drones for evidence gathering and search operations. Clarifies warrant procedure for drone deployment. Allows judges to authorize remote appearances in warrant proceedings via audio-video technology.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Miami
cityMiami Code § 37-12 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordinance, Ordinance 13581)
Restricts drone operations within Miami city limits. Prohibits operation within half-mile radius of sporting events and large-venue special events at designated locations.
Restrictions
Half-mile radius ban around: Bayfront Park, Marlins Ballpark, Miami Marine Stadium, Calle Ocho Festival, and other public parks/facilities during special events. Drones under 5 pounds cannot carry detachable cargo, releasable payload, or weapons. Drones over 5 pounds may only be operated by registered AMA members following AMA rules. Permits required for certain drone-related activities.
Orlando
cityOrlando City Code § 43.02 (Drone Operations, Ordinance 2016-87, amended 2017-47)
Prohibits drone operation within 500 feet of city-owned parks, schools, government buildings, and event venues. Prohibits operation within 500 feet of outdoor public assemblies or events exceeding 1,000 people.
Restrictions
500-foot buffer from: city-owned parks (except with Parks Director permission), any public or private school, city venues (Amway Center, Camping World Stadium, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Mennello Museum, Dr. Phillips Center), any city government building, outdoor events with 1,000+ people. Permit system: $20 per flight or $150 annual permit. Violations: $200-$400 per citation. Note: Theme park resort airspace (Disney, Universal) covered by federal year-round security TFRs.
Bonita Springs
cityBonita Springs Code § 28-41 (Drone Operations)
Restricts drone operations in city parks. Prohibits flying within 25 feet of people, power lines, buildings, or light fixtures.
Restrictions
Drones only permitted at Community Park when fields are unoccupied. Must maintain 25-foot buffer from people, power lines, buildings, and light fixtures. Exceptions for medical evacuation helicopters, law enforcement, and official government aviation. Commercial drone use requires special event permit or written concession agreement from parks director.
DeFuniak Springs
cityDeFuniak Springs Ordinance No. 866 (Drone Operations)
Prohibits flying drones over private or public property within city limits without owner consent. Requires commercial drone pilots to register with police department.
Restrictions
Recreational drones: prohibited within 0-500 feet over private property without owner consent. Public property flights prohibited unless authorized by Special Use Permit from City Council. Commercial operators must register with DeFuniak Springs Police Department and notify DFSP 4 hours before operations with all pertinent information.
Hillsborough County
countyHillsborough County Drone Policy
Restricts drone takeoff and landing on county-owned lands. Designates Mango Park as public drone flying facility.
Restrictions
Takeoff and landing prohibited on county-owned or county-managed lands not designated for recreation, except for public safety purposes or with written permission from Parks & Recreation administrator. Mango Park (11717 Clay Pit Rd.) is designated as public-use drone flying area requiring no permit.
Lake County
countyLake County Code of Ordinances § 16-65
Prohibits motorized devices, including drones, on public lands or lands operated and maintained by Lake County.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited on all county-owned or county-operated public lands except with Special Use Permit approved on case-by-case basis.
Pinellas County
countyPinellas County Code of Ordinances § 90-7
Prohibits launching or landing drones on county-owned or county-managed lands.
Restrictions
Takeoff and landing prohibited on county property except for public safety purposes or with prior written permission from Parks & Recreation administrator.
Canaveral Port Authority
countyCanaveral Port Authority UAS Policy (Tariff No. 16, Section 200, Rule 265)
Prohibits all UAS operations on Port Authority property without prior authorization.
Restrictions
No drone operations on CPA property without written authorization from CPA Public Safety & Security. Authorization request must be submitted 48 hours prior to intended flight via official online form. Drone photography prohibited within 24 hours of scheduled launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical infrastructure violation (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(4)) | 3rd-Degree Felony | $5,000 | Up to 5 years | Florida State Attorneys, Local Law Enforcement, FDOT | Applies to drones operated within interference distance of power plants, water treatment, airports, military bases, correctional facilities, and other designated critical infrastructure. Enhanced penalties if damage or injury occurs. |
| K-12 School Zone - First Offense, No Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5)) | 2nd-Degree Misdemeanor | $500 | Up to 60 days | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys | Applies regardless of school hours or whether campus is occupied. Written consent from school principal, district board, or governing board is affirmative defense. |
| K-12 School Zone - Repeat Offense, No Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5)) | 1st-Degree Misdemeanor | $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys | Second or subsequent offense over school property. |
| K-12 School Zone - First Offense, With Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5)(c)) | 1st-Degree Misdemeanor | $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys | Recording video footage while flying over school significantly escalates penalty. |
| K-12 School Zone - Repeat Offense, With Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5)(c)) | 3rd-Degree Felony | $5,000 | Up to 5 years | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys | Second or subsequent video offense over school property carries felony-level consequences. |
| Agricultural Lands Violation - First Offense (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(6)) | 2nd-Degree Misdemeanor | $500 | Up to 60 days | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys, FWC | Harassment or interference with agricultural operations or livestock. |
| Agricultural Lands Violation - Repeat Offense (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(6)) | 1st-Degree Misdemeanor | $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys, FWC | Second or subsequent offense. |
| Harassment of Private Property/Hunting Lands - First Offense (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(7)) | 2nd-Degree Misdemeanor | $500 | Up to 60 days | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys | Drone harassment of persons on private property or state hunting lands. |
| Harassment of Private Property/Hunting Lands - Repeat or With Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(7)) | 1st-Degree Misdemeanor or 3rd-Degree Felony | $1,000 to $5,000 | Up to 1 year (misdemeanor) or Up to 5 years (felony) | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys | Escalates with video recording and multiple offenses. |
| Privacy/Surveillance Violation (Fla. Stat. § 934.50(3)(b)) | 1st-Degree Misdemeanor (Criminal); Civil Cause of Action Available | $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys, Private Civil Action | Using drone with imaging device to record privately owned property or occupants in violation of reasonable expectation of privacy. Civil damages available. Florida presumes privacy expectation even if subject is observable from air. |
| Intentional Distribution of Surveillance (Fla. Stat. § 934.50(8)(b)) | 3rd-Degree Felony | $5,000 | Up to 5 years | State Attorneys, Local Law Enforcement | Intentionally distributing surveillance footage obtained in violation of § 934.50. |
| Video Voyeurism via Drone (Fla. Stat. § 810.14) | 2nd-Degree Felony | $15,000 | Up to 15 years | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys | Recording person in state of undress or in private place. Can stack with § 934.50 violations. |
| Weaponized Drone (Fla. Stat. § 330.411(2)) | 3rd-Degree Felony | $5,000 | Up to 5 years | Federal and State Law Enforcement | Possession or operation of drone with firearm, explosive, or lethal payload. |
| WMD or Hoax WMD Drone (Fla. Stat. § 330.411(5)) | 1st-Degree Felony | Per sentencing guidelines | Up to 30 years | Federal and State Law Enforcement | Operating drone carrying WMD or representing WMD presence. |
| Contraband to State Correctional Facility (Fla. Stat. § 944.47) | 2nd or 3rd-Degree Felony (by item) | Per sentencing guidelines | Up to 15 years (varies by offense level) | Florida Department of Corrections, State Attorneys | Delivering contraband (drugs, cell phones, weapons, etc.) to state prison via drone or other means. |
| Contraband to County Detention Facility (Fla. Stat. § 951.22) | Misdemeanor or Felony (by item) | Varies | Varies by item | Local Law Enforcement, State Attorneys | Delivering contraband to county jail or detention facility. |
| Wildlife Taking or Harassment (Fla. Stat. § 379.401, FWC Rules) | Misdemeanor or Felony (by species and severity) | $100 to $5,000+ | Varies | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Using drone to take, harass, or assist in taking fish or wildlife. Includes harassment of nesting birds. |
| Orlando City Ordinance Violation (§ 43.02) | Municipal Ordinance Violation | $200 to $400 per citation | None typical | Orlando Police Department, Parks & Recreation | Violating 500-foot buffer rules around city parks, schools, venues, or events with 1,000+ people. |
| Miami City Ordinance Violation (§ 37-12) | Municipal Ordinance Violation | Varies per city ordinance | None typical | Miami Police Department | Operating within half-mile of restricted venues or violating cargo/payload restrictions. |
| State Park Takeoff/Landing (F.A.C. R. 62D-2.014(15)) | Administrative Violation | Varies | None typical | Florida Department of Environmental Protection Park Rangers | Launching or landing aircraft in any Florida state park except life-endangering emergency. |
Critical infrastructure violation (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(4))
Applies to drones operated within interference distance of power plants, water treatment, airports, military bases, correctional facilities, and other designated critical infrastructure. Enhanced penalties if damage or injury occurs.
K-12 School Zone - First Offense, No Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5))
Applies regardless of school hours or whether campus is occupied. Written consent from school principal, district board, or governing board is affirmative defense.
K-12 School Zone - Repeat Offense, No Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5))
Second or subsequent offense over school property.
K-12 School Zone - First Offense, With Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5)(c))
Recording video footage while flying over school significantly escalates penalty.
K-12 School Zone - Repeat Offense, With Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5)(c))
Second or subsequent video offense over school property carries felony-level consequences.
Agricultural Lands Violation - First Offense (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(6))
Harassment or interference with agricultural operations or livestock.
Agricultural Lands Violation - Repeat Offense (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(6))
Second or subsequent offense.
Harassment of Private Property/Hunting Lands - First Offense (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(7))
Drone harassment of persons on private property or state hunting lands.
Harassment of Private Property/Hunting Lands - Repeat or With Video (Fla. Stat. § 330.41(7))
Escalates with video recording and multiple offenses.
Privacy/Surveillance Violation (Fla. Stat. § 934.50(3)(b))
Using drone with imaging device to record privately owned property or occupants in violation of reasonable expectation of privacy. Civil damages available. Florida presumes privacy expectation even if subject is observable from air.
Intentional Distribution of Surveillance (Fla. Stat. § 934.50(8)(b))
Intentionally distributing surveillance footage obtained in violation of § 934.50.
Video Voyeurism via Drone (Fla. Stat. § 810.14)
Recording person in state of undress or in private place. Can stack with § 934.50 violations.
Weaponized Drone (Fla. Stat. § 330.411(2))
Possession or operation of drone with firearm, explosive, or lethal payload.
WMD or Hoax WMD Drone (Fla. Stat. § 330.411(5))
Operating drone carrying WMD or representing WMD presence.
Contraband to State Correctional Facility (Fla. Stat. § 944.47)
Delivering contraband (drugs, cell phones, weapons, etc.) to state prison via drone or other means.
Contraband to County Detention Facility (Fla. Stat. § 951.22)
Delivering contraband to county jail or detention facility.
Wildlife Taking or Harassment (Fla. Stat. § 379.401, FWC Rules)
Using drone to take, harass, or assist in taking fish or wildlife. Includes harassment of nesting birds.
Orlando City Ordinance Violation (§ 43.02)
Violating 500-foot buffer rules around city parks, schools, venues, or events with 1,000+ people.
Miami City Ordinance Violation (§ 37-12)
Operating within half-mile of restricted venues or violating cargo/payload restrictions.
State Park Takeoff/Landing (F.A.C. R. 62D-2.014(15))
Launching or landing aircraft in any Florida state park except life-endangering emergency.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Florida imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Orlando City Parks Permit - Single Flight — $20 per flightRequired to operate within 500-foot buffer of city parks, schools, government buildings, or events with 1,000+ people in Orlando.
- Orlando City Parks Permit - Annual — $150 per yearAnnual permit alternative to per-flight fee for recurring operations in Orlando city parks and restricted zones.
- Canaveral Port Authority UAS Authorization — Fee amount not specified in published materialsSpecial authorization required 48 hours in advance for any UAS operations on Port Authority property; 24-hour prohibition on drone photography before Cape Canaveral/KSC launches.
Florida does not require state-level drone registration beyond federal FAA registration. All drones over 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years) and display registration number on exterior. No separate state commercial license, permit, or insurance requirement. Florida follows federal Part 107 (commercial) and TRUST (recreational) requirements. Government agencies (state/local) may not purchase drones from foreign countries of concern (DJI, Autel effectively banned for government procurement only); private/commercial pilots unaffected. No state-specific registration agency or process exists.
No state-level permit required for commercial or recreational operations beyond FAA Part 107 (commercial) and TRUST (recreational). Local permits available in some cities (e.g., Orlando: $20/flight or $150/annual for city parks).
No state-mandated insurance requirement, though commercial clients typically require $1 million liability coverage.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 - Commercial Drone Operations
Federal requirement for all commercial drone work in Florida
Commercial drone operators in Florida must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Test costs $175, valid for 24 months, covers 60 multiple-choice questions. No state-level commercial license required, but Part 107 is mandatory for any drone operation that benefits a business (paid or unpaid, including volunteer work). Florida has abundant PSI testing centers in all major metros with same-week availability.
FAA TRUST - Recreational Drone Operations
Federal requirement for recreational drone pilots in Florida
Recreational drone pilots must pass the free FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. Certificate must be carried and produced on demand by law enforcement. Test can be retaken if certificate is lost. Multiple FAA-approved test administrators offer the test at no cost, all questions are correctable to 100%.
FAA Registration
Federal registration requirement for all drones over 0.55 pounds
All drones over 0.55 lbs must be registered with FAA ($5 for 3 years). Registration number must be displayed on exterior of aircraft. Registration available online via FAA Drone Zone. Florida follows this federal requirement with no state-level override or alternative.
Remote ID (RID)
Mandatory for all outdoor drone flights since March 16, 2024
Every drone flown outdoors must broadcast its ID, location, and altitude via Remote ID. Exception: flights inside FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Florida has limited list of FRIAs updated periodically at faa.gov. Non-compliance results in FAA civil penalties up to $27,500.
400-Foot Altitude Limit
FAA standard altitude ceiling for all UAS operations
All recreational and Part 107 operations limited to 400 feet AGL unless conducting operations under Part 107 waiver. Higher altitude flights require explicit FAA waiver approval.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Requirement to maintain sight of drone during flight
Recreational and Part 107 pilots must maintain visual line of sight to drone at all times during daylight or civil twilight. Night operations and BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) require Part 107 waiver or authorization.
Controlled Airspace Authorization (LAANC)
Required authorization for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace
Pilots operating in controlled airspace around Florida's major airports must obtain LAANC authorization before flight. Available through FAA-approved service providers including Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, and UASidekick.
Stadium TFRs (14 CFR § 99.7)
Federal temporary flight restrictions during sporting events
Stadiums hosting events with 4,000+ spectators receive automatic TFRs up to 34.05 miles radius. Applies to major Florida venues. Check B4UFLY before all flights.
National Parks Ban
Federal National Park Service prohibition on drone launches and landings
Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park all prohibit drone takeoffs and landings. Big Cypress National Preserve also prohibits drone use. Overflight at 400+ feet may be permitted but check specific park rules.
FAA Enforcement - DETER Program
New FAA program offering fast-track penalties for first-time violators
FAA launched DETER (Drone Enforcement through Expedited Resolution) program in 2026 allowing first-time drone violators to accept smaller fines ($200-$1,500) in exchange for waiving appeal rights. Used for minor infractions like flying over people or in no-fly zones without major safety incidents.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Fla. Stat. § 330.41 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act), § 330.41(4) — Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act — Protection of Critical Infrastructure Facilities
Penalty: Felony of the third degree (per HB 1121, effective October 1, 2025; upgraded from misdemeanor under prior law)
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Florida's 2025 HB 1121 upgraded the CI offense from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. Operators flying near covered facilities now face significantly higher exposure than in prior years.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC authorization available at 726+ airports nationwide including all major Florida airports: Miami International (MIA, Class B), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL, Class B), Orlando International (MCO, Class B), Tampa International (TPA, Class C), Jacksonville International (JAX, Class C). Near-real-time authorization available for Part 107 and Recreational Flyers under 400 feet. Manual coordination available for flights above UAS Facility Map ceilings (Part 107 only).
Major Airports
MIA — Miami International AirportFLL — Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International AirportMCO — Orlando International AirportTPA — Tampa International AirportJAX — Jacksonville International AirportPBI — Palm Beach International AirportRSW — Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)SRQ — Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions active around Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center during scheduled launches (check NOTAMs). Year-round security TFRs over Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Stadiums require TFR checks during events (14 CFR § 99.7). FIFA World Cup 2026 No-Drone Zones established around host stadiums and event venues. Check B4UFLY app before every flight for active TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Mario Crawford sentenced for drone contraband delivery to Florida prison
enforcementJacksonville man sentenced to 81 years in state prison for using DJI drone to airdrop cocaine, methamphetamine, cell phones, and razor blades into Florida Department of Corrections facility yards over multiple operations. A crashed drone with payload turned up outside Century Correctional Institution fence. Charges stacked under Fla. Stat. §§ 944.47 and 951.22 (contraband delivery) on top of § 330.41 (critical infrastructure violation). Case brought by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Lake Eola drone light show collision - Orlando catastrophic incident
enforcementChristmas drone light show operated by Sky Elements at Lake Eola Park collided mid-air with multiple drones falling into crowd of approximately 25,000 spectators. 7-year-old child struck in face and chest, knocked unconscious, required emergency open-heart surgery. NTSB investigation found launch parameter file was never sent to drones and show center was misaligned, causing aircraft to shift positions and collide. FAA suspended Sky Elements' Part 107 waiver. Family filed lawsuit in August 2025 against City of Orlando and companies involved.
HB 1121 Takes Effect - Major Florida Drone Law Overhaul
legislationHouse Bill 1121, signed into law in 2025, became effective October 1, 2025. Rewrote Fla. Stat. § 330.41 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act), expanding critical infrastructure protections with 500-foot horizontal/400-foot vertical buffer, adding blanket prohibition over K-12 school campuses (all hours, all days), creating felony-level penalties for weaponized drones, and upgrading critical infrastructure violation from misdemeanor to 3rd-degree felony. Considered one of most sweeping state drone laws passed in US.
Government Drone Manufacturer Ban Takes Effect
regulatory changeFlorida government agencies required to discontinue use of drones not produced by approved manufacturers per Fla. Stat. § 934.50. DJI and Autel (Chinese-manufactured) effectively banned from government fleet. Approved manufacturers include Skydio, Parrot, Altavian, Teal Drones, Vantage Robotics. Policy applies to state and local government procurement only; private and commercial pilots unaffected.
Ch. 2026-177 Signed - Search Warrant Drone Authority (HB 359/SB 442)
legislationGovernor signed Chapter 2026-177 (HB 359/SB 442), authorizing law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants for drone use in evidence gathering and search operations. Expands Fla. Stat. § 934.50 framework with clear warrant procedures. Allows judges to authorize remote appearances in warrant proceedings via audio-video technology.
Pending Legislation
SB 0870Died in Transportation CommitteeOperating Drones Over Critical Infrastructure Facilities
Would have revised § 330.41 prohibition relating to operation of drones over critical infrastructure facilities. Did not advance out of committee.
Last action: March 13, 2026
SB 1422Not EnactedUnmanned Aircraft or Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Homeowner Right to Use Reasonable Force
Proposed legislation that would empower private property owners to use 'reasonable force' to stop drones conducting surveillance over their property below 500 feet. If passed would be unprecedented among state drone laws. As of early 2026, bill has not been enacted but signals Florida legislative direction toward stronger property rights against drone surveillance.
Last action: July 17, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | UF requires approval from Office of Research and Environmental Health & Safety before any drone operations on campus or university-managed property. The university runs an active drone research program with specialized facilities. Restrictions: All drone operations on campus require pre-approval. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium operates a TFR during game days. No recreational drone use permitted on campus without authorization. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety, Office of Research |
| Florida State University | FSU restricts drone operations to approved research and university-authorized activities. Campus flights require explicit university authorization from Environmental Health & Safety. Restrictions: University authorization required for all operations. Doak Campbell Stadium operates TFR during football games and events. No recreational drone use on campus. Research operations must be pre-approved through EHS. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety Office |
| University of Miami | UM requires approval from Department of Public Safety and Risk Management for all drone operations on university property. Hard Rock Stadium (off-campus venue) operates federal TFR during events. Restrictions: Prior approval required from campus security and risk management for all campus flights. Campus security must authorize all operations. Hard Rock Stadium and adjacent airspace subject to federal TFRs during Miami Dolphins/Hurricanes events. | Yes | Department of Public Safety |
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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