Well, that didn't take long. I knew it would happen eventually but didn't know this would be the trigger.
FL has an anti-drone law which was passed to prevent the ordinary recreational drone flyer from surveillance on private property using a drone. You can read the law here: FL 934.50 Searches and seizure using a drone
The law either prohibits everyone from "spying" with a drone or makes it difficult with very specific exceptions. I guess it was ok for Floridians....until it wasn't. It now appears the law is overly broad or there aren't enough good exceptions for everyone, it doesn't help promote positive drone use, it does not to stop criminals, or it's just a plain stupid law.
I have always believed it was good idea to allow drones to be used in helpful ways particularly when it comes to security and overwatch, etc. I did not like law enforcement (government) to fly drones with unrestricted rules and I have always wanted law to make sure government use of drones is Constitutional and transparent and only with the permission of the People. I would be happy with no warrant, no drone; obey the 4th Amendment. I have never been a fan of anti-drone laws which impact the consumer or commercial drone space including this ridiculous FL law.
Seems like a lot of people might agree with me and are now asking for the get out from under that law. I won't post the link to the petition from change.org but here it is:
We, the undersigned, urge immediate action to close a dangerous gap in Florida law that leaves political candidates, elected officials, and the public vulnerable at rallies, speeches, and civic gatherings.
Under current Florida law (§ 934.50, F.S.), licensed security officers and FAA-certified remote drone pilots cannot legally use drones to scan rooftops or elevated positions for threats. The current law treats these protective sweeps as “surveillance,” even when the goal is to prevent a sniper attack or provide life-saving information during a hostile incident.
This restriction puts lives at risk.
We Call For:
Legislative Action in 2026 — Pass new law authorizing licensed security personnel and contracted FAA-certified drone pilots to conduct protective drone sweeps.
Executive Action Now — Governor DeSantis can issue an executive order to bridge the gap until legislation takes effect, authorizing protective drone operations under FDLE oversight.
Balance and Accountability — Protective drone use must include privacy safeguards, strict limits on data retention, and Good Samaritan protections for operators acting in good faith.
Why This Matters
This is not about politics. It is about protecting people. Florida can lead the nation in responsibly using drone technology to save lives, safeguard free speech, and ensure that no family has to endure another preventable tragedy.
We urge the Governor and Legislature: act now, before it’s too late.
FL has an anti-drone law which was passed to prevent the ordinary recreational drone flyer from surveillance on private property using a drone. You can read the law here: FL 934.50 Searches and seizure using a drone
The law either prohibits everyone from "spying" with a drone or makes it difficult with very specific exceptions. I guess it was ok for Floridians....until it wasn't. It now appears the law is overly broad or there aren't enough good exceptions for everyone, it doesn't help promote positive drone use, it does not to stop criminals, or it's just a plain stupid law.
I have always believed it was good idea to allow drones to be used in helpful ways particularly when it comes to security and overwatch, etc. I did not like law enforcement (government) to fly drones with unrestricted rules and I have always wanted law to make sure government use of drones is Constitutional and transparent and only with the permission of the People. I would be happy with no warrant, no drone; obey the 4th Amendment. I have never been a fan of anti-drone laws which impact the consumer or commercial drone space including this ridiculous FL law.
Seems like a lot of people might agree with me and are now asking for the get out from under that law. I won't post the link to the petition from change.org but here it is:
The Issue
To the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis:We, the undersigned, urge immediate action to close a dangerous gap in Florida law that leaves political candidates, elected officials, and the public vulnerable at rallies, speeches, and civic gatherings.
Under current Florida law (§ 934.50, F.S.), licensed security officers and FAA-certified remote drone pilots cannot legally use drones to scan rooftops or elevated positions for threats. The current law treats these protective sweeps as “surveillance,” even when the goal is to prevent a sniper attack or provide life-saving information during a hostile incident.
This restriction puts lives at risk.
- In 2024, a rooftop sniper attempted to assassinate Presidential candidate Donald J. Trump.
- On September 10, 2025, political influencer Charlie Kirk was murdered while addressing a college audience.
- Florida has seen tragedies like the Pulse nightclub and Parkland school shootings, where faster situational awareness could have saved lives.
We Call For:
Legislative Action in 2026 — Pass new law authorizing licensed security personnel and contracted FAA-certified drone pilots to conduct protective drone sweeps.
Executive Action Now — Governor DeSantis can issue an executive order to bridge the gap until legislation takes effect, authorizing protective drone operations under FDLE oversight.
Balance and Accountability — Protective drone use must include privacy safeguards, strict limits on data retention, and Good Samaritan protections for operators acting in good faith.
Why This Matters
This is not about politics. It is about protecting people. Florida can lead the nation in responsibly using drone technology to save lives, safeguard free speech, and ensure that no family has to endure another preventable tragedy.
We urge the Governor and Legislature: act now, before it’s too late.
