That’s the obvious (and obligatory) question that we must answer before we move on. And I got good news for you, drones are allowed in Florida for recreational and commercial uses!

Below are the federal drone laws in Florida that you’ll have to keep in mind:

• Do not fly higher than 400ft
• Do not fly in uncontrolled airspace without a permit
• Always maintain visual line of sight
• Never interfere with manned aircrafts
• Do not fly over crowds of people [For more details, check this guide]
  

Did you fly a drone in Florida before? Share your experience in the comments below!

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Hello there PaulArcher. Good day and thank you for sharing these information with us here at DJI Forum. Have a safe and a happy flying always. .

Great article you published on drone flying in Texas.  As for Florida I submit to you the following:

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Florida Legislature, there are four laws in Florida that govern drone use.

HB 1027 // 2017

The law preempts any local regulation of unmanned aircraft systems. However, only the Florida Legislature is can make laws regarding the use of drones within the state. Local governments are allowed to adopt drone ordinances to address nuisances, voyeurism, and harassment as well as reckless endangerment, property damages, or other illegal acts. The law prohibits drones from operating over or near critical infrastructure. It also prohibits the possession or operation of a weaponized UAS.

SB 766 // 2015

This law prohibits the use of a drone to capture an image of a privately owned property or the owner, tenant, or occupant of such property without consent if a reasonable expectation of privacy exists.

SB 92 // 2013

This law defines what a “drone” is and restricts law enforcement’s use of drones. This law allows law enforcement to use drones if they have a warrant or a terrorist threat. The law allows anyone who has been injured by the inappropriate use of drones, to file a civil action.

Florida Administrative Code 5I-4.003 // 2016

The state code forbids the use of drones on state lands, including Florida state parks and forest-managed lands. Only with authorization from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services can a drone be allowed to land at a runway or a heliport. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must determine that takeoff or landing does not pose a risk to the safety, health, or welfare of any person. It also has to be determined that it will not damage forest resources or interfere with forest management goals as set forth in the management plan. In an emergency, or for official Service business, authorization from the Service does not need to be obtained.

Florida Administrative Code 40C-9.320 // 2004

This state code prohibits drones from taking off and landing on District lands without authorization from a Special Use Authorization

Alongside the above state laws, there are also some local drone laws in Florida too.  They exist for Town of Bonita Springs, Town of Defuniak Springs, City of Orland, City of Miami, Pinellas County, Lake County, Canaveral Port Authority and the University of Tampa.  

So, in summary, Florida is definitely not the wild west for flying drones.  

Dam good post!

Just Registered, Thanks