Drone Laws in Florida (2026): What Changed This Year
Most people think flying a drone is pretty straightforward. Just take it out, send it up, and enjoy. But in Florida, the rules got way stricter in October 2025. And honestly? A lot of drone pilots have no idea.
Here’s the deal. Florida passed a major law called HB 1121 that changed everything. The penalties are serious now. We’re talking felony charges in some cases. So let’s break down exactly what you need to know to stay legal in 2026.
What Is a Drone in Florida?
Florida law defines a drone as an unmanned aircraft system. That includes the drone itself, the controller, and all the equipment you use to fly it.
Pretty much any flying device without a person on board counts as a drone. Your DJI. Your racing quad. Even tiny toy drones sometimes fall under these rules.
Weight matters here. If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds, you need to register it with the FAA. That’s about 250 grams. Most drones you buy at a store will hit that weight.
Basic Federal Rules Every Florida Pilot Must Follow
Okay, pause. Before we get into Florida-specific laws, you need to know the federal rules.
The Federal Aviation Administration controls all U.S. airspace. That means their rules apply everywhere in Florida. State laws just add extra restrictions on top.
Registration Requirements
You must register your drone if it weighs over 0.55 pounds. The cost is five dollars. Registration lasts three years.
Go to the FAA DroneZone website to register. You’ll get a registration number. That number needs to be visible on your drone’s outside surface.
Keep your registration certificate with you when you fly. Law enforcement can ask to see it.
The TRUST Test
Every recreational drone pilot must pass the TRUST test. It’s free. It takes about 30 minutes online.
TRUST stands for Recreational UAS Safety Test. You need to carry proof of completion when you fly.
You can’t fail this test. It’s designed as training. You review material and answer questions until you understand everything.
Lost your certificate? You’ll need to retake the test. The FAA doesn’t keep copies.
Remote ID Requirements
Since September 2023, most registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information. Think of it like a license plate for the sky.
Your drone either needs Remote ID built in or you need to attach a Remote ID broadcast module. There are some exceptions if you fly in special FAA-Recognized Identification Areas.
Honestly, most new drones come with Remote ID already installed. If you bought your drone recently, you’re probably good.
Airspace Rules
You can fly in Class G airspace without permission. That’s uncontrolled airspace.
Class B, C, D, and E airspace need authorization. Download the B4UFLY app. It shows you where you can fly and where you need approval.
Never fly above 400 feet. Stay within visual line of sight at all times. Those rules are non-negotiable.
Florida’s Big Law Change: HB 1121
Here’s where things get interesting. In May 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1121 into law. It went into effect October 1, 2025.
This law made Florida’s drone regulations way stricter. The penalties jumped significantly. Many drone pilots got caught off guard.
Critical Infrastructure No-Fly Zones
You cannot fly within 500 feet horizontally or 400 feet vertically of critical infrastructure. Not without authorization.
What counts as critical infrastructure? A lot more than you might think.
The list includes power plants, water treatment facilities, fuel storage sites, wireless communication towers, seaports, airports, hospitals, government buildings, military bases, dams, and correctional facilities.
Many of these sites aren’t marked on apps. They’re not geo-fenced. You won’t get a warning. You’re just expected to know.
Wondering if this applies to you? If you’re near any industrial facility, government building, or utility site, assume you need to check first.
Schools Are Completely Off-Limits
This one surprises people. You cannot fly over any public or private school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade.
Your drone also can’t make contact with a school. That includes any person or object on school property.
The only exception is if you have written consent from the school principal, superintendent, or school board. Even Part 107 commercial pilots need this permission.
Law enforcement gets an exception. But that’s pretty much it.
Surveillance Laws
Florida takes privacy seriously. You cannot use a drone to capture images of private property or people if they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
You need written consent. Flying over someone’s backyard and filming? That’s illegal without permission.
This law existed before HB 1121. But the new penalties make it much more serious.
Weaponized Drones Are Banned
You cannot attach weapons, explosives, or any destructive devices to your drone. Period.
You also can’t modify your drone to evade Remote ID requirements. That’s specifically illegal now.
Penalties and Consequences
Okay, this part is important. Read carefully.
The penalties under HB 1121 are harsh. Way harsher than before.
Misdemeanor Penalties
Flying over critical infrastructure without permission is at least a second-degree misdemeanor. That can mean up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Repeat offenses bump up to first-degree misdemeanors. That’s up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Felony Penalties
Here’s where it gets serious. If you intentionally fly near critical infrastructure and your actions could endanger people or property, you could face felony charges.
We’re talking up to five years in prison. Fines can reach $5,000. Plus you’ll have a felony on your record.
Think of it like this. A misdemeanor is bad. A felony can change your life.
Civil Penalties
The FAA can also hit you with civil fines. These are separate from criminal penalties.
FAA fines for drone violations have reached over $30,000 in some cases. They don’t mess around.
Commercial Drone Pilots Need Part 107
Flying for work? You need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
What counts as commercial use? More than you think.
Taking photos to sell your house. Filming a wedding for free. Shooting footage for your church. All of that requires Part 107.
Basically, if you’re not flying purely for fun, you need the certificate. Money doesn’t have to change hands.
How to Get Part 107 Certified
You must be at least 16 years old. You need to pass the FAA’s aeronautical knowledge test.
The test costs about $175 at an FAA-approved testing center. Study materials are available online.
Once you pass, you apply through the FAA’s IACRA system. Your certificate is good for 24 months. Then you need to take a recurrent training course.
Part 107 pilots follow different rules than recreational pilots. You can fly at night with proper lighting. You can fly over people in certain situations. You get more flexibility but also more responsibility.
State Parks and Public Lands
Florida state parks generally prohibit drones. There are exceptions for research or filming with written permission.
Contact the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for authorization. They’ll only approve if your flight won’t endanger people, damage resources, or interfere with park management.
Same deal with Florida Forest Service lands. No takeoffs or landings without authorization.
Many counties also restrict drones on county-owned land. Lake County requires a Special Use Permit. Pasco County needs permission from the administrator.
Local Restrictions to Know
Cities and counties can’t make their own airspace rules. But they can regulate things like nuisances, voyeurism, harassment, and property damage.
Some cities have additional restrictions. Let’s hit the highlights.
Miami
Drones are banned during major events in Miami. Art Basel. Spring Break. Any large gathering.
You also can’t fly within a half-mile of sporting events or large venues. That includes Marlins Ballpark, Bayfront Park, and Miami Marine Stadium.
Drones can’t be larger than five pounds in most of the city. No detachable cargo or weapons allowed.
Orlando
Orlando restricts drones within 500 feet of city-owned parks, schools, and major venues. The Amway Center. Camping World Stadium. Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Disney World is a complete no-fly zone. Violating that is a federal offense. They take it very seriously.
A permit costs $20 per flight or $150 annually. Violations can cost you $200 to $400 in fines.
Tampa
Tampa sits near MacDill Air Force Base. That means lots of restricted airspace.
Avoid government buildings. Stay away from crowds. Check your B4UFLY app constantly in Tampa.
Cape Canaveral
No drone photography within 24 hours of any scheduled launch. That’s at both Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center.
You also need authorization from CPA Public Safety and Security to operate on any port authority property.
Law Enforcement Drone Use
Police can use drones in Florida. But there are strict rules.
They need a search warrant in most cases. Or there needs to be an imminent terrorist threat. Or swift action is needed to prevent danger to life or property.
Police can also use drones for crowd control when 50 or more people gather. They can assess disaster damage. They can manage wildfires or inspect utility facilities.
But general surveillance? That requires a warrant.
How to Fly Legally in Florida
Stay with me here. Let’s make this practical.
First, register your drone if it weighs over 0.55 pounds. Takes five minutes online.
Second, pass the TRUST test. It’s free. You can do it right now.
Third, download B4UFLY. Check it before every flight. The app shows restricted areas and tells you if you need authorization.
Fourth, avoid critical infrastructure. When in doubt, stay away. It’s not worth the risk.
Fifth, respect privacy. Don’t fly over private property without permission. Don’t film people who have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Sixth, keep your drone below 400 feet. Keep it in your line of sight. Never fly recklessly.
Get LAANC Authorization When Needed
LAANC stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. It’s how you get permission to fly in controlled airspace.
Several apps provide LAANC authorization. Aloft is popular. AirMap works well. Kittyhawk is another option.
Authorization can happen instantly for some areas. Other areas might take longer or require special permission.
What About Drone Fishing?
Sound complicated? It kind of is.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hasn’t explicitly banned using drones for fishing. But they warn against disrupting wildlife or violating fishing laws.
You could potentially face harassment charges if your drone disturbs wildlife. And using a drone to drop bait might violate boating or fishing regulations.
Honestly, check with local authorities before trying this. It’s a gray area.
Can You Fly at Night?
Yes, but you need proper lighting. Your drone must have anti-collision lights visible for three miles.
Recreational pilots can fly at night if they follow Community-Based Organization guidelines for night operations.
Part 107 pilots can fly at night. But you’ll need LAANC authorization if you’re in controlled airspace.
Night flying adds risk. Make sure you’re comfortable with your skills first.
What If Someone Flies Over Your Property?
You might be wondering. Can you shoot down a drone over your yard?
No. Absolutely not. That’s a federal crime.
Drones are legally defined as aircraft. Damaging or destroying any aircraft is a felony under federal law.
If a drone repeatedly invades your privacy, you can take legal action. Florida’s anti-voyeurism laws might apply. You can file a police report.
But taking physical action yourself? That puts you in serious legal trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to fly a drone recreationally in Florida? No, but you must pass the free TRUST test and carry proof of completion. You also need to register drones over 0.55 pounds with the FAA for five dollars.
How much does a Part 107 commercial license cost? The test costs about $175 at an FAA testing center. Study materials range from free to a few hundred dollars depending on what you choose.
Can I fly my drone in Florida state parks? Not without written permission from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Authorization is only granted for specific purposes like research or approved filming.
Are DJI drones banned in Florida? No, recreational and commercial pilots can use DJI drones. Some government agencies face restrictions, but private pilots don’t have a statewide ban.
What happens if I violate Florida’s new drone laws? Penalties range from second-degree misdemeanors with 60 days in jail and $500 fines to felonies with up to five years in prison and $5,000 fines for serious violations near critical infrastructure.
Can I fly over beaches in Florida? Generally yes, but check local ordinances. Some beaches restrict drones during certain times or events. Always respect people’s privacy and maintain proper altitude.
What is Remote ID and do I need it? Remote ID broadcasts your drone’s location and identification. All registered drones must have Remote ID built in or attached unless flying in FAA-Recognized Identification Areas. It’s been required since September 2023.
Can I fly my drone from a moving car? Recreational pilots cannot. Part 107 commercial pilots need a special waiver from the FAA to operate from a moving vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s drone laws got serious in 2025. The penalties aren’t something to brush off.
But here’s the thing. If you follow the rules, you’ll be fine. Register your drone. Pass the TRUST test. Stay away from critical infrastructure and schools. Respect people’s privacy.
Use the B4UFLY app. Check before you fly. When you’re not sure, don’t fly.
The good news? Florida offers amazing opportunities for drone pilots. The beaches. The Everglades. The Keys. The weather is perfect most of the year.
Just fly smart. Fly legal. And enjoy the incredible views from above.
References
- Florida Statute § 330.41 – Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0330/Sections/0330.41.html
- Florida Statute § 934.50 – Searches and Seizure Using Drones https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0934/Sections/0934.50.html
- House Bill 1121 (2025) – The Florida Senate https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1121
- FAA Small UAS Rule (Part 107) https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators
- FAA Recreational Flyers Guidelines https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers
- Florida Department of Transportation – UAS Information https://www.fdot.gov/aviation/uas.shtm