Perhaps not a wise move to go peeking over someone’s fence. Equally unwise of homeowner to start shooting when no viable threat was presented. But, in my opinion, the homeowner may possibly be on the wrong end of the law versus the droner for looking over the fence. I did not see the video, so therefore I do not know if the droner trespassed or not, and were there any weapons displayed? Homeowner might be wise to retain legal as it’s possible droner may have a new collection in the future. I do not pretend to be knowledgeable of FL laws, but most likely since no real threat was made to homeowner by droner, the HO is in hot water now!
Lessons should be learned on both sides (of the fence)!
The gun issue is for the state to decide. I am pro gun, but I also do not know the full facts behind the reasoning for discharge of the weapon, so am not able to judge. Knocking on the front door and introducing with an explanation as to the perported problem may have yielded a much more amiable response. Perhaps even an offer to compensate ($5 or $10) the HO for the inconvenience, assuming the drone was in his back yard. Chances are the HO would have been much more receptive to a 1 or 2 minute intrusion. Possibly! Finally, flying over a home (all the while maintaining VLOS) should not be construed as invasion of privacy (unless you make an effort to make it that!). All homeowners still posses the ability to make their property a NFZ with the FAA. It then becomes the droner’s responsibility to avoid.
PERSONAL NOTE: I posses a National Concealed Carry (valid in all 50 and DC). When I travel I try make myself aware of the general right to carry rules for each state I may transverse. It just makes things easier for me.
Fly safe and keep a supply of fresh batteries
R
Jeffrey