🚁 Drone Pilots’ Guide to Filming in the Sunshine State (Legally)

By Flying High In Florida

Florida is a drone pilot’s paradise: sunny skies, turquoise coastlines, lush wetlands, and more palm trees than propellers in our fleet. But with that natural beauty comes some serious airspace awareness—and if you want to fly high without catching heat, you’ve gotta know the legal lay of the land.

So whether you're a certified pro or just getting your props spinning, here’s your go-to Drone Pilot’s Guide to Filming Legally in Florida.

✅ Step 1: Get Part 107 Certified (or Fly Recreationally with Rules)

If you're making money with your drone—whether filming a real estate listing, festival, or gator parade—you must have a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.

Recreational flyers? You still need:

• TRUST test completion

• To fly for fun only

• To follow community-based safety guidelines (e.g., from the AMA)

💡 Pro Tip: We’re fully certified, insured, and sunblock-ready—because professionalism and UV protection go hand-in-hand.

📍 Step 2: Know Your Airspace

Not all airspace is free-flyin’. Florida has:

• Controlled airspace near airports (Class B, C, D, E)

• No-fly zones near military bases, national parks, and stadiums

• Wildlife and environmental zones (e.g., manatee sanctuaries)

Use apps like B4UFLY, Aloft, or AirMap to check before you launch.

🛑 Never fly over crowds, emergency scenes, or anywhere Zoey smells a cow.

🚷 Step 3: Get Permission Where Needed

Flying near a beachfront resort? On a state park trail? Over a private property?

You may need:

• LAANC authorization for controlled airspace

• Property owner consent if flying below 400 ft over private land

• Special permits for state parks or protected habitats (usually off-limits without approval)

🎯 Flying High in Florida Tip: We always scout and secure permission ahead of time—it keeps the footage beautiful and the legal headaches nonexistent.

🚫 Step 4: Know What’s Off-Limits

Here’s where even experienced pilots sometimes miss the mark:

You CANNOT:

• Fly over people unless they’re part of the operation and under safe cover

• Fly from or over moving vehicles in most scenarios

• Interfere with emergency operations (wildfires, hurricanes, etc.)

• Harass wildlife (Zoey reminds you: birds are okay to bark at—manatees are not!)

📸 Step 5: Fly with Respect & Common Sense

The best drone pilots aren’t just skilled—they’re smart, courteous, and aware.

Always:

• Fly under 400 ft AGL

• Keep your drone within visual line of sight

• Stay clear of other aircraft

• Avoid flying at night unless properly equipped and authorized

📍 Bonus Florida Rule: During hurricane season, keep an extra eye on weather changes. Thunderstorms in the Sunshine State come faster than you can say “return to home.”

🧭 Wrap-Up: Elevate Legally

At Flying High In Florida, we’re passionate about capturing the magic of this state—from 400 feet up or 300 feet below. But we’re even more passionate about doing it right.

Flying legally means:✅ Safety✅ Respect✅ And a sky full of opportunity

So before you lift off over a beach, boardwalk, or bayou—check your airspace, file those authorizations, and fly like a pro.

Ready to soar with the Sunshine State’s certified aerial crew?

Check out www.flyinghighinflorida.com and let’s film your next project—legally, professionally, and with a little Florida flair.