Florida lawmakers are considering a bill that would permit homeowners to use “reasonable force” against drones — likely sparked by last year’s uptick in sightings of mysterious unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The measure, sponsored by state Sen. Keith L. Truenow (R) last month, was placed on the Florida Senate’s legislative calendar on April 16.
Constituents across the U.S. have signaled discontent with the federal response, prompting more questions on where the drones originated and how they could be regulated. The Biden administration stressed that the UAVs were not a threat to national security or operated by foreign adversaries.
President Trump earlier this year said he would look into the drone spotting, but he ruled they were “not the enemy” and likely authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or belonged to hobbyists.
The Sunshine State legislation seeks to change property owners’ guidelines for unmanned aircraft that remain suspended above their own land. It has already cleared several committees despite potential conflicts with federal law.
The FAA prevents people from shooting down drones even if they are hovering above their personal property.
“A private citizen shooting at any aircraft – including unmanned aircraft – poses a significant safety hazard,” the agency’s website reads. “An unmanned aircraft hit by gunfire could crash, causing damage to persons or property on the ground, or it could collide with other objects in the air.”
“Shooting at an unmanned aircraft could result in a civil penalty from the FAA and/or criminal charges from federal, state or local law enforcement,” it adds.
However, the FAA declined to comment on Florida’s pending legislation. Currently, there are over 1 million drones registered to the federal oversight agency.
Drone flights are prohibited over areas designated as sensitive to national security, certain military bases, infrastructure and national landmarks; and from airspace covered by Temporary Flight Restriction regulations.
Florida’s proposed bill aims to include airports, prisons, inland ports, refineries and gas pipelines as a part of the restricted airspace. The added limitations would not apply to law enforcement — who often use drones to monitor crowds of 50 or more.
If passed, it will go into effect in October.
