Florida Homeowners Push Back Against Drone Surveillance with New Bill Proposal

Florida Homeowners Push Back Against Drone Surveillance with New Bill Proposal

In an evolving conversation about privacy and technology, a new bill advancing in the Florida Senate seeks to empower homeowners to defend their privacy against intrusive drones. If passed, this legislation would allow individuals to use reasonable force to disable drones that invade their private space. This initiative raises significant questions regarding its compatibility with existing federal airspace regulations.

The Intent Behind the Legislation

This proposed law specifically aims to regulate unmanned aircraft systems while enhancing privacy protections in Florida. It does this by identifying various sensitive locations, such as airports and correctional facilities, from which drone usage would be prohibited.

A notable provision of the bill grants homeowners the right to use reasonable force to prevent drones from infringing on their expectation of privacy. This could mean taking direct action against unauthorized drones flying over their homes.

Legal Perspectives on Privacy and Drones

“Nobody wants to have a drone hovering over their property filming their activities for a multitude of reasons,” stated Raul Gastesi, a Florida-based attorney, in a conversation with Fox News Digital. “Almost every state has privacy laws, including those that address drones, but few allow individuals to take self-defense actions against such intrusions.”

The proposed bill brings to the forefront a complex legal landscape regarding drone operators and property owners. According to federal law, flying a drone over residential areas is permissible as long as the drone maintains its position in unrestricted airspace. However, if drone operations create a nuisance, pilots could potentially face legal repercussions for trespassing.

Florida’s Stance on Drone Regulations

In 2024, Florida enacted the