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Florida Drone Laws

Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators

Restrictive Regulatory Environment
1

State Overview

Florida maintains one of the nation's strictest drone regulatory frameworks. Recent amendments (HB 1121, effective October 2025) expanded restrictions to include blanket bans over all public and private K-12 schools, 500-foot buffers around critical infrastructure, and upgraded penalties to felony levels. The state also restricts law enforcement drone use to warrant-backed operations and bans government agencies from using Chinese-manufactured drones.

2

State Drone Laws

Fla. Stat. § 330.41

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (as amended by HB 1121)

Critical Infrastructure

Prohibits drone operation over critical infrastructure facilities or within a distance close enough to interfere with or disturb the facility. Defines critical infrastructure broadly to include power generation, water treatment, chemical manufacturing, wireless towers, seaports, airports, military installations, dams, and correctional facilities. Expanded effective October 2025 to include a 500-foot horizontal and 400-foot vertical buffer around critical infrastructure.

Effective: Oct 1, 20253rd degree felony — up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine. If drone operation causes damage or injury, penalty escalates accordingly.
View source
Fla. Stat. § 330.41(5)

Drone Operation Over Schools Prohibition

Recreational

Prohibits operation of drones over any public or private school serving students in voluntary pre-K through 12th grade at any time (including school hours, evenings, weekends). Applies to school premises. No video recording permitted. Affirmative defense: written consent of school principal, district school board, superintendent, or school governing board.

Effective: Oct 1, 2025First offense (no video): 2nd degree misdemeanor — up to 60 days and/or $500 fine. Second or subsequent offense (no video): 1st degree misdemeanor — up to 1 year and/or $1,000 fine. First offense (with video recording): 1st degree misdemeanor — up to 1 year and/or $1,000 fine. Second or subsequent offense (with video): 3rd degree felony — up to 5 years and/or $5,000 fine.
View source
Fla. Stat. § 330.41(6)

Drone Operation Over Agricultural Lands

agricultural

Restricts drone operation over agricultural lands without proper authorization. Penalties escalate with repeat offenses.

Effective: Oct 1, 20252nd degree misdemeanor on first offense — up to 60 days and/or up to $500 fine. 1st degree misdemeanor on repeat — up to 1 year and/or $1,000 fine.
View source
Fla. Stat. § 330.41(7)

Drone-Assisted Harassment of Private Property and State Hunting Lands

harassment

Prohibits using a drone to harass individuals on private property or state hunting lands. Includes surveillance and intimidation via drone.

Effective: Oct 1, 20252nd degree misdemeanor on first offense — up to 60 days and/or $500 fine. 1st degree misdemeanor on second offense — up to 1 year and/or $1,000 fine. If video recorded: 1st degree misdemeanor on first offense — up to 1 year and/or $1,000 fine. If video recorded on second offense: 3rd degree felony — up to 5 years and/or $5,000 fine.
View source
Fla. Stat. § 330.411

Weaponized Unmanned Aircraft Systems

weapons

Prohibits the possession or operation of a drone equipped with weapons (firearms, explosives, or other lethal devices). First-degree felony (up to 30 years) for drones carrying weapons of mass destruction or hoax WMD devices.

Effective: Oct 1, 20253rd degree felony — up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine. 1st degree felony (WMD-carrying or hoax-WMD drone) — up to 30 years imprisonment.
View source
Fla. Stat. § 934.50

Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act — Drone Privacy

Privacy

Prohibits use of drones with imaging devices to record images of privately owned real property or occupants without written consent if a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Florida law presumes reasonable expectation of privacy if the person is not observable from ground level by a person with a legal right to be there — aerial observability does NOT defeat this presumption. Intentional distribution of surveillance images obtained in violation is a felony. Law enforcement restricted to warrant-backed operations with narrow exceptions for terrorism, imminent danger, and search and rescue.

Effective: Jun 2, 20151st degree misdemeanor — up to 1 year imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine. 3rd degree felony if surveillance images are intentionally distributed — up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine. Civil cause of action also available to injured parties.
View source
Fla. Stat. § 379.401

Prohibiting Use of Drones to Harass, Pursue, or Take Wildlife

wildlife

Prohibits using drones to take, harass, or assist in taking fish or wildlife. Enforced by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Applies to both state Wildlife Management Areas and private lands.

Effective: Jan 1, 2015Varies by violation level as determined by FWC — misdemeanor to felony depending on species and circumstances.
View source
Fla. Stat. § 944.47

Contraband into State Correctional Institutions by Drone

criminal

Prohibits delivery of contraband (drugs, weapons, cell phones, etc.) into state correctional facilities, including via drone. Used in conjunction with § 330.41 violations.

Effective: Jan 1, 20242nd or 3rd degree felony depending on the type of contraband — up to 15 years imprisonment (varies by contraband classification).
View source
Fla. Stat. § 951.22

Contraband into County Detention Facilities by Drone

criminal

Prohibits delivery of contraband into county detention facilities and secure detention centers by drone or other means.

Effective: Jan 1, 2024Misdemeanor or felony depending on contraband type — penalties vary.
View source
Fla. Admin. Code R. 62D-2.014(15)

State Parks Drone Flight Prohibition

General

Prohibits takeoff and landing of any aerial apparatus (including drones, gliders, balloons, parachutes) in any state park or land managed by Florida's Division of Recreation and Parks. Exceptions only for life-endangering emergencies or designated landing facilities (none currently available to the public).

Effective: Jan 1, 2016Misdemeanor per Florida Administrative Code — penalties vary by violation.
View source
Fla. Admin. Code R. 5I-4.003

Florida Forest Service Lands Drone Restrictions

General

Prohibits takeoff and landing of aircraft (including drones) on lands managed by the Florida Forest Service except at runways or helispots with authorization from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Authorization only granted if operations do not interfere with forest management. Emergency operations and official business are exempt.

Effective: Jan 1, 2016Violations per administrative code — penalties vary.
View source
Fla. Admin. Code R. 40C-9.320

St. Johns River Water Management District Lands Drone Restrictions

General

Prohibits takeoff and landing of aircraft on lands managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District unless authorized by a Special Use Authorization.

Effective: Jan 1, 2004Administrative violations — penalties vary.
View source
Fla. Stat. § 330.41(3)

Local Government Preemption

Preemption

State law preempts local government regulation of drone design, manufacture, testing, maintenance, licensing, registration, certification, and operation. Local governments retain authority only over drone-related nuisances, voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, property damage, and other illegal acts. (HB 1027 codified this preemption.)

Effective: Jun 1, 2017N/A (preemption statute)
View source
Chapter 2026-177 (HB 359 / CS/SB 442)

Search Warrants — Law Enforcement Drone Use Authorization

Law Enforcement

Authorizes law enforcement agencies to obtain search warrants to use drones to conduct searches in certain circumstances. Allows judges to authorize law enforcement officers to appear remotely when applying for drone search warrants. Complements § 934.50 by establishing a framework for lawful law enforcement drone operations with judicial oversight.

Effective: Jul 1, 2026N/A (procedural statute enabling search warrants)
View source
Fla. Stat. § 934.50(7)

Government Drone Procurement Restrictions — Approved Manufacturer List

procurement

Requires all state and local government agencies to purchase drones only from manufacturers on the approved list maintained by the Department of Management Services. Effective January 1, 2023, all non-approved drones must be discontinued. Approved manufacturers include Skydio, Parrot, Altavian, Teal Drones, and Vantage Robotics. DJI and Autel effectively banned for government use due to foreign-country-of-concern classification. This restriction does not apply to private or commercial operators.

Effective: Jan 1, 2023Government agencies in violation subject to administrative action and budget sanctions.
View source
3

Local/Municipal Ordinances

City of Miami

city
Miami Code § 37-12 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems Regulation

Regulates drone operations within city limits, particularly near public venues and sporting events.

Restrictions

Prohibits drone operation within a half-mile radius of sporting and large-venue events at Bayfront Park, Marlins Ballpark, Miami Marine Stadium, and the Calle Ocho Festival. Drones under 5 pounds cannot carry detachable cargo, releasable payloads, or weapons. Drones over 5 pounds may be operated only by registered AMA members following AMA rules. Commercial drone operations require city permit and proof of insurance.

View source

City of Orlando

city
Orlando City Code § 43.02 — Drone Operation Restrictions

Establishes restrictions and permit requirements for drone flights within city limits.

Restrictions

Prohibits takeoff, landing, or operation of drones within 500 feet of any outdoor public assembly, any event with 1,000 or more people, any detention facility, any pre-K through 12 school, any city-owned park (except with director permission), any city venue (Amway Center, Camping World Stadium, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Mennello Museum, Dr. Phillips Center), or any city-owned building. Permit required: $20 per single flight or $150 annual. Violations subject to fines of $200–$400. Permit application and approval process has been murky; city does not maintain dedicated portal.

View source

Town of Bonita Springs

city
Bonita Springs Code § 28-41 — Drone Operations

Restricts drone operations on town parks and recreational areas.

Restrictions

Prohibits takeoff and landing of aerial devices on parks, preserves, or littoral waters except for medical evacuation helicopters, law enforcement, or official government equipment. Community Park drone operation allowed only when fields are unoccupied. Drones must maintain 25-foot minimum distance from people, power lines, buildings, and light fixtures. Photography via drone during events requires special event permit. Commercial use requires written concessionaire agreement from parks and recreation director.

View source

Town of DeFuniak Springs

city
DeFuniak Springs Ordinance § 866 — Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Restrictions

Restricts drone use over private and public property within city limits.

Restrictions

Prohibits drone operation between 0 and 500 feet over private property without owner permission. Prohibits drone operation over public property within city limits unless authorized by Special Use Permit from City Council. Commercial drone operators must register with DeFuniak Springs Police Department and provide inventory of all UAVs. Commercial operators must notify DFSP and Assistant City Manager four hours prior to any drone operation.

View source

Hillsborough County

county
Hillsborough County Drone Operations — Parks & Recreation Policy

Restricts drone takeoff and landing on county-owned and managed lands.

Restrictions

Prohibits takeoff and landing of drones on county-owned or managed land designated as non-recreation area except for public safety purposes. Written permission from Parks & Recreation Administrator required for exceptions. County maintains Mango Park (11717 Clay Pit Rd.) as a designated drone-flying area available to the public without permit.

View source

Lake County

county
Lake County Code § 16-65 — Motorized Device Restrictions

Prohibits motorized devices (including drones) on county-owned and operated lands.

Restrictions

Motorized devices, including drones, prohibited on public lands or lands operated and maintained by Lake County except with authorization by Special Use Permit.

View source

Pinellas County

county
Pinellas County Code § 90-7 — Unmanned Aircraft Operations

Restricts drone takeoff and landing on county-owned and managed lands.

Restrictions

Prohibits launching or landing a drone within or upon county-owned or managed land except for purposes of public safety or with prior written permission from the Parks Administrator or designee.

View source

Canaveral Port Authority

county
Canaveral Port Authority Unmanned Aerial Systems Policy

Restricts drone operations on CPA property and near Kennedy Space Center / Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Restrictions

Prohibits all UAV operations on Canaveral Port Authority property unless prior authorization is granted. Drone photography prohibited within 24 hours of any scheduled launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station or Kennedy Space Center. Operators must request authorization 48 hours in advance via official online form to CPA Public Safety & Security.

View source

Miami-Dade County

county
Miami-Dade County Code Ch. 25A — Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Regulates drone operations over county-owned property and parks.

Restrictions

Drone operations over county-owned property and parks subject to county policy. Florida state law (§ 330.41) preempts most local drone regulations, limiting county authority to nuisance, voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, and property damage contexts.

View source
4

Penalty & Fine Schedule

Privacy/unlawful surveillance by drone (§ 934.50)

Classification1st degree misdemeanor
FineUp to $1,000
ImprisonmentUp to 1 year
EnforcementLocal Law Enforcement / State Attorneys

Civil cause of action also available. Intentional distribution of surveillance images is a 3rd degree felony (up to 5 years, $5,000).

Critical infrastructure violation (§ 330.41(4))

Classification3rd degree felony
FineUp to $5,000
ImprisonmentUp to 5 years
EnforcementState Attorneys / Local Law Enforcement

Applies to operation over or interference with critical infrastructure facilities. 500-foot horizontal and 400-foot vertical buffer presumed but fact-dependent.

School overflight without video (§ 330.41(5), first offense)

Classification2nd degree misdemeanor
FineUp to $500
ImprisonmentUp to 60 days
EnforcementLocal Law Enforcement / State Attorneys

Applies to pre-K through 12 schools at any time. No affirmative defense unless school principal, district school board, superintendent, or school governing board provides written consent.

School overflight without video (§ 330.41(5), repeat offense)

Classification1st degree misdemeanor
FineUp to $1,000
ImprisonmentUp to 1 year
EnforcementLocal Law Enforcement / State Attorneys

Second or subsequent offense escalates to 1st degree misdemeanor.

School overflight with video recording (§ 330.41(5)(c), first offense)

Classification1st degree misdemeanor
FineUp to $1,000
ImprisonmentUp to 1 year
EnforcementLocal Law Enforcement / State Attorneys

Video recording of school triggers felony classification even on first offense.

School overflight with video recording (§ 330.41(5)(c), repeat offense)

Classification3rd degree felony
FineUp to $5,000
ImprisonmentUp to 5 years
EnforcementState Attorneys

Second or subsequent video offense is a third-degree felony.

Agricultural lands overflight (§ 330.41(6), first offense)

Classification2nd degree misdemeanor
FineUp to $500
ImprisonmentUp to 60 days
EnforcementLocal Law Enforcement / State Attorneys

Restricts drone operation over agricultural lands.

Agricultural lands overflight (§ 330.41(6), repeat offense)

Classification1st degree misdemeanor
FineUp to $1,000
ImprisonmentUp to 1 year
EnforcementLocal Law Enforcement / State Attorneys

Repeat offense escalates to 1st degree misdemeanor.

Harassment/hunting with drone (§ 330.41(7), first offense)

Classification2nd degree misdemeanor
FineUp to $500
ImprisonmentUp to 60 days
EnforcementLocal Law Enforcement / State Attorneys

Applies to harassment of private property occupants and harassment on state hunting lands.

Harassment/hunting with drone (§ 330.41(7), with video, first offense)

Classification1st degree misdemeanor
FineUp to $1,000
ImprisonmentUp to 1 year
EnforcementLocal Law Enforcement / State Attorneys

Video recording escalates to 1st degree misdemeanor.

Harassment/hunting with drone (§ 330.41(7), with video, second offense)

Classification3rd degree felony
FineUp to $5,000
ImprisonmentUp to 5 years
EnforcementState Attorneys

Second video offense escalates to 3rd degree felony.

Weaponized drone (§ 330.411(2))

Classification3rd degree felony
FineUp to $5,000
ImprisonmentUp to 5 years
EnforcementState Attorneys / Federal authorities

Possession or operation of drone equipped with weapons (firearms, explosives).

WMD-carrying or hoax-WMD drone (§ 330.411(5))

Classification1st degree felony
Fine$10,000+
ImprisonmentUp to 30 years
EnforcementState Attorneys / Federal authorities

Most severe classification; may also trigger federal prosecution.

Contraband delivery to state correctional institution (§ 944.47)

Classification2nd or 3rd degree felony (varies by contraband)
FineUp to $5,000–$25,000 (varies)
ImprisonmentUp to 15 years (varies)
EnforcementFlorida Department of Corrections / State Attorneys / Federal authorities

Includes drugs, weapons, cell phones, contraband into state prisons.

Contraband delivery to county detention facility (§ 951.22)

ClassificationMisdemeanor to felony (by item)
FineVaries
ImprisonmentVaries
EnforcementCounty Sheriff / State Attorneys

Penalties vary by type of contraband and facility.

Takeoff/landing in state parks (Fla. Admin. Code R. 62D-2.014(15))

ClassificationMisdemeanor
FineVaries
ImprisonmentUp to 60 days (typical)
EnforcementFlorida Department of Environmental Protection / Park Rangers

Applies to all 175+ state parks. No guest-accessible designated landing facilities currently.

Wildlife harassment by drone (§ 379.401)

ClassificationVaries (per FWC violation level)
FineVaries
ImprisonmentVaries
EnforcementFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Penalties depend on species and severity of violation.

Orlando drone ordinance violation (City Code § 43.02)

ClassificationMunicipal violation
Fine$200–$400 per citation
ImprisonmentNone specified
EnforcementCity of Orlando Police Department

Operating within restricted zones or without required permit.

5

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 Permit (per flight) $20 per flightRequired to operate within 500 feet of city-owned parks, schools, venues, and buildings in Orlando. Proof of insurance required.
  • Orlando City Permit (annual) $150 per yearAnnual commercial operating permit for Orlando city areas subject to local restrictions.
  • DeFuniak Springs Commercial Registration Fee not specifiedCommercial drone operators must register with DeFuniak Springs Police Department and provide UAV inventory.
  • Local Permits (Various Cities) Varies by jurisdictionMiami, Bonita Springs, Hillsborough County, and other jurisdictions may impose special event permits or location-specific fees.

Florida does not require separate state drone registration beyond federal FAA registration. Commercial operators must follow standard Florida business tax and registration requirements. No state-level drone-specific licensing beyond federal FAA Part 107 for commercial operations.

No state-level permit required. Local permits may be required by specific cities (e.g., Orlando: $20/flight or $150/year; Bonita Springs: conditional on location). City permits are handled locally, not at state level.

No state insurance mandate. Commercial operators working with private clients typically require $1 million liability coverage per client contract. Not mandated by state law.

6

Applicable Federal Regulations

Part 107 Commercial Operations

All commercial drone flights in Florida require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Commercial operators must pass FAA knowledge test ($175), maintain Part 107 currency (valid 24 months), and comply with all federal rules (Visual Line of Sight, altitude limits, airspace authorization via LAANC). Florida adds state-level penalties for violations of § 330.41 and § 934.50 on top of federal FAA civil and criminal penalties.

Remote ID Compliance

Mandatory since March 16, 2024

All drones flown outdoors in Florida must broadcast Remote ID information (drone ID, location, altitude) unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Florida has limited FRIA coverage. Non-compliance is a federal violation.

LAANC and Controlled Airspace

Most major Florida metros sit inside Class B and C controlled airspace

LAANC authorization required for flights under 400 feet in Class B, C, D, or surface-E airspace. Available through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers. Recreational and commercial pilots can obtain near-real-time authorizations. Flights above UAS Facility Map altitudes require 'further coordination' (Part 107 pilots only, up to 90 days advance notice).

Altitude and Visual Line of Sight

Federal 400-foot altitude ceiling and VLOS requirement apply

Flights must remain below 400 feet AGL and within Visual Line of Sight. Daylight or civil twilight required by default. Night flight permitted with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. Waivers available for BVLOS and night operations.

Stadium TFRs

14 CFR § 99.7 stadiums with capacity over 30,000 have permanent TFRs

Applies to Florida stadiums including Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), Camping World Stadium (Orlando), Raymond James Stadium (Tampa), TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville). TFRs extend 2,000 feet in all directions from stadium during events. Walt Disney World and Universal also have year-round national security TFRs.

Military Bases and Restricted Airspace

No-fly zones over military installations throughout Florida

Patrick Space Force Base, Eglin Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base, and MacDill Air Force Base all have restricted airspace. NAS Jacksonville is a military no-fly zone. No LAANC available for military airspace; authorization requires manual coordination.

Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center TFRs

Temporary flight restrictions during launch operations

Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station generate dynamic TFRs during launch windows. Area extends miles around launch pad. TFRs issued via NOTAM and visible in B4UFLY app.

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

Power generation or transmission, substations, switching stations, control centersChemical or rubber manufacturing or storage facilitiesWater intake, treatment, wastewater plants, pump stationsNatural gas or compressed gas compressor stations, storage, pipelinesLiquid natural gas or propane gas terminals or storage facilitiesAboveground portion of an oil or gas pipeline
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.
8

Airspace & LAANC

LAANC Coverage

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) available at major Florida airports including Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), Orlando International (MCO), Tampa International (TPA), and Jacksonville International (JAX). Coverage at 726 airports nationwide through FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.

Major Airports

  • MIA — Miami International Airport (Class B)
  • FLL — Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (Class B)
  • MCO — Orlando International Airport (Class B)
  • TPA — Tampa International Airport (Class B)
  • JAX — Jacksonville International Airport (Class C)
  • RSW — Southwest Florida International (Class C)
  • PBI — Palm Beach International (Class C)
  • DAB — Daytona Beach International (Class D)
  • SRQ — Sarasota-Bradenton International (Class C)

TFR Notice

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in effect year-round over Walt Disney World and Universal Studios resorts (national security). Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center generate temporary TFRs during launch operations. Check B4UFLY before every flight. Stadium TFRs during major sporting events and concerts.

9

Recent Enforcement Actions & News

Mario Crawford Sentenced to 81 Years for Drone Contraband Delivery

enforcement

Jacksonville man Mario Crawford sentenced to 81 years in state prison for using DJI drones to airdrop cocaine, methamphetamine, cell phones, and razor blades into three Florida Department of Corrections facilities. One crashed drone with payload was recovered outside Century Correctional Institution. Charges included felony counts under Fla. Stat. §§ 944.47 (contraband into correctional institutions) and § 330.41 (drone violations). Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges. Case stacked felony counts and demonstrates aggressive prosecution under HB 1121 framework.

March 24, 2026Source

Lake Eola Christmas Drone Light Show Crash in Orlando

enforcement

Christmas drone light show operated by Sky Elements at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando went wrong when multiple drones collided mid-air and fell into a crowd of approximately 25,000 spectators. A 7-year-old boy named Alezander was struck in the face and chest, knocked unconscious, and required emergency open-heart surgery. NTSB investigation found final flight paths were never uploaded to the drones and show center was misaligned, causing aircraft position shifts and collisions. FAA suspended Sky Elements' Part 107 waiver. Alezander's family filed lawsuit against City of Orlando and companies involved in August 2025.

December 21, 2024Source

FAA Tightens Drone Enforcement — DETER Program Launch

regulatory change

FAA launched DETER (Detection, Evaluation, Tracking, Enforcement Response) program to accelerate drone enforcement actions. Program offers fast-track penalties for first-time drone offenders and streamlines coordination between FAA, DOJ, and state/local law enforcement. Increased enforcement activity noted ahead of Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup 2026 events.

February 6, 2026Source

Pending Legislation

SB 870Died in Transportation Committee

Operating Drones Over Critical Infrastructure Facilities

Bill proposed revisions relating to prohibition on operating drones over critical infrastructure facilities. Related to § 330.41 framework. Did not pass.

Last action: March 13, 2026

SB 1422Pending (2025 session, not enacted)

Unmanned Aircraft or Unmanned Aircraft Systems — Reasonable Force Against Surveillance Drones

Would empower homeowners to use 'reasonable force' to stop drones conducting surveillance over their property below 500 feet. Would be unprecedented among state drone laws if passed. Has not been enacted as of August 2026 but signals legislative direction.

Last action: July 17, 2025

H1233 / S1220Died/Referred to other bills (not enacted)

Transportation — Drone Delivery Services and Drone Ports

Included provisions revising regulations relating to drone delivery services and drone ports. Part of broader transportation omnibus bills. Did not survive full legislative session.

Last action: March 11, 2026

10

University & College Drone Policies

InstitutionPolicy SummaryPermit RequiredContact
University of Florida

UF requires all UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) operations on campus to be approved by the Office of Research and Environmental Health & Safety division. The university operates an active drone research program with support from EH&S.

Restrictions: Pre-approval required for all campus drone flights. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has TFR during Gators football games (off-campus but relevant to UF flight operations). No recreational drone use without authorization.

YesEnvironmental Health & Safety (EHS) / Office of Research — drone approvals available through EHS portal
Florida State University

FSU restricts drone operations on campus to approved research activities and university-authorized operations only. Doak Campbell Stadium has TFR during football games.

Restrictions: University authorization and approval required for all campus drone flights. Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. No recreational or commercial drone operations on campus without explicit university approval.

YesEnvironmental Health & Safety — safety@fsu.edu
University of Miami

UM requires approval from campus security and risk management for all drone operations on university property and grounds. Prior authorization mandatory for both commercial and recreational UAS.

Restrictions: Official university authorization required before any drone flight on UM property. Hard Rock Stadium has TFR during events (stadium is off-campus but relevant for flights in Miami area). No self-service or walk-in drone operations permitted.

YesDepartment of Public Safety — publicsafety@miami.edu
University drone policies may change. Contact the institution directly to confirm current requirements before flying on campus.
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Last Updated

Last verified:

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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