The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance regulations surrounding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and drones, particularly in relation to critical infrastructure facilities. It revises the definition of "critical infrastructure facility" to include various types of facilities such as power generation sites, chemical manufacturing plants, and communication facilities, among others. The bill introduces an exception allowing drone operations over these facilities for commercial purposes, provided they comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Additionally, it increases the criminal penalty for violations related to drone operations over critical infrastructure, changing the offense from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

Furthermore, the bill defines "unmanned aircraft" and "unmanned aircraft system," and prohibits the possession or operation of drones with attached weapons or explosives. It also establishes penalties for tampering with drones to evade identification requirements set by the FAA. The bill includes provisions for law enforcement agencies to use drones for crowd monitoring and security of elected officials, while ensuring that proper guidelines and authorizations are in place. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1121 Filed: 330.41, 330.411, 934.50
H 1121 c1: 330.411, 934.50
H 1121 c2: 330.411, 934.50
H 1121 er: 330.411, 934.50