Cites Explosive Growth Of Hobby Aircraft, Advances In Technology

The City of Orlando, FL has rewritten the section of its municipal code dealing with unmanned aircraft in light of their exploding popularity among hobbyists and businesses, and will require permits to fly near city parks and buildings.

The section of the code had previously been titled "Airplanes Operated by Use of a Control Line, Radio or Other Electrical Device in Parks, Streets, etc." It also covered the use of model rockets.

Now, Section 43.02 is titled "Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems -  Restrictions on Operations."

The city says that it recognizes the expanding use of drones by hobbyists and businesses, and that it wishes to "increase the ability of hobbyists and commercial users to operate unmanned aircraft within the City of Orlando, while recognizing the need to protect the safety and privacy of the citizens and visitors to the city."

The proposed ordinance would make it illegal to "cause an unmanned aircraft to launch or land, or for any person to operate or assist in the operation of any unmanned aircraft system out of doors unless permitted to do so by the City of Orlando, when that person is on city property:

• At or within 500 feet of any Venue
• At or within 500 feet of any outdoor public assembly
• At or within 500 feet of an event with more than 1000 people in attendance
• At or within 500 feet of any county or municipal detention facility

It also prohibits flights on city property within 500 feet of a park, any public or private school, or city building such as city hall and police and fire stations.

Flights near schools can only be conducted with the permission of the school, but only if it is included in their policies and procedures.

The city plans to require drone operators to obtain a permit to fly under any of those circumstances, but has not yet determined the standards under which those permits will be issued. Other exceptions are aircraft operated by a government agency, and aircraft that are authorized by the FAA to fly in the city's airspace.

Violators may be subject to arrest, fines, and jail time.

(Images from file)

FMI: Orlando Drone Law