Operating Drones Over Critical Infrastructure Facilities

Plain English Breakdown

The bill did not pass all stages in the legislature, so its provisions have not been enacted into law as of now.

Operating Drones Over Critical Infrastructure Facilities

This law changes rules about flying drones over critical infrastructure facilities in Florida.

What This Bill Does

• Revises the rule that prohibits operating a drone over a critical infrastructure facility unless it is for commercial purposes and follows FAA regulations.
• Prohibits allowing a drone to touch or come too close to these facilities, which could interfere with their operations.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who fly drones
• Owners of critical infrastructure facilities

Terms To Know

Critical Infrastructure Facilities

Important buildings and places that are essential for the operation of society, like power plants or water treatment centers.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act

A law about drones in Florida.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill did not pass all stages and died in the Transportation committee.
• It is unclear which specific facilities are considered 'critical infrastructure' under this act.

Official Summary Text

Operating Drones Over Critical Infrastructure Facilities; Revising a prohibition relating to the operation of a drone over a critical infrastructure facility, etc.

Current Bill Text

Florida Senate
-
2026

SB 870

By
Senator Wright

8-01429-26 2026870__
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to operating drones over critical
3 infrastructure facilities; amending s. 330.41, F.S.;
4 revising a prohibition relating to the operation of a
5 drone over a critical infrastructure facility;
6 providing an effective date.
7
8 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
9
10 Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of section
11 330.41, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
12 330.41 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act.—
13 (4) PROTECTION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES.—
14 (a) A person may not knowingly or willfully:
15 1. Operate a drone over a critical infrastructure facility
,

16 unless
the operation is for a commercial purpose and is

17 authorized by and in compliance with Federal Aviation
18 Administration regulations;
19 2. Allow a drone to make contact with a critical
20 infrastructure facility, including any person or object on the
21 premises of or within the facility; or
22 3. Allow a drone to come within a distance of a critical
23 infrastructure facility that is close enough to interfere with
24 the operations of or cause a disturbance to the facility.
25 Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.