TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Homeowners in Florida would be allowed to ward off surveillance drones under a new bill pushed by lawmakers.
Read full story on website of News4JAX’s partner station, WKMG-6.
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The bill (SB 1422) was filed in late February by state Sen. Keith Truenow (R-Tavares), and it aims to make changes to Florida’s “Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act.”
One such change strengthens penalties against those who operate drones without permission near a “critical infrastructure facility,” which includes places like power plants, water treatment plants, prisons, airports, and oil refineries — among others.
Beyond that, the bill also prohibits anyone who uses a drone from having it carry a “weapon of mass destruction” (or even a hoax WMD).
But perhaps the most pertinent rule for many Florida residents is a proposal that would let homeowners use “reasonable force” against a drone that is conducting surveillance within 500 feet over their home.
Florida state law already prohibits private drone operators from secretly spying on or recording people in their own homes, though this bill would ramp up the penalty to a first-degree misdemeanor.
However, federal law prohibits people from damaging an aircraft while it’s still airborne, potentially conflicting with the bill.
Florida state Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-Hollywood) brought that point up during the bill’s latest committee hearing last week.
“Last committee stop, there was mention that ‘reasonable force’ might include shooting it down. And I think a number of us have had some drone issues,” Pizzo stated. “I had one here a couple years ago, right on the balcony... But I don’t want anyone under the notion that they can go and just shoot things down from the air, which is actually punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.”
Despite the concern, lawmakers on the committee ultimately approved the bill by unanimous vote. It is next headed for a vote by the full Senate.
If approved and signed into law, SB 1422 is set to take effect on Oct. 1.