Two New Drone Bills You Must Know [2025]

The drone industry in the United States is growing rapidly, and so are the regulations. In 2025, two new proposed regulations could potentially slow the momentum and reduce the pace of growth in the drone industry.

One law has already been passed in Florida, and another is being considered at the Federal level. If you’re a drone operator, understanding these developments is crucial.

Let’s dive in.

Law 1: Florida’s “Reasonable Force” Drone Law

In 2024, Florida lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 1422 (SB 1422). One part of that bill caused immediate alarm: it would have allowed residents to use “reasonable force” to bring down drones they believed were invading their privacy.

But before the bill passed, that clause was removed. The final version, known as House Bill 1121, no longer includes any language about physically stopping or shooting down drones. That part is officially off for now.

Still, HB 1121 bans drone flights over specific types of “critical infrastructure”.

This “reasonable force” law directly conflicts with federal law, specifically 18 U.S. Code § 32, which makes it a felony to damage or destroy any aircraft, including drones. That’s because drones have been legally defined as aircraft since the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

If someone uses force to knock a drone out of the sky, even if they think it’s spying on them, they could face federal charges. That puts drone operators and civilians in a legal gray area that can turn dangerous fast.

In short, Florida’s law goes against federal precedent and may encourage illegal behavior by making people think it’s okay to bring down drones.

Where You Can’t Fly Over in Florida (As of 2025)

Here’s a simplified list of the facilities now considered off-limits to drone pilots in Florida:

• Power generation stations and substations
• Electrical control centers
• Water treatment facilities and pump stations
• Gas or oil pipelines and processing plants
• Chemical and rubber manufacturing plants
• Prisons, detention centers, and jails
• Airports and seaports
• Military bases and armories
• Dams, locks, and floodgates
• Spaceports
• Wireless and wired communication towers

However, many of these sites are not marked, geo-fenced, or visible in apps like B4UFLY or Aloft. You can read more about Florida drone laws here.

Law 2: The Drone Integration and Zoning Act

The second law to watch is Senate Bill 1249, also known as the Drone Integration and Zoning Act. This proposed federal bill would allow state and local governments to regulate the airspace under 200 feet.

At first glance, it may seem reasonable to give local communities more control, but the consequences would be chaotic.

Why Could This Be a Disaster?

• 90,000+ different drone laws: Each city, county, and state could pass its own rules. That means a drone flight legal in one area might be illegal just a few miles away.
• Massive confusion for pilots: Drone operators would need to check local ordinances before every flight, creating compliance headaches.
• Disruption of FAA authority: Currently, the FAA regulates all airspace in the U.S. from the ground up. Letting local governments claim control of airspace undermines this system.

Why the FAA Never Defined “Navigable Airspace”

The FAA often states it controls all airspace “from the blades of grass to the heavens,” but it has never clearly defined navigable airspace in a legal sense. Generally, it refers to airspace above tree level (around 200 feet) where manned aircraft fly.

Ironically, some FPV and cinewhoop pilots have used this ambiguity to claim they don’t need a Part 107 license if they stay below that level. But if this bill passes, we might finally get a clear definition, but at the cost of national consistency.

Final Thoughts

The rise of drones is more than a tech trend. It’s transforming industries, enabling creativity, and opening new career paths.

However, these two proposed laws could undo years of progress by creating fear, confusion, and unnecessary legal risks for responsible drone operators.

The drone community must come together to push for clear, consistent, and innovation-friendly laws that protect both airspace and privacy, without stifling opportunity.

This isn’t just about flying drones. It’s about protecting the future of how we build, inspect, film, farm, deliver, and explore.

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