Florida Drone Laws

Prohibits operating a drone over a critical infrastructure facility, allowing contact with the facility or any person/object on premises, or coming within a distance that interferes with or disturbs facility operations. Expanded definition includes power generation/transmission facilities, substations, chemical/rubber manufacturing or storage, water intake structures, wastewater treatment plants, mining facilities, natural gas/LNG facilities, pipelines, wireless communications towers, seaports, airports, spaceports, military installations, dams, correctional institutions, and secure detention centers. Facilities must be completely enclosed by fence or clearly marked with 'no entry' signage. Exception for commercial operations authorized by FAA.

Prohibits operating a drone over any public or private school serving students in voluntary pre-K through grade 12 at all hours (day, night, weekends, holidays). Applies to school campus premises only. Written consent of school principal, school board, superintendent, or governing board is an affirmative defense. Law enforcement in compliance with § 934.50 or acting under contract with law enforcement exempt.

Prohibits operating a drone over agricultural lands with intent to harass or disrupt agricultural operations.

Prohibits using a drone to harass an owner or occupant of private property or to harass wildlife on state-managed hunting lands. Includes disturbing nesting birds and other wildlife.

Prohibits possessing or operating a drone equipped with a weapon, firearm, explosive, or any device designed to cause injury or damage.

Prohibits operating a drone carrying an actual weapon of mass destruction or creating a hoax 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 an image of privately owned real property or occupants without written consent if reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Creates rebuttable presumption of privacy if subject not observable from ground level in place where observer has legal right to be, regardless of aerial observability. Restricts law enforcement drone use to warrant-backed operations with exceptions for high-risk terrorism threats, search and rescue, and imminent danger. Requires government agencies to use drones from FAA-approved manufacturers (excludes DJI, Autel). Creates private civil cause of action.

Prohibits delivery of contraband (drugs, cell phones, weapons, razor blades, or other prohibited items) into state correctional institutions by drone or any other means.

Prohibits delivery of contraband into county detention facilities by drone or any other means.

Prohibits using a drone to take, harass, or assist in taking fish or wildlife. Includes using drones to locate game or disturb nesting birds. FWC Wildlife Management Area flights generally permitted if no wildlife harassment.

Prohibits takeoff and landing of any aircraft including drones in any park or land managed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks, except in life-endangering emergencies or at designated landing facilities (none currently guest-accessible). Applies to all 175+ Florida state parks.

Prohibits takeoff and landing of drones on lands managed by Florida Forest Service (state forests and parks) except at runways or helispots with prior authorization from Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Authorization granted only if operations do not endanger health/safety, damage forest resources, or interfere with management objectives. Emergency situations and official business exempt.

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

Preempts local governments from regulating drone design, manufacture, testing, maintenance, licensing, registration, certification, and operation. Local governments may enact ordinances addressing nuisances, voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, property damage, or other illegal acts arising from drone use.

Prohibits recording video of a person in state of undress or in private place where person has reasonable expectation of privacy without consent. Applies to drone surveillance when capturing intimate images.

Clarifies and authorizes law enforcement to obtain search warrants specifically authorizing drone surveillance and searches in criminal investigations. Modifies search warrant procedures to accommodate drone operations. Permits law enforcement officers to appear remotely in warrant proceedings.

Miami Code § 37-12 (Ordinance 13581, 2015)

Prohibits drone operation within half-mile radius of sporting events and large-venue special events. Drones under 5 pounds cannot carry detachable cargo or release payloads. Drones over 5 pounds can only be flown by registered AMA members following AMA rules. City permit required for certain activities.

Orlando City Code § 43.02 (Ordinance 2016-87 / 2017-47)

Prohibits drone operation within 500 feet of city-owned parks, schools, government buildings, and major venues including Amway Center, Camping World Stadium, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Mennello Museum, Dr. Phillips Center. Also prohibits operation within 500 feet of outdoor public assemblies or events with 1,000+ people.

Hillsborough County Drone Ordinance

Prohibits drone takeoff and landing on county-owned non-recreational lands except for public safety purposes with written permission from Parks & Recreation administrator. Designates Mango Park (11717 Clay Pit Rd.) as public drone-flying area for unrestricted recreational use.

Town of Bonita Springs Code § 28-41

Restricts drone operations to Community Park only when fields are unoccupied. Drones must not fly within 25 feet of people, power lines, buildings, or light fixtures. Photography during events allowed with special event permit. Commercial use requires written concessionaire agreement.

Town of DeFuniak Springs Ordinance 866

Prohibits drone operation over private or public property without owner consent. Commercial operators must register with town police department 4 hours before operations, providing list of all UAVs to be used within city limits.

Lake County Code § 16-65

Prohibits motorized devices including drones on county public lands or lands operated/maintained by Lake County except with prior written Special Use Permit authorization.

Pinellas County Code § 90-7

Prohibits drone takeoff and landing on county-owned or county-managed lands except for public safety purposes. Written permission required from Parks & Recreation director or designee.

Canaveral Port Authority UAS Policy / Tariff No. 16, Rule 265

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

Miami-Dade County Code § 25A

Regulates drone operations over county-owned property and parks. Subject to state preemption under Fla. Stat. § 330.41(3).