Recently-Passed State Law Prohibits Local Governments From Regulating Drones

In its legislative session earlier this year, the State of Florida passed, and Governor Rick Scott signed, a bill that prohibits local governments from enacting legislation regulating the operation of unmanned aircraft in the state.

To comply with the state law, the City of Orlando has introduced a bill that would strike its recently-passed drone regulations from the city's code of ordinances.

The Orlando ordinance banned drone operations within 500 feet of city-owned parks, schools and large venues without a permit, which would cost $20 per flight of $150 per year. It created fines of between $200 and $400 for violations, and included jail time for anyone operating a drone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

At the time, city officials said that the ordinance was necessary to protect citizens and tourists in popular public spaces, but that it did want to encourage drone use in the city.

The amendment to the ordinance was considered on first read on July 24. In the bill summary, the city said that the repeal "is necessary as section 330.41, Fla. Stat., has preempted any municipality from regulating the operation of an unmanned aircraft system."

(Image from file)

FMI: Bill Summary