Florida is one of the most beautiful states in the US, with hundreds of amazing places to photograph. From South Beach to the Everglades, you are surrounded by endless opportunities to snap a great pic.

This makes a lot of people question “Can you fly a drone in Florida?” so we asked Josh from A Backpacker’s World to provide a complete overview of flying a drone in the sunshine state. 

So, can you fly a drone in Florida?

To summarise, yes! You are allowed to fly a drone in Florida. But you need to have the appropriate permits and follow the rules, both of which we will go into later. Nonetheless, this is the answer everyone hoped for.

Being able to fly a drone in Florida is an unmissable opportunity. There are endless possibilities of where you could fly it.

If you are on a Florida road trip, for example, you’ll be able to make some incredible footage all around the state. But remember that you won’t be able to fly your drone above Florida’s nude beaches.

Getting your drone into Florida

Luckily, there don’t appear to be any rules about getting your drone into Florida. This makes it a lot easier than other states and countries which require pre-approval just to bring the drone in. For Florida, no permits are required to get your drone there, but permits are required to fly your drone there. 

PRO TIP: Make sure you know your airline’s policy about flying with drones. Some of them are very strict on how they are to be packaged and whether they go in hold luggage or hand luggage.

Flying Drones in Florida
Here you’ll learn about Florida drone laws

See also: Getting from Miami Airport to South Beach

Do you need a license to fly your drone in Florida?

Yes, you do. Regardless of if you are flying for recreational or commercial purposes, you must register your drone to fly in Florida. You can register through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)  and this registration means your drone is registered for the whole of the US, not just Florida specifically. It costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. You can apply by clicking here. 

On top of registration, you must complete the FAA’s Recreational UAS Safety Test, better known as the TRUST test. The TRUST is an online test that grants you a certificate allowing you to fly a drone in Florida, and the rest of the US. It’s also free, which is great. You can take TRUST by clicking here. 

Having both the drone registration and TRUST available online is a huge benefit, as you can get all the required documentation to fly a drone in Florida before visiting.

Flying a drone in Florida

If you are flying your drone for commercial purposes, such as surveying or mapping, you require further registration, in the form of the Part 107 rule.

This includes passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test. If you are an experienced drone operator, this should be fairly straightforward but is required to fly your drone commercially in Florida.

See Also: What To Do in Brickell?

Rules for flying a drone in Florida

As well as having drone registration and a TRUST certificate, you must follow the federal, state and local rules in Florida when flying your drone. Combining the FAA and Florida legislation’s laws, we compiled a list of the most important ones to know.

It is important you follow the rules, as failure to do so can lead to confiscation of your drone, huge fines ($1000s) and even imprisonment if the offense is severe enough. 

  • You can only fly your drown up to 400 feet (about 120 metres)
  • You must give way to crewed aircraft (planes, helicopters, etc.)
  • You must carry proof of TRUST when flying
  • Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Mark your drone with your registration number and carry registration documents
  • Remain in a direct line of sight

You should also familiarise yourself with the local laws, for example in Miami, you cannot fly within half a mile of large venues including sporting events. Or in Orlando, you cannot fly within 500 feet of parks, schools and venues. 

Furthermore, the universal law of not flying near airports, military bases, police stations, prisons and all other areas of sensitivity applies. This should be common sense, though. 

It’s recommended but not a legal requirement to have drone insurance. And one last rule, you can’t fly over any State or National Parks without prior permission.

Flying a drone in Miami
Would you like to fly a drone in Miami, Florida?

See also: Free things to do in Miami, Florida

Best places to fly a drone in Florida

Being such a diverse state, there are so many places to fly a drone in Florida. It would be impossible to list them all, there are hundreds of amazing spots. However, we have chosen our top 5 for the whole state. They are guaranteed to create footage that makes you say “wow”.

1- Reddie Point Preserve, Jacksonville

This one is my favourite. Want to know why? Simple. You can capture dolphins on your drone. Yes, dolphins. Imagine how magical that would be, I’m pretty sure it would be the best drone footage you ever get. If you get lucky enough to get footage of dolphins, you have completed life as a drone operator.

2- Sanibel Island, Cape Coral

Sanibel Island creates drone footage that seems too good to be true. You look at the footage you have captured, and it looks like stock footage. That’s how beautiful it is. It’s such a picturesque island, and the drone shots are unbelievable!

3- Shadow Bay Park, Orlando

Another great place to capture wild animals on a drone. This is a hotspot for alligators. Imagine the possibilities this creates. Depending on your skill level as a drone operator, you could get the alligators to jump out of the water at your drone, creating something surreal.

Can you fly a drone in Florida?

4- Kelly Park, Apopka

Flying your drone here doesn’t even feel like Florida, the footage is breathtaking. It looks so tropical, the greenery and wildlife make it look like something from a dream. The turquoise waters also look magnificent. 

5- River Tower Park, St. Petersburg

The clue’s in the name for this one. Flying your drone around the water tower makes for some amazing footage, an opportunity not to be missed! You can also catch some pretty awesome sunsets here if you come at the right time. 

Can you fly a drone in Florida: Wrap Up

Well, there you have it. Hopefully, our guide answered your question “Can you fly a drone in Florida?” Make sure you have the appropriate registration and TRUST certificate if you are flying your drone here, and be sure to follow the rules too.

It is not worth it to risk it! So if you are visiting Florida, make sure to pack your drone. The footage possibilities are indescribable.

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Josh Band - A Backpacker's WorldThis post was written by Josh Band from A Backpacker’s World. Josh loves to write about South East Asia and other popular backpacking routes around the world. Who doesn’t love budget travelling, right?!

 

Pedro has travelled to almost 120 countries and has made his nest in London. He has also lived in Spain, Australia, the US, Georgia and Turkey. A former hotel management professional, he loves exploring local cultures, is now learning his 8th language and has a soft spot for the Middle East and the CIS countries.