Understanding Florida’s New Drone Laws

Drones are playing an increasingly central role in our lives, and Florida’s legal system is struggling to catch up with the pace of this new technological innovation. While drones have proven useful on the battlefield and in many other industries, they are also quite popular among the civilian population. If you enjoy flying your drone in Florida, you should familiarize yourself with the applicable laws. Florida has just passed new drone laws, and existing federal laws could also pose serious legal issues. If you face either state or federal crimes in Fort Myers after flying a drone, you might want to speak with a defense attorney.

Florida Introduces a New Drone Law

 In May of 2022, ABC Gulf Coast reported that Florida had passed a new drone law. The law is set to take effect in October of 2025, giving residents the summer to make the necessary adjustments. Lawmakers now believe that drones are national security threats, and the new law also addresses privacy concerns felt by many citizens.

Under the new law, drone operators can no longer pilot their unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over certain locations. These include prisons and airports. The new law also bans drone operators from using their UAVs to spy on people. Finally, there are new penalties for anyone who uses a drone to drop contraband. For example, this might include dropping a bag of drugs for a buyer to collect.

But not all elements of this new law are anti-drone. One notable detail bans people from shooting down drones that venture over their properties. Under the previous law, this was legal in some circumstances.

Drone Enthusiasts Express Concerns Over New Laws 

Some drone enthusiasts are concerned about these new laws. Some say that the restrictions against spying could make it impossible to fly drones in residential areas. For example, a drone operator might accidentally capture someone sunbathing in their backyard. This could be an offense under the new laws, and some believe that these new privacy laws are excessive.

There Are Already Federal Laws Against Drone Usage in Florida 

You should know that many of these restrictions already exist under federal law in Florida. For example, flying a drone over a military base could be a very serious federal crime. The same applies to other areas of federal jurisdiction, such as certain airports, prisons, and government facilities. If you face a federal charge for flying a drone in the wrong area, consider speaking with an experienced attorney.

Can a Defense Attorney in Fort Myers Help With Drone-Related Offenses? 

Whether you face state or federal charges after flying a drone, you should contact a Fort Myers and Naples criminal defense lawyer. If possible, contact a law firm that has experience with federal crimes. Anything involving federal airspace can lead to surprisingly severe consequences for average citizens. The Foley & Wilson Law Firm has considerable experience with federal crimes, so schedule your first consultation today.

Sources: 

gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/florida-cracks-down-drone-use-new-law/64856407

faa.gov/uas