Florida Drone Laws and Regulations [2022]

Having a drone license in Florida is not enough for flying drones in the state. You need to be aware of the Florida drone laws and regulations to fly safely and avoid the penalties.

Florida (FL) Drone Laws

Drone operators need to be aware of the drone laws and regulations in Florida to fly drones for commercial and recreational purposes. Failure to comply with these laws could result in fines or criminal penalties.

» Senate Bill 766

Drone operators are not allowed to capture images of a person’s privately owned property or an owner, tenant, occupant, or invitee of such property without written permission if there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

» Florida Administrative Code 5I-4.003

It is illegal to operate a UAV on state-owned property (including parks and forests) except at runways or helispots and with the permission of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. These limitations are only in place if the operations do not interfere with forest management. These restrictions are waived in case of emergency or government business.

» Florida Administrative Code 40C-9.320

It is against the law to operate a drone on District Land without a Special Use Authorization.

» Florida Statutes 330.41

The operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are not restricted by local governments, except for voyeurism, stalking, nuisance, or other illegal activities.

Drones are not allowed to fly over vital infrastructure, approach the facility (including any object or person on the premises), or get within a distance to disrupt the operations of the facility.

» Florida Statutes 934.50

A law enforcement agency is not permitted to use drones to gather evidence or information or to record an image of privately owned real property unless a search warrant has been issued to take immediate actions to stop an imminent danger to life or property.

» Searches and Seizures | Senate Bill 92

According to this statute, law enforcement may use a drone if they acquire a warrant, there is a terrorist threat, or “rapid action” is required to stop a fatality or search for a missing person. This law also makes it possible for someone who has been damaged by the improper use of drones to file a civil lawsuit.

» House Bill 659

Exempts the use of drones by the Florida Forest Service or the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission from rules that forbid government personnel from using drones for controlling wildfire hazards or managing or removing invasive plants or animals on public lands.

City and County Florida (FL) Drone Laws

The term “local drone laws in Florida” refers to laws and rules implemented and followed at Florida’s county, municipal, or town levels.

» Lake County

On public areas or lands managed and maintained by Lake County, motorized devices, including UAVs, are not allowed unless specifically allowed by a special use permit with the local State Park District.

» Pinellas County

Within county-owned or managed land, drones may not be launched or landed unless necessary for public safety or with the administrator’s written permission.

» City of Miami (FL) Drone Laws

Within a half-mile radius of major grounds for sports and/or large venue special events, such as public parks and facilities, Bayfront Park, Marlins Ballpark, Miami Marine Stadium, and the Calle Ocho Festival, the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is prohibited.

For some drone operations, a permit is required from city authorities.

Drones weighing less than five pounds may only be flown by a registered member of the AMA and must adhere to all AMA regulations.

» City of Orlando

Drones are not allowed to be flown within 500 feet of any facility, outdoor public assembly, or event with more than 1000 persons, any park, any pre-school, elementary, middle, or high school; or an enclosed building owned or operated by the City of Orlando unless the permission from the Director of Families, Parks, and Recreation is granted.

» Town of DeFuniak Springs | UAV Operations Ordinance

It is against the law to fly a drone within 500 feet of a person’s property without permission.

The city council can issue a Special Event Permit for use of a drone above public property, which must be acquired before using any type of airborne vehicle within the city limits.

Commercial UAV operators must be registered with the DeFuniak Springs Police Department (DFSP) and provide a list of all kinds and numbers of UAVs to be used in the city. At least four hours before any commercial drone operation a notification shall be provided to the DFSP and the Assistant City Manager (DFS-ACM), including all necessary information about the operations.

» Town of Bonita Springs | FL Drone Laws

According to this city regulation, drone operations are only permitted in Community Park while the park’s grounds are not occupied. Additionally, drones cannot be flown within 25 feet of any people, places, or objects, such as buildings, powerlines, or lighting fixtures.

A special event permit is required to use a drone for photographing during an event. Any commercial drone usage must be authorized by the parks and recreation director through a written concessionaire agreement for operation on any city-owned property.

» Canaveral Port Authority | Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rule

No one is allowed to operate a vehicle or an aircraft on CPA property without prior permission from CPA Public Safety and Security.

Drone photography is not allowed at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station or Kennedy Space Center within 24 hours of any scheduled launch.

» Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) includes all of the islands in the Florida Keys. Over all NMS, wildlife refuges, and other noise-sensitive areas, the FAA recommends flying at least 2000 feet above ground level. This is significantly higher than the authorized altitude for drone flight.

» University of Tampa | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Drone Policy

Over university-owned property and grounds, including parking lots, no commercial and recreational drone operations are allowed unless an official authorization has been granted by the University.

Note: The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. If you have any doubt we encourage you to visit the official websites of the respective departments or consult an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are drones legal in Florida?

Florida allows the use of drones for both commercial and recreational purposes, subject to FAA guidelines and local government-imposed flight restrictions. For more information, keep reading.

Can you fly a drone on Florida beaches?

There are no drone flight regulations from the FAA for beaches. This implies that as long as the beach is not a national park or otherwise prohibited by local legislation, you are free to fly your drone there. Remember that you must still follow the FAA’s basic drone operating guidelines.

How do I get my drone pilot license in Florida?

To fly a drone commercially in Florida you must pass FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test and follow the requirements of FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule.

Who provides the best drone pilot training in the United States?

Drone U focuses on teaching students the strategies and techniques we’ve learned over the past several years that will enable students to mitigate risk while pushing themselves to be the best pilot possible.

Drone U is also offering an in-Person three-day Mapping Boot Camp plus Flight Mastery – in Denver, CO on Monday, August 22nd, 2022.

Become a lifetime member of such training and boot camps hosted by Drone U.