Florida Drone Bill Raises Questions About Potential Legal Conflicts

Florida’s Senate bill may let property owners use “reasonable force” against drones flying over their homes, but concerns mount over possible conflict with federal aviation laws that prohibit shooting down any aircraft.

Key Insights

The Florida bill would enable homeowners to use “reasonable force” against drones flying below 500 feet over their property.
Concerns have come up that the legislation could conflict with FAA regulations, which classify drones as aircraft and prohibit their destruction with penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison.
The bill would expand no-fly zones to include airports, prisons, inland ports, refineries, and gas pipelines.
Already approved unanimously by committee, the bill could take effect in October 2025 if it passes a full Senate vote.
The bill increases penalties for drone surveillance, changing violations from civil infractions to first-degree misdemeanors.

Property Rights vs. Federal Authority

A bill introduced in Florida’s Senate by State Senator Keith L. Truenow would empower property owners to take action against drones hovering over their homes. The legislation, placed on the calendar April 16, would allow Floridians to use “reasonable force” against unmanned aircraft flying below 500 feet over private property. The measure comes as residents increasingly report drone intrusions and frustration with what many see as inadequate federal response to these privacy concerns.

While the bill has gained traction with lawmakers concerned about protecting privacy rights, it has raised concerns about a confrontation with federal aviation authority. The FAA classifies drones as aircraft, making it illegal to shoot them down regardless of where they’re flying. With nearly 800,000 drones registered nationwide and over a million users for both recreational and commercial purposes, the potential for conflict between state and federal laws has been noted by media outlets.

Florida bill would let homeowners use 'reasonable force' against drones https://t.co/EXvU5MHIf2

— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) April 22, 2025

Legal Consequences and Safety Concerns

The bill has prompted serious warnings about potential consequences for Floridians who might act under state protection only to face federal charges. During committee discussions, Florida state Senator Jason Pizzo (D-Hollywood) cautioned about the implications of the bill’s language, particularly regarding what constitutes “reasonable force” against drones.

“There was mention that ‘reasonable force’ might include shooting it down…But I don’t want anyone under the notion that they can go and just shoot things down from the air, which is actually punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison,” Pizzo said. It is currently unclear what the bill means by “reasonable force.”

The FAA has been explicit about the dangers of attempting to shoot down drones, emphasizing both safety and legal concerns. The agency warns that drones damaged by gunfire could crash into people or property on the ground or collide with other aircraft, creating significant public safety hazards beyond the initial privacy concern that might have prompted action.

Expanded Restrictions and Penalties

The bill would significantly expand drone restrictions throughout Florida. It redefines no-fly zones to include additional sensitive locations such as airports, correctional facilities, inland ports, refineries, and gas pipelines. These added protections reflect growing concern about potential security threats posed by unauthorized drone operations near critical infrastructure.

The legislation would strengthen Florida’s existing “Freedom from Unwanted Surveillance Act” by upgrading the penalty for drone surveillance from a civil violation to a first-degree misdemeanor. It also explicitly prohibits drones from carrying weapons of mass destruction or hoax WMDs. Law enforcement would be exempt from these restrictions, preserving their ability to use drones for legitimate public safety purposes like crowd monitoring.

Path Forward and Implementation Challenges

Despite the potential conflict with federal law, the bill has made significant progress through Florida’s legislative process. It has received unanimous committee approval and now awaits a full Senate vote. If passed and signed into law, the new regulations would take effect in October 2025. The FAA has not yet commented specifically on the Florida legislation, raising questions about potential federal challenges or enforcement actions if the bill becomes law.