Bill > S1422

This bill updates Florida's laws regarding unmanned aircraft (drones) by making several significant changes across multiple legal sections. The bill expands the definition of "critical infrastructure facility" to include more types of sites and provides an exception for commercial drone operations authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It introduces new criminal penalties for unauthorized drone operations near critical infrastructure, increasing the severity from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. The legislation also prohibits altering or manipulating drones to avoid remote identification requirements established by the FAA, with potential felony charges for violations. Additionally, the bill enhances privacy protections by allowing property owners to use reasonable force to prevent drone surveillance under 500 feet over their private property and establishes criminal penalties for individuals who conduct unauthorized drone surveillance or distribute such surveillance footage. The bill introduces new exceptions for law enforcement drone use, such as crowd monitoring and providing security for elected officials, while maintaining guidelines to protect personal safety and constitutional rights. These comprehensive changes aim to balance technological innovation with privacy protection and public safety concerns, with the provisions set to take effect on October 1, 2025.