Florida Governor Signs Bill Banning Drones From Taking Photos on Private Property

May 19, 2015

Using drones to take photos of people on their own property will be illegal in Florida beginning July 1, 2015.

Gov. Rick Scott signed SB 766 last week. The legislation limits the use of remote-controlled drones.

Drones will not be used to photograph or record images of people or their property from the air. The restrictions would also apply to state and local governments.

The legislation does not call for any criminal penalties. Instead it allows people to sue someone who photographs them with a drone. It would also allow people to ask a judge to block someone from using a drone.

The measure (SB 766) targets the media and includes several exceptions from the drone ban including utility companies and property appraisers.