Florida Cracks Down on Drone Threats with New Law Led by Sen. Jennifer Canady

Florida is strengthening its defenses against the misuse of drones with a new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 16. Sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Canady of Lakeland, the measure aims to prevent drones from being used to smuggle contraband, surveil sensitive areas, or pose other threats to public safety and national security. The law will take effect on October 1.

Canady said her push for the legislation was inspired by Operation Skyhawk, a sting in Georgia that resulted in the arrest of 150 individuals involved in a drone-based contraband network targeting state prisons. She warned that Florida must act before similar threats escalate within its own borders. According to Florida Politics, Canady told lawmakers, “These changes enhance the state’s ability to prevent dangerous and illicit activities involving unmanned aircraft systems, such as the delivery of contraband to correctional facilities, surveillance of critical infrastructure, and even the potential use of chemical warfare.”

The legislation updates the definition of “critical infrastructure facility” to include airports, military installations, correctional institutions, dams, and wireless communication centers. It prohibits anyone from knowingly flying a drone over or near those locations without proper authorization under FAA guidelines. Anyone who violates the law could face criminal charges, particularly if the drone has been modified to evade remote identification requirements or is carrying weapons, explosives, or other dangerous devices.

Those who use drones for unauthorized surveillance or distribute images or videos captured through such activity could also be prosecuted under the new penalties. However, exceptions are made for law enforcement, who are still permitted to use drones for public safety monitoring and crowd control, subject to oversight.

The bill passed both chambers unanimously—114-0 in the House and 37-0 in the Senate—highlighting broad support for stronger guardrails on drone use in Florida. Though a Senate version proposed allowing private property owners to use reasonable force against drones flying under 500 feet over their land, that language did not make it into the final law.

Supporters say the new policy puts Florida ahead of the curve as drone technology becomes increasingly accessible—and potentially dangerous—in the wrong hands. During committee discussions, Rep. Danny Alvarez said lawmakers are often accused of reacting too slowly to emerging technologies. “This is one of those areas that is very new,” he said, “and a lot of times we get criticized for not leaning in fast enough and then technology gets ahead of us.”

With the governor’s signature and unanimous legislative backing, the law is now recorded as Chapter No. 2025-29. For Canady, it marks a step toward ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of safety. Florida’s message is clear: the misuse of drones will not be taken lightly.