Table of Contents
Introduction
There are so many reasons to visit Florida for vacation as the state is home to many beaches and the weather is always good. However, it can be pretty hot in the summer. Additionally, Florida is the home of Disney World and Epcot Center, Seaworld, and Universal Studios. Therefore, those reasons alone are a great reason to visit the Sunshine State. However, there are so many other fantastic sceneries in Florida, and you will want to capture those images with the drone. Can you legally bring and use your drone to Florida? Let’s talk about that a little further so you can learn about the rules when it comes to using drones in Florida.
Are Drones Legal In Florida?
According to the FAA, the good news is that hobbyists can fly drones in Florida for recreational purposes. However, there are essential things to know before bringing your drone to Florida. First, you need to register your drone to fly it in Florida. If your drone weighs more than 0.55 lbs but less than 55 lbs, then you need to register it with the FAA. There is a five-dollar charge do it. If your drone weighs less than 0.55, you do not need to register it, but you need to know about the Florida laws for drone-flying. If your drone weighs more than 55 lbs, then the application form will direct you to a separate area to note that.
The thing is, though, unless your drone weighs less than 0.55 lbs, if you do not register your drone with the FAA, you could end up with a $250,000 fine and possibly additionally three years in prison if authorities catch you. Therefore, it is essential not to forget to register your drone with the FAA if you want to fly it in Florida. You also have to abide by the laws to ensure that you do not end up with penalties when you want to have fun flying your drone in Florida.
What Are The Florida Laws For Drones?
Aside from registering the drone, you have to ensure that you never become reckless when you fly your drone. If authorities catch you damaging property and getting into the way of others, harassing others, and ruining people’s belongings, then you will end up with severe penalties. That is self-explanatory. If they also catch you with voyeurism, then that is also a penalty in itself you will need to face. If you become a nuisance to anyone at all, that will be a problem. Therefore, please do not do it!
Florida also prohibits drone users from taking pictures of anyone’s private property unless they have permission to do so. So never take photos of the owners and tenants and any occupants in personal property. And here is the thing, you will also be in big trouble if you pretend to be a law enforcement officer using a drone. That is because law enforcement officers can use drones to look in private property, but there needs to be a warrant to do that. Law enforcement officers use drones to look for anyone who is missing and help rescue someone from a dangerous situation.
You also do not want to fly drones in any lands that Florida manages, such as the forests and state parks. The only time anyone has permission to fly drones over those lands is if they are part of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. But, again, if you pretend you are from those organizations, the authorities will catch you and end up in serious trouble.
The state of Florida also does not permit you to go to district lands to take off your drone and to land it. That means you cannot take off or land your drone in areas where people hike, run, cycle, and have natural and open spaces. That is unless you have permission from Special Use Authorization.
Are There City Laws In Florida Regarding Drones?
Yes, there are different laws in Miami regarding flying drones. For example, you cannot fly your drone within a half-mile radius from sporting events or any events that involve crowds. That includes Calle Ocho Festival, Bayfront Park, Marlins Ballpark, and Miami Marine Stadium. If you also have a drone over 5 lbs, you cannot fly it unless you are part of the Academy Model Aeronautics. Finally, you cannot fly a drone with any cargo that detaches from it, such as firearms or weapons. That is self-explanatory. You also cannot fly the drone within a one-mile radius of the Miami International Airport, or you will end up with hefty penalties.
The laws for flying drones in Orlando are similar as you cannot fly them within 500 feet of Harry P. Leu Gardens, Camping World Stadium, and Amway Center. The same goes for anywhere where many people, including Disney World. However, the laws for drone-flying in Bonita Town Springs are stricter as you cannot fly the drone anywhere there are many people, buildings, powerlines, and lights. That means you can only fly it in local community parks if you are alone.
If you want to fly your drone in the Town of Defuniak Springs, then you need to follow different laws. First, you need consent to fly your drone, even on public property. Additionally, you have to register your drone with the local police department, and that goes for those who fly drones commercially who have a license to do so.
Conclusion
If you want to go to Florida and take your drone with you‘, as there are so many incredible beaches and scenery, you can. However, you have to register your drone with the FAA unless it weighs less than 0.55 lbs, and you also need to ensure that you abide by the drone laws in Florida. If you do not register a drone that weighs more than 0.55 lbs or abide by the rules or both, you will end up with a $250,000 fine and perhaps even a three-year imprisonment term. Therefore, you do not want your Florida trip to go sour, and you will want to do your homework, so that does not happen.