Flying a drone in Florida is tricky, so I am writing this article for people who love flying drones.
Where can you legally fly a drone in Florida?
Florida has specific parks where you can use your drone without restriction.
Presently, Florida has thousands of registered drones, so we have to look at the state’s federal, state, and local drone laws.
When you are through with this blog, you will be equipped with enough knowledge to legally and safely operate your drone in Florida.
Where can you legally fly a drone in Florida?
You can only use a recreational drone in the community park, but if there is a concessionaire agreement, you can use it elsewhere.
You should not operate a drone as low as 25 feet above people, power lines, buildings, or electrical power lines.
I have listed some of the places you can fly your drone..
The restriction policy on some places to operate drones in Florida may discourage you, should not discourage you.
There are many authorized places in Florida where you can operate drones.
I will give five places to use your drone to take pictures and make videos with your UAV camera.
1. Cranes Roost Park
Cranes Roost Park is in Altamonte City.
It has an amphitheater, a plaza with fountains, and a walkway beside a lake.
Millions of people visit this park every year.
If you can get there early enough, you can use your drone to capture attractions.
2. Scout Key
Scout Key was formerly known as West Summerland Key.
The name of the key has changed but the look remains the same.
You can take nice pictures and videos of its greenery trees, grass, and beautiful Open Ocean with your drone.
3. Cherokee Point Conservation Area
Cherokee Point Conservation Area is in St.
Cloud, close to Lake Tohopekaliga.
It has Class D airspace with which you can explore the wetlands.
You will see some rare breeds of birds, on the endangered list as you operate your drone.
4. Sugarloaf Key
Sugarloaf Key is one of the lower Florida Keys, and it is a singular island.
Sugarloaf Key looks like it is split into two.
It is a destination every tourist will like to visit.
With your drone, you will see the best of the key.
5. SeaHawk Park
Cape Coral is in SeaHawk Park.
It is located on 13.5 acres of land.
It has a landing strip that serves helicopters and radio-controlled planes.
You are free to operate your drone here, to capture spectacular sights.
Florida State Drone Laws
There are three state-wide drone laws and two administrative codes in Florida presently.
House Bill 1027 – This bill reserves the exclusive right to make Florida drone laws for the Florida Legislature.
However, local governments are free to create ordinances under this bill.
The ordinances will take care of nuisance, harassment, damage to property, and reckless endangerment.
Senate Bill 92 – Under this law, you have no right to take pictures or make videos of any property without the owner’s consent.
This applies where a reasonable expectation of privacy is in place.
Senate Bill 766 – The bill defined a drone.
It details how local law enforcement authorities should use drones.
It is only law enforcement agencies that have the right to approve the use of drones when terrorist attack is imminent, when there is an urgent need to save a precarious situation or when there is a search for a missing person.
Can I fly a drone in a state park in Florida?
You are not authorized to operate a drone on state-managed lands like state parks.
This law was made to protect local nature and maintain the natural state of the park.
Drones are cool, but they can be distracting when you a watching something with keen interest and one of them comes buzzing over your head.
You should not operate a drone to aid activities against Florida’s laws.
The local government authorities can make ordinances prohibiting activities like voyeurism, harassment, reckless endangerment, or other things that are already illegal.
The law regulating the operation of a drone in Florida demands that you should not operate drones near:
- Pipelines
- Power lines
- Fire stations
- Railroad tracks
- Power plants, especially nuclear power plants.
- Water treatment plants
- Bridges, highways, and other transportation infrastructure
- You would be wise to use caution when operating near:
- Police stations, jails, and prisons
- Hospitals, especially if they have helipads.
- Cellular towers and radio towers
- Active emergency sites
Operating a drone close to military facilities like MacDill Air Force Base or any Coast Guard facility is not allowed by the laws of Florida.
In the same manner, the law does not allow you to buzz people, vessels, traffic, or animals with drones.
It is legal to operate drones in Florida except in public parks, forests, and other places banned by law.
Make sure you get your TRUST or Part 107 license before you start operating a drone in Florida.
Get your drone registered, and go through the laws we listed above.
Most immediately, catch your fun.
FAQs
Can I fly my drone on the beach in Florida?
None of the laws of the FAA regulates the operation of drones on beaches.
So, you are free to fly your drone on a beach if it is not a beach in a national park, or a place outlawed by local ordinances.
Is it illegal to fly drones around houses?
The laws of America do not forbid you from flying a drone over other people’s properties, but there are exceptions.
There are two public health and safety problems drones raise when flying over or close to other people’s properties.
There is a need for state and local laws to be applied in a situation like this.
Can I fly my drone around my neighborhood?
The law authorizes you to operate a drone in your neighborhood, backyard, home, and neighbors’ house.
Do not harass or spy on your neighbors with your drone.
They may come up with criminal charges against you.
