A new Florida Senate bill would allow homeowners in the state to use “reasonable force” to take down drones that violate a homeowner’s right to privacy.
According to Fox News, the Florida bill provides additional regulations regarding the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and increases the number of locations that are protected against drone flights throughout the state, including correctional facilities and airports. If approved, the legislation would also allow Florida homeowners to use “reasonable force” to prevent drones from violating their expectation of privacy.
“No one wants to have a drone sitting over their property, filming what they do for any number of reasons,” Raul Gastesi, a Florida attorney, told Fox News. “Almost every state has laws on privacy, including drones.”
According to Fox News, it is currently legal for drones to be flown over private residential areas as long as drones remain in unrestricted airspace. However, the outlet noted that drone pilots who cause a nuisance for homeowners could face prosecution for trespassing or stalking.
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Florida’s “Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act” currently prohibits drone operators from using unmanned aircraft to capture photos or videos of private property; however, Fox News reported that the 2024 legislation does not prohibit a drone operator from using unmanned aircraft to capture a live view of private property.
Fox News reported that under the new Florida Senate legislation, homeowners would be authorized to use “reasonable force” against drones spotted flying over private property; however, the outlet noted that the legislation currently does not provide clarity regarding what is considered “reasonable force,” which could lead to issues with the Federal Aviation Administration.
U.S. law currently prevents people from shooting down or damaging any aircraft while it is in the air. In a statement to Fox News, the Federal Aviation Administration noted, “It’s illegal under federal law to shoot at an aircraft.” The Federal Aviation Administration added, “A private citizen shooting at any aircraft – including unmanned aircraft – poses a significant safety hazard.”
Gastesi told Fox News that while certain actions are “permissible” by state law, the same actions may violate federal law. He warned, “Just because your state says you can do it, doesn’t mean the federal government won’t prosecute you for it.”
The Federal Aviation Administration warned that if an unmanned aircraft was hit by gunfire, it could result in a crash, “damage to persons or property on the ground,” or a collision with other objects in the air.
The Federal Aviation Administration added, “Shooting at an unmanned aircraft could result in a civil penalty from the FAA and criminal charges from federal, state or local law enforcement.”
© American Military News
